2008 Jeep Liberty Preview

Jeep Liberty Preview – 2007 New York Auto Show: Combining a cute face with a small curvy body doesn't work as well for rugged SUVs as it does, say, your kid's prom date, so when the Liberty arrived to replace the boxy, grizzled Cherokee way back in 2002 Jeep's customer base began skewing wildly toward women despite the new ute's trail-rated capabilities. For 2008, the Liberty is liberated from this marketing misstep. All new from the ground up, the more masculine 2008 Jeep Liberty shares its underpinnings and architecture with the Dodge Nitro and is available in Sport and Limited trim levels. However, where the Nitro gets an exclusive 4.0-liter V6 engine choice, the Liberty reserves a slick Sky Slider full canvas roof for that traditional open-air Jeep feel.

Why it Matters

Jeeps should be rugged and tough, not cute and curvy. With this redesign, the Liberty gets the more traditional appearance it should have had all along. Jeep is also taking this opportunity to balance the Liberty's off-road capability with the ride comfort and responsive handling buyers crave when driving on pavement. Furthermore, the Liberty gets more standard safety features and upscale amenities than ever before, adding to its appeal and refinement levels.

What's Under the Hood

Jeep's unrefined 3.7-liter V6 is the sole engine for the 2008 Liberty, so forget about the Nitro's hotter 4.0-liter or the old Liberty's common rail diesel option. That's a shame, because the 210 horsepower generated by the 3.7-liter doesn't seem worth an EPA rating of 16 in the city and 22 on the highway (15/21 with 4WD and an automatic). At least there's a six-speed manual transmission to make better use of the power than the optional four-speed automatic. The good stuff comes in the form of a new suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and a choice between part-time Command-Trac and full-time Selec-Trac 4WD systems. The new Liberty also gets standard stability, roll mitigation, and traction control systems; ABS with brake assist; and side curtain airbags.

What it Looks Like

Think Nitro meets Commander, and you've got a good idea of what the 2008 Jeep Liberty looks like. Or, you could look at the photo on the right. Jeep swaps the Nitro's gaudy Range Rover side vent for a more subdued Suzuki-style outlet, and the Liberty has the trademark Jeep face with round lighting elements and a seven-slot grille, but otherwise the two SUVs are virtually identical. Liberty Sport gets standard 16-inch wheels for that cheap rental car look, while upscale Limited versions have standard 17-inch rims. Chrome 18s are optional.

What's Inside

Jeep says the new Liberty has increased storage and cargo space, though the company's own measurements refute this claim. Last year the Liberty had 69 cu.-ft. of maximum cargo space, and this year the figure drops to 64.2 cu.-ft. Whatever. In every other way, the Liberty is upgraded with redesigned seats, added comfort features, and that cool Sky Slider canvas roof. Options include remote starting, Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth cell phone connectivity, and a MyGIG infotainment system. MyGIG is a navigation, audio, hands-free communication, and entertainment system equipped with a 20-gig hard drive that can hold up to 1,600 songs or as many as eight of your favorite photos, which can be displayed on the dashboard-mounted screen.

What Jeep Says

From Jeep's press release on the 2008 Liberty: “The all-new Jeep Liberty is designed to appeal to customers who are looking for Jeep 4x4 capability as well as comfort and convenience. It is targeted to young couples and new families, as well as professional, young single men and women between 30 and 40 years of age, balanced male to female. Jeep Liberty owners will balance day-to-day responsibilities with their passion for adventure as well as the outdoors. They are athletic, and pursue activities that combine their various interests with their active lifestyle.”

What We Think

For marketing gobbledygook, Jeep's positioning for the redesigned Liberty is surprisingly accurate. This is exactly the kind of vehicle that will appeal to the target demographic. Plus, now that the cutesy design has been swapped out for a muscular box-on-wheels look, there's a better chance that guys will actually buy the thing. All the Liberty needs now is the return of the diesel option, but with the pricey Mercedes-Benz Bluetec CRD reserved for upper trim levels of the updated Grand Cherokee, getting one installed in a Liberty is about as likely as your kid landing a prom date with a cute face and curvy body.

Photos courtesy of DaimlerChrysler