2008 Jeep Liberty

Six years ago Jeep replaced its venerable, ever-so-boxy Cherokee SUV with the decidedly more stylish Liberty. But even with modern looks, the Liberty continued the Cherokee’s heritage as both a comfy on-road companion and rugged off-road adventurer. But times have changed. Today, trail ratings take a backseat to economy ratings. So, is this new, second generation Jeep Liberty still on the right course?

After the recent introductions of the car-like Jeep Compass and Patriot, it was time for Jeep to get back to the basics of off-road truck toughness. The all-new second generation 2008 Liberty is designed to push Jeep’s trail-rated stature ever higher. But in keeping with the times, there’s more to this Jeep than just tackling rough terrain. The grown-up Liberty now strives to achieve higher livability for those who never intend to leave the pavement.

The Liberty’s updated mechanicals actually arrived first on the new Dodge Nitro. The rework ups overall capabilities thanks to a new integrated body and frame chassis.  Wheelbase is up almost 2 inches to 106.1 for more interior room and a smoother ride. At 176.9 inches, overall length has increased slightly more.

Along with the better on-road ride, highway handling is refined by a redesigned independent front, and multi-link solid-axle rear suspension, helped along by standard electronic stability control.

The feel is more nimble, and ultimately a better fit for running errands in-town or carting the family around.

But the 4x4 fiends need not fret: the Liberty fully lives up to its trail-rated badge with ample ground clearance, available skid plates, and a pair of optional two-speed four-wheel drive systems for digging down into the mud, sand and gravel. 

There’s the carryover part-time Command-trac, and an all-new full-time Selec-Trac II. With a nominal torque split of 42%/58% rear, SlecTrac II anticipates wheel slippage for near instant power transfer.

Add to the mix electronic roll mitigation and traction control, plus Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist, and the off-road enthusiast is ready for some pretty severe ups and downs.  Stopping is secure, too, thanks to standard four-wheel ABS equipped disc brakes. Stopping is secure, too, thanks to standard 4-wheel ABS equipped disc brakes.

Power for Liberty is a familiar 3.7-liter single-cam V6 rated at 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Transmissions are a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The latter is capable of towing 5,000 pounds.

But being a real, rugged SUV has its downside. Government Fuel Economy Ratings for our automatic 4WD are a marginal 16 city/22 highway. The Energy Impact Score is a fairly thirsty 19 barrels of oil consumed per year.

Aesthetically, the new Jeep Liberty certainly looks the rugged part. It wears a more right angled, classically shaped, high belt-line skin, looking a lot like a downsized Jeep Commander.

Traditional Jeep cues – the simple round headlights, seven slot grille, and beefy trapezoidal fender flairs – are all here. 16, 17, and 18-inch alloy wheels are pushed to the corners for maximum approach and departure angles.

The also familiar upright rear adds a lift gate with a first-time-separate opening glass window.

But go up top for the most unique new addition. The optional Sky Slider full-length open canvas roof clearly signals the fun and outdoor lifestyle associated with the Jeep brand.

Inside, the Liberty blends classic Jeep utilitarianism with plenty of comfort and further refinement.  The new two-tone dash is uncluttered, defined by gauges and controls that are simple and geometric.

The redesigned seats are firm and well-bolstered, offering the driver six-way power with Limited trim. Seat heat is available, and there’s an abundance of handy storage space with the door pockets and large center console.

Limited trim includes steering wheel controls for the 8-speaker Infinity CD-stereo with auxiliary input. Cutting-edge is the available MyGIG Multimedia System with DVD player, plus Navigation with real-time traffic.

Even with added wheelbase, the 3-person rear seat remains adult tight. Cup holders are standard as is a 60/40 fold feature. With the seats down, there’s a reasonable 64.6 cubic feet of cargo room, plus the available fold-flat front passenger seat to haul skis and long two-by-fours.

There’s even a reversible load floor over a hidden waterproof storage bin for small gear and muddy boots.

The Liberty is priced affordably, starting at $20,990 for the 2WD Sport Model.  The well-equipped 2WD Limited Edition begins at $25,175.  Add $1,610 to either to jump to 4WD.

Jeep has smartly elevated the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty on two levels.  It’s not only a better off-road vehicle, it’s now just as much at home on the pavement.  Inside and out, this capable mid-size SUV has clearly been made more appealing to adventurers and townies alike. It’s not the most economical SUV to drive, but it is among the most capable. A tradeoff that Jeep fans will always find most liberating.