2009 Jeep Liberty
by Jim Prueter -02/2009
“Honey I shrunk the Commander”
(Because of insignificant model year changes this 2008 review has been updated to include the 2009 model.)
Is it me or is anyone else having a hard time telling one Jeep product from the other? Now with seven Jeep models to choose from, only the Wrangler stands out as unique from among the likes of Patriot, Commander, Grand Cherokee, and Compass.
To be sure, it’s not unintentional, capitalizing on the loosely stated slogan, “It’s a Jeep thing. You wouldn’t understand.” As for the second-generation Liberty: Mission accomplished.
The original Liberty went on sale in the fall of 2001 as an ’02 model, replacing the original four-door SUV, Cherokee, which had been around for decades. With it, Jeep retired the slab-sided boxy style in favor of smooth edges and rounded corners.
For 2008, the slab-sides and squared-off corners returned on the Liberty, with looks that say, “Honey, I shrunk the Commander.” The signature seven-slot grille remains, in faux chrome on the Limited and body-color on the Sport model, with the latter being the preferred look for this auto critic.
The Liberty, which is built side by side on the same Toledo, Ohio, assembly line as the Dodge Nitro, has a two-inch longer wheelbase and 2.5-inch growth in overall body length, and it’s an inch wider. Nitro is actually longer so it isn’t exactly a clone — but it’s close.
We like that Jeep fixed the spare tire under the vehicle and off the rear liftgate. This allows the liftgate to actually lift up. The rear window opens separately for ease of tossing lighter items into the cargo area. The Liberty, however, doesn’t have the nifty pullout cargo floor that we like so well on the Nitro, but there is a plastic storage bin under the cargo floor for extra gear.
Our biggest gripe about the exterior is the return of the 1960s-style door handles with a thumb-push button rather than the preferred lift and pull handle.
For 2009 our Liberty tester included the optional Sky Slider fabric roof that power-slides open front to back leaving a huge opening in the roof over both front and back seats ($1075, reduced from $1200 on the 2008 model). We liked the open roof, but when closed it just let too much road noise into the cabin — especially at highway speeds. It didn’t seem to fit tight enough and I could almost slip my hand through where the fabric top meets the roof metal.
Inside, the flat dash is almost flush with the windshield. Audio and climate controls are large and easy to use. Power-window switches have moved back to the door panels from the center console. There are mostly hard plastic surfaces but it’s the same look found in all Jeep products. The steering wheel tilts but doesn’t telescope. Oddly, Jeep designers put grab handles for rear seat passengers but nothing up front, save for a handle just above the glove box rather than above the side window.
The seats are covered in the new YES Essentials fabric that resists stains, liquids and odors. Seats are comfortable but legroom is just adequate, even less in back. You can fold the front passenger seat-back flat to accommodate long items like skis or tent poles.
Just two models are offered — the Sport ($23,460) and up-level Limited ($26,565) — with both available as either 4X2 or 4X4. For both 2008 and 2009, we tested a Sport 4X4 that engaged the all-wheel drive via a dial in the center stack rather than a pull-lever. There are two trail-rated four-wheel drive systems: Command-Trac, which offers part-time, shift-on-the-fly 4WD, and a new Selec-Trac II for full-time 4WD.
It also comes equipped with hill descent control, which automatically selectively applies the brakes on each wheel to gently descend steep, off-roading hills when the driver lets go of brake and gas pedals. It’s a test of trust and courage the first time you use it, but works well.
There’s also a feature called hill start assist for upgrades, which keeps the brakes applied briefly, preventing the Liberty from rolling backward when the driver lifts off the brake pedal.
The 3.7-liter 210-horsepower V-6 engine is the lone engine for all 2008 and 2009 Liberty models. Gone are the four-cylinder and diesel engine choices from the previous generation. A six-speed manual shifter is standard for 2008, but has been discontinued for 2009 with the four-speed automatic now the only offering.
The Liberty is generally a smooth ride on paved surfaces, thanks to a new independent front and five-link rear suspension. We thought it jounced slightly on uneven pavement and rough road surfaces and was a little “tippy” feeling on sharper cornering and curves, which can be attributed to its tall stance. For 2009, Jeep improved both the brakes and suspension with notably better results.
Liberty is every bit worthy of its Trail Ratedâ badge. This means it has been designed to perform in five categories of off-road conditions: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording.
Standard safety gear includes front and side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, brake assist, tire pressure monitoring and warning system, LATCH-ready child seat anchor system and enhanced accident response system. Liberty earned the highest government rating of 5 stars in front- and side-impact crash tests.
We like the looks and utility of the new Liberty and owners will find it unmatched for both on and off-road capabilities. Current Liberty owners will appreciate the improved ride, roomier interior, and nifty new options like the MyGIG audio system and niceties like the tire-less rear liftgate and safety features. But dismal fuel economy makes us wish that Jeep still offered the diesel and four-cylinder power plants.
