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Jeep Liberty Review - What the Auto Press Says

The 2012 Jeep Liberty ranks 21 out of 21 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 54 published reviews and test drives of the Jeep Liberty, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2012 Jeep Liberty trails other compact SUVs with its subpar on-road performance, and lacks the power and agility to dominate the off-road SUV class. 

If you’re considering the 2012 Jeep Liberty, most test drivers will tell you to cross the Liberty off your list and replace it with the GMC Terrain or Jeep Wrangler. That’s because the Liberty can’t surpass the Equinox’s daily drivability and good fuel economy or the Jeep Wrangler’s exceptional rock-climbing capabilities.

Not all reviewers are that harsh, and think the Liberty will satisfy shoppers who are strictly in the market for a competent off-road SUV. “Shoppers who have no plans to venture beyond the pavement will be better served by a crossover SUV,” says Consumer Guide, “but for those with real wanderlust, Jeep has a truck for you."

Other SUVs to Consider

Like the Liberty, the GMC Terrain has a rugged truck-like exterior that makes it stand out in the class, but that’s where the similarities end. The Terrain has a much smoother, car-like ride, and some of the highest fuel economy ratings in the class, which make the Terrain good for commuting and running errands around town. The Terrain also has comfortable seating for five and plenty of cargo space.

If mountain climbing and boulder crushing abilities are important to you, check out the Jeep Wrangler. This year, the Wrangler has a new V6 engine that makes it more refined on pavement. In exchange for fantastic off-road abilities, you will have to sacrifice fuel economy. The Wrangler’s fuel economy ratings are some of the lowest in the class.

Details: Jeep Liberty

The Liberty is available in three trim levels: Sport, Limited and Limited Jet. Two four-wheel drive systems are available. Command-Trac II is the standard 4WD system, and Selec-Trac II is optional.

For 2012, Uconnect, an infotainment system, is optional on the base model. A universal garage door opener, compass, exterior temperature gauge and rear park assist are also optional. See the full list of 2012 Jeep Liberty specs.

• "This ‘Trail-Rated’ SUV is roomy and surprisingly refined. Jeep calls Liberty one of its ‘traditional’ trucks, as it retains the brand's trademark off-road prowess--unlike the more car-like Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot. " -- Consumer Guide
• "Happily, the Liberty remains one of but a handful of compact SUVs possessing real off-road capability. The bad news: Jeep's Wrangler will do off-road far better, and Jeep's new Grand Cherokee - at least in Laredo trim - isn't a great deal more expensive." -- Kelley Blue Book
• “Just about every rival SUV -- be it a commuter-friendly crossover or a dedicated off-roader -- is a better, more well-rounded vehicle." -- Edmunds

Liberty Performance - 6.4 (Mediocre)

Despite its off-road abilities, reviewers say the 2012 Jeep Liberty doesn’t stand out because most compact and off-road SUVs have better performance than the Liberty in one or more areas.  Read More

Liberty Exterior - 7.3 (Good)

Reviewers like that the 2012 Jeep Liberty stands out with its edgy, rugged look. View Photos

Liberty Interior - 6.9 (Mediocre)

In a class filled with spacious, feature-laden compact SUVs, the 2012 Jeep Liberty is easily forgotten. Read More

Liberty Safety - 7.2 (Good)

The federal government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have tested the 2012 Jeep Liberty, but its crash test scores aren’t very good. Read More

Liberty Reliability - 2.0 of 5

The 2012 Jeep Liberty reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. Jeep covers the 2012 Liberty with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More