"Jeep Liberty "All-New" for 2008 MY

Chrysler's Jeep brand is introducing an "all-new" Liberty for the 2008 model year. "All-new", in this case means an all new body, significantly changed chassis, and an essentially unchanged powertrain.

I was surprised that Jeep chose Indiana for the press event...I always thought of Indiana as being perfectly flat, and therefore not ideal for exhibiting 4x4 capability. Not so! Despite high temperatures and humidity (both in the 90s), southern Indiana does have some steep, slippery hills that let the new Liberty strut its stuff. In fact I have to complement the Jeep folks for providing a really challenging off-road experience that many manufacturers would shy away from. Well done Jeep!

The big news is Package

The new Liberty has an additional 2" of wheelbase and an additional 2" of overall length. It is also slightly wider (+0.6") and higher (also +0.6"). Doesn't sound like much, but it really makes a difference. The spare tire is now mounted under the floor, rather than on the tailgate. A big improvement. The entry/egress is significantly improved by virtue of larger door openings, and there is more glass area for better visibility. The windshield remains relatively stiff, unlike many recent SUVs/Crossover SUVs, and that helps front seat entry/egress also.

Styling is traditional Jeep. Looks very appropriate. I always found the prior Liberty to look a little cramped. The new one has a much better stance, and the larger glass area helps appearance as much as visibility.

One of the new features is the Sky Slider Roof, a huge, powered cloth sunroof. Provides an outdoors feeling even on what is essentially an enclosed vehicle. Actually, I prefer a conventional moonroof with a glass panel, but that is also available. Other leading features include automatic temperature control, rain sensing windshield wipers, a backup detection system, remote start, memory seats, radio and mirrors, and even heated leather seats.

Powertrain:

While the 3.7L V6, the 6-speed manual transmission and the 4-speed automatic are all essentially carryover, there is a new Selec-Trac II full-time four-wheel-drive system which Jeep claims is the most advanced in its segment. One aspect of the powertrain is not carryover, however...a diesel engine is not available in the US market, but an all-new, 2.8L I-4 DOHC 16 valve common rail diesel will be available in selected markets outside North America. US emissions regulations strike again.

Off-Road Capability

The 2008 Liberty has a new independent front suspension, and a new five-link rear suspension. I tried it out off-road, and in conjunction with the new Hill Decent Control, it is amazingly capable off-road. It actually annoyed me! I'm pretty proud of my TJ Wranger's off road capability, and this more civilized Jeep performed extremely well on the slippery, muddy, steep down hill grades. Not sure my Wrangler would have done so well!

Pricing

Jeep says they have reduced the average Liberty price by $1,000 and added about $1,400 of feature content. Pretty impressive. Prices start at about $21,000 and could work up to $30,000 for a high series 4x4 auto with all the options. On balance I consider the 2008 Liberty more than competitive with any Ford Escape, Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. It is roughly comparable to the Nissan Xterra. I can't think why anyone would buy a Land Rover LR2 given the new Liberty's product/price offering.