The 2012 Jeep Liberty is a compact SUV that has rugged character combined with 4-wheel drive chops to get you to anywhere.
This SUV is equipped with more off-road capability than other competitors like the Honda CR-V and the GMC Terrain. This Jeep is offered in 3 trim levels: Limited, Sport and Jet model.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $23,395.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.5 gallons (74 l) | MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy |
| Length: 176.9 in. (449.3 cm) | Wheel Base: 106.1 in. (269.4 cm) |
| Height: 71.0 in. (180.3 cm) | Width: 72.3 in. (183.6 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4076 lbs (1849 kg) | Ground Clearance: 7.8 in. (19.8 cm) |
| Cargo Capacity: 26.1 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: V6 SOHC | Displacement: 3.7 Liter |
| Horsepower: 210 HP | Max RPM: 5200 RPM |
| Torque: 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic |
| Max Towing Capacity: 5000 lbs (2268 kgs) | Maximum Speed: NA |
| Option:Sport 4×4 | MSRP: $25,395; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy |
| Option:Latitude 4×2 | MSRP: $25,095; MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy |
| Option:Latitude 4×4 | MSRP: $27,095; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy |
| Option:Limited Jet Edition 4×2 | MSRP: $26,995; MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy |
| Option:Limited Jet Edition 4×4 | MSRP: $28,995; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy |
Engine & Performance
The Liberty is powered by a 3.7 Liter V6 powertrain that produces 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mounted to a four-speed automatic transmission. This SUV is available in standard rear-wheel drive, although there are 2 different optional 4-wheel drive systems; including the fulltime Selec-Trac and part-time Command Trac.
The four wheel drive Liberty Limited is capable of splinting from 0 to 60mph in just 10.2 seconds. In addition to this, the Liberty has a fuel economy of 22 mpg while on highway and 16 mpg in city.
Exterior
All trim levels come with a towing package, traditional sunroof, and a panoramic cloth sunroof as standard features. Most Jeeps are available in 7 color coats that include: cherry red, crystal pearl, true blue pearl, natural green pearl, brilliant black crystal pearl among others. Other notable features include: a classic 7 slot grille, blacked-out headlamps, trapezoidal wheel openings and 20 inch polished wheels and a robust suspension.
Interior
This SUV can accommodate 5 people, with the driver and front passenger getting sufficient legroom. Although the rear seats get enough space, the legroom is a bit tight. The base models come fitted with a one-year satellite radio subscription, power windows and doors, stereo with an auxiliary jack and air conditioning.
The Liberty has a storage capacity of 26.1 cubic feet, but the capacity can be increased to 62.4 cubic feet when the second row is folded. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, which is available in all models, accommodates audio controls. The Jet and Limited trims are equipped with Media Center 730, and there is also an option of Comfort Group which adds remote ignition and automatic climate control.
Safety & Reliability
When it comes to reliability, the Liberty is backed by a 3-year or 36,000 mile basic warranty in addition to the 5-year or 100,000 mile engine warranty. The Jeep also comes with several standard safety features which include: stability control, antilock disc brakes, side curtain airbags, and an active front head restraints.
This compact SUV is fitted with advanced multistage driver and front passenger airbags, roll sensing technology, child safety locks, and traction control to enhance the safety of the driver and passengers.
Pros
- Unique optional canvas roof.
- Available four-wheel drive.
- Useful towing capacity.
- Considerable off-road capabilities.
Cons
- Sloppy handling.
- Outdated four-speed automatic.
- Subpar interior materials quality.
- Sluggish V6 with poor fuel economy.
The Jeep Liberty remains one of compact SUVs that possess real off-road capacity. With this, the SUV beats several other competitors such as RAV4 (MSRP $24,685; 19 city / 27 hwy), Honda CR-V (MSRP $24,595; 23 city / 31 hwy) and the Nissan Xterra (MSRP $25,210; 16 city / 20 hwy). In addition to that, it is a commuter friendly crossover which is suitable for small families.
Overall Rating
55 out of 100
What others say:
“With the off-road-focused Renegade model now gone, it’s hard to see much value in the 2012 Jeep Liberty, as there were already plenty of better choices for those looking to spend most of the time on-road, commuting or shuttling kids.”Car Connection
“Liberty’s truck-type underpinnings compromise its handling abilities. Body lean is prevalent, and the tires squeal even in modest cornering. Steering feel is mediocre. The brakes on one test model had dull, wooden pedal action, and simulated panic stops caused moderate nosedive.”Consumer Guide
“The Liberty is noisy, cramped, and outdated. Most four-wheel-drive models have a part-time system. We prefer the optional SelecTrac system, which can remain engaged in 4WD mode indefinitely.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The Jeep Liberty suffers a platform whose time and market have come and gone. Those wanting a true off-road platform can look to Jeep’s own 4-door Wrangler, while those preferring…”KBB
“The 2012 Jeep Liberty can certainly hack it in the bushes, but it struggles on the pavement. Interior quality and fuel economy also leave much to be desired.”Edmunds
