2008 Jeep Liberty: Road Test
2008 Jeep Liberty ▼
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- MSRP: $20,645 - $26,295
- Invoice: $19,382 - $24,538
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Our road test for the 2008 Jeep Liberty includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Jeep Liberty from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Jeep Liberty, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Jeep Liberty help you decide if a 2008 Jeep Liberty is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Liberty is no ball of fire but moves along well enough. Acceleration in 4WD versions is okay from a stop, but passing and merging require planning. The automatic transmission works smoothly enough, but it often times requires a deep stab of the throttle in order to coax a downshift for more power. No 2WD models have been made available for us to test.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 4WD models averaged 15.5-16.5 mpg in city/highway driving and 17.5-18.1 with more highway miles. Liberty uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
Sports have 16-inch wheels versus the Limited's 17s, but ride quality differs little between the two. Isolation from bumps and broken surfaces is good given these Jeeps' off-road prowess. Some road surfaces induce mild bucking, and sharp bumps register, though not harshly.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
Liberty never lets you forget that it's a truck. Body lean is prevalent, and the tires squeal even in modest cornering. Steering feel is nothing special. The brakes on one test model had dull, wooden pedal action, and simulated panic stops caused moderate nosedive.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Liberty's blocky shape contributes to marked highway wind noise, but road roar is well muted. Liberty's engine sounds coarse and unrefined. The massive available Sky Slider roof effectively seals out noise when it's closed.
CONTROLS
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 |
The gauges are large and easy to read. Most controls are clearly marked and logically placed. Note that there are buttons to govern the UConnect wireless cell phone link even if the vehicle is not equipped with that feature.
DETAILS
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.9 |
Liberty shares its basic design with the Dodge Nitro, and some cabin materials are a notch upscale of that SUV. Most of the interior, though, is shrouded in hard plastic with no soft-touch surfaces. It's appropriate for a "Trail Rated" Jeep but trails most rivals for overall ambiance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 |
Fine legroom, but headroom is limited for tall occupants, despite a high build. The cabin feels narrow and snug overall, though Liberty's high-set seats provide a commanding view of the road. Visibility is hindered somewhat by thick center and rear roof pillars.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.9 |
Headroom and foot space are good, but legroom and knee clearance are tight. The door openings are very narrow at the bottom, making entry and exit a real chore.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 |
A large hatch opening and cubic shape make the most of the available cargo space. Liberty shares the Nitro's available flat-folding front passenger seat, which is a boon to stowing longer items, but the Jeep does not offer Nitro's Load 'n Go roll-out cargo floor. The rear seatbacks fold flat as well, but their headrests must be removed if the front seats are set far back. Cabin storage is limited to a narrow center console, smallish glovebox.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5.9 |
The second generation of this "Trail Rated" compact is roomier and more refined. Jeep calls Liberty one of its "traditional" trucks, as it retains the brand's trademark off-road prowess--unlike the more carlike Compass and Patriot. Shoppers who have no plans to venture beyond the pavement will be better served by more refined SUVS like Toyota's RAV4, but for those with real wanderlust, Jeep has a truck for you.
Total Score
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | 55 | 59.7 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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