2010 Jeep Liberty Review

Overview

Placed between the Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee, the Liberty was introduced in 2002. Till 2007, it was the smallest four-door SUV from Jeep. In the first generation from 2002 to 2007, the model was known as KJ, and then, from 2008 onwards, it was called KK. The 2010 Jeep Liberty is a near twin of the Dodge Nitro. Almost akin in most parameters, the Liberty, as a small SUV, offers a mid-power engine. The model is made available in two trims - Limited and Sport. The Liberty includes a number of new equipment for the 2010 model year. The new equipment include Interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off (iDFSO), fuel-saver with "ECO" lamp indicator in cluster, standard front-row active head restraints, Uconnect Phone (Limited model), front-passenger express-up power window (Limited model), power heated manual folding mirrors (Sport model), standard air filtration system, standard premium seat trim with stain-repel seat fabric and front-passenger fold-flat seat, and leather interior seat trim (Limited model). The 2010 Jeep Liberty's major competitors in this segment are the Suzuki Grand Vitara and Nissan XTerra.

Power and performance

The Liberty is offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. A 3.7-liter V6 that generates 210 horsepower and comes with a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both the trims. The four-wheel drive is fitted with a Command-Trac II part-time system. New for 2010 is interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off (iDFSO). Standard on all models, iDFSO turns off fuel during vehicle deceleration, which improves fuel economy without any noticeable changes in engine performance. In addition, the new standard fuel-saver indicator displays when the vehicle is driven in a fuel-efficient manner.

Body and styling

Major features on this model are premium cloth bucket seats or cloth low-back bucket seats with adjustable head rests; six-way power driver seat with adjustable headrest; front passenger-side fold-flat seat; rear 60/40 folding split reclining seat; stain/odor/static resistant fabric; AM/FM stereo radio with in-dash CD/MP3 player that includes an auxiliary jack; UConnect studios; Sirius satellite radio; eight Infinity premium amplified speaker and subwoofers; six speakers; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; one-year SIRIUS Radio Service; tilt steering column; speed-sensitive power locks; remote keyless entry; electronic vehicle information center; and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls for the interiors. Across the two trims, the important exterior features of the 2010 Jeep Liberty are 16-inch and 17-inch wheels; rear window defroster; power fold-away mirrors; deep tint sunscreen glass; power windows with driver's one-touch down feature; power heated exterior mirrors with manual fold-away or power windows with driver's one-touch-down feature; and fog lamps.

Safety Features

Standard safety and security features of the 2010 Jeep Liberty include Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic-roll Mitigation (ERM) and Brake Assist, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Brake-traction Control System (BTCS) and Tire-pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).