ALT-1 2010 Jeep Liberty
If one of the Founding Fathers of this great Nation of ours entered their local Jeep dealer looking for an SUV with the capability to haul the family yet also easily traverse narrow, boulder strewn trails he just might proclaim “Give me Liberty or give me death!” Jeep Liberty, that is.
While the 2010 Jeep Liberty like the Limited 4x4 model I tested for a week may look like just another medium sized SUV/crossover, it is quite honestly a whole lot more than that. It is an intensely focused off-road tool with a newly revised interior that would be utterly unrecognizable to owners of Liberty models of years past.
Up until now the Liberty featured a cabin that looked a bit like the work of a child creating their very own Lego-land version of a car interior. Actually, to characterize the plastic in the interior of the old Liberty as “Lego-like” is to besmirch the character and feel of the Lego brand.
That is all different now, and while the 2010 Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 is definitely still a very “old-school” SUV in the way it drives, that is the one thing that makes it utterly unstoppable off-road. Having once worked as a service advisor at a Jeep dealer I had a lot of experience with Liberty models, and while those cars were always very reliable, they didn’t have a very upmarket feel. So what is different now? Read on to find out.
Exterior Styling
Square, blocky, tall and macho—the 2010 Liberty Limited 4x4 is unmistakable as a Jeep. It is perfect for the family man (or gal) who wants to keep some of his (or her) cool-factor, loves to off-road and needs a tow vehicle. The roof also looks really cool, as well, when the fabric top is rolled back.
The old Liberty used to have a lot of molded plastic around the wheel arches that cheapened the look. The exterior of the 2010 Liberty suffers from no such malady and actually looks like a larger and more upmarket SUV. It may not be utterly groundbreaking but it works as a Jeep.
Interior Styling, Quality and Utility
While the quality of interior plastics can be haphazard in places (i.e-a sumptuous leather cover for the passenger grab handle yet the glovebox is made out of a cheap feeling plastic?), the chrome rings for the dials and air conditioning knobs add a touch of class. Jeep also really has improved the feel of the power window switches, turn signals and the quality of the metal effect center console. Overall, it is blocky, angular and utilitarian. Just like a Jeep should be.
One aspect that was surprisingly luxurious was the leather that comes standard with the Limited. The rear seat is also clad in leather and is perfectly comfortable for two even if the rear doors are a bit narrow for entry and exit. The 26 cubic foot cargo area is well shaped and should suit any small family’s needs even on long trips.
The one issue with the interior is the fact that the center perch of the rear seat features a non-retractable plastic cupholder built into the floor that completely eradicates any foot room. That is the biggest failing in the design of the Liberty and, quite frankly, is comically ill-conceived. Every time I saw it I couldn’t help but giggle as I wondered, “what on Earth were they thinking?”
Features, Pricing and Economy
With the optional tow package the Liberty can tow up to 5,000 lbs. and this also includes an upgraded cooling system and anti-sway control for your trailer as well as a full size spare tire and all the towing accoutrements you need ($545). If you go off-roading the $225 skid plate group is also highly recommended as it adds tow hooks as well as underbody protection for the transmission, fuel tank, transfer case and suspension.
My test vehicle also came with Jeep’s excellent Select-Trac Active Full Time AWD system (with lo-range) for only $445. You can buy your Liberty without four wheel drive but I honestly think that is a dumb move since this SUV’s real purpose is as an off-road vehicle that you can also use for running daily errands.
One option that I highly recommend is Chrysler’s super-affordable built in navigation system ($1,255) that also gives you Sirius satellite radio, Sirius traffic updates, aux-input jack, iPod integration, a 30 gigabyte hard drive, HDD, CD and DVD capability. The stereo also offers crystal clear sound with no distortion even at full volume (I like my music loud). If you know of an OEM in dash system that offers all that for that price I would love to hear about it.
Liberty Sport models start at $24,000 but when you order a Limited model like the one I tested you really do get a whole lot more bang for your buck. At $28,755 you get leather, Command Trac 4wd, air conditioning, heated seats, power everything, Uconnect phone connect (like Bluetooth), an Audio system with 8 Infinity speakers and a subwoofer, fog lamps, stylish 17 inch alloy wheels, power seats with memory function, a cargo cover, floor mats, power everything and much more. If you want the full list check the Jeep.com website.
EPA fuel economy estimates are 15 city/21 highway. During a week of mostly city driving with a little bit of freeway driving the Liberty returned an acceptable 17 miles per gallon. What do you want? It is a bluff sided, heavy off-road SUV.
Driving Impressions
Having worked for Truckinweb.com and some 4-wheel drive focused websites, I understand that certain driving characteristics that might put off crossover drivers are integral to off-road prowess. The gearing of the power steering is slow (for precise articulation on an off-road trail), the vehicle is narrower than some competitors (so you can get through boulder strewn trails) and the ride is a bit rough (the suspension of the Liberty is built to survive a nuclear holocaust, not coddle your ever growing backside).
I get all that. The only thing I didn’t exactly love was the Liberty’s ancient 3.7 liter 215 horsepower V6 which is smooth enough but is positively anemic in passing situations. The four speed automatic tries its best and I know this powertrain is durable but for street use it is simply outclassed.
How Dog and Kid Friendly Is It?
It’s an SUV and it’s a Jeep. That should pretty much say everything. Interior materials may lack a bit in “soft touch” smoothness one might expect in an Audi but everything feels robustly assembled and is scratch resistant. The cargo area is big enough for giant bags of kibble or a baby stroller. Plus, kids and dogs will absolutely love the view out of the fabric roof as it opens completely over the rear seat. A true dog and kid A+. This SUV cries out for an off-road camping trip with the family (which, of course, includes the dog).
Final Thoughts
In a world full of RAV4s, CRVs, Escapes and Equinoxes, there really aren’t any similarly sized vehicles like the 2010 Liberty for true off-roading. There are better options if you only drive to the grocery store and to pick up your kids, though, to be quite frank.
But if you are just a little bit edgier and like to mountain climb, go off-roading or take the family on out of the way camping trips, the 2010 Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 may just be the perfect passport to your very own personal “liberty.” Just like the Founding Fathers would have wanted.
Vehicle Tested: 2010 Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4
Limited Base Price: $28,735
Price as Tested: $33,150
Options on Test Vehicle: Trailer Towing Package ($545), Skid Plate Group ($225), Selec-Trac Full Time AWD System with Low Range ($445), Sky Slider Open Fabric Roof ($1,200), Media Center ($1,255)—(includes navigation, CD, DVD, HDD, Sirius, 30 GB Hard Drive).
Engine: 3.7 liter V6
Power: 215 horsepower/235 lb. feet of torque
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Tow Capacity: 5,000 lbs.
EPA Economy: 15 city/21 highway
Economy as Tested: 17.1 miles per gallon
Weight: 4,129 lbs.
Cargo Area: 23 cubic feet (behind second row)
62.7 cubic feet (front passenger and rear seats folded)
Warranty: 3 year/36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty
5 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings: Front (driver and passenger)—Five Stars
Both Sides—Five Stars
Rollover—Three Stars
Manufacturing Site—Toledo, Ohio
Engine Built in—U.S.A
Transmission Built in—U.S.A
