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2010 Jeep Liberty

Overview
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2010 Jeep Liberty Review

By KBB.com Editors

Die-hard Jeep fans may once have worried that any attempt to redesign the Jeep Liberty would have it go soft, but that hasn't happened. The latest model to carry the Liberty name saw a complete remake in 2008, which included a long list of new features, an improved ride, better handling and better fuel economy. At the same time, a pair of very capable four-wheel drive systems, a highly functional interior and a more rugged styling theme allow the Liberty to retain its off-road roots. While it's difficult to meet the various needs of modern SUV buyers, Jeep fans can rest easy knowing the latest Liberty still embodies all that the Jeep brand has come to represent.

You'll Like This Car If...

You'll like the Jeep Liberty if you want a mid-size SUV with rugged good looks, room for five and go-anywhere off-road capabilities. Plus, the Sky Slider Roof lets you have open air fun without the added noise and security concerns of owning a soft-top Jeep Wrangler.

You May Not Like This Car If...

You may not like the Jeep Liberty if you don't plan to venture away from paved roads. By focusing strictly on on-road handling, many newer crossover SUVs offer more comfort and efficiency than the Liberty while still offering SUV roominess. The Liberty's fuel economy is also less than impressive.

What's New for 2010

Limited trims receive more standard equipment, while all models are now outfitted with Jeep's Interactive Decel Fuel Cutoff (iDFSO), a fuel saving mechanism that cuts fuel to the engine when decelerating.

Driving the Liberty

Driving Impressions The 2010 Jeep Liberty must contend with both on- and off-road driving situations and it manages to perform admirably in both. At freeway speeds, the revised suspension provides a smooth...

and quiet ride, yet on winding roads the steering is responsive and body lean is well controlled. However, it is away from paved roads where the Jeep Liberty really shines, with two highly capable four-wheel drive systems, All-speed Traction Control, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and anti-lock brakes with rough road detection giving the Liberty truly impressive off-road credentials. The Liberty's V6 provides plenty of power for tackling demanding trails, but on the open road it feels lethargic, requiring frequent downshifts to maintain speed when traveling uphill.
Favorite Features

Sky Slider Roof
Opening the optional Sky Slider Roof lets the sun shine in and the breeze waft around the cabin, yet with the soft-top closed interior noise is on par with the standard metal-roof Jeep Liberty.

Uconnect Infotainment System
Combining a hands-free phone system, voice-recognition, 30 gigabyte digital music storage, GPS navigation and real-time traffic information, the Liberty's Uconnect tunes option offers lots of information, communication and entertainment resources in one easy-to-use device.

2010 Jeep Liberty Details
Interior

The interior of the 2010 Jeep Liberty offers the clean, functional simplicity one expects from a Jeep. From the perspective of off-road enthusiasts, the Liberty's easy-to-clean, hard plastic interior is ideal, but those who enjoy a bit of panache from a vehicle's interior should opt for the Limited trim's "Comfort and Convenience" package and the available Uconnect infotainment system. Head room is good in all seating positions; however, with the front seats adjusted for normal-sized adults, rear-seat leg room can be tight. Cargo space behind the second row is good, but those needing more space will appreciate standard 60/40 flat-folding rear seats and the optional folding front-passenger seat.

Exterior
2010 Jeep Liberty photo

The 2010 Jeep Liberty reverts to the squared look of the original Jeep Cherokee while also presenting a modern take on classic Jeep styling cues. A box-like profile and prominent fender flairs create a solid purposeful stance, while its signature seven-slot grille and hexagonal headlamps with round lighting elements give the Liberty a face that looks distinctly Jeep. In back, the spare tire resides beneath the vehicle, allowing easy access to the tailgate's flip-up rear glass.

Notable Equipment
Standard Equipment

The 2010 Jeep Liberty is offered in two trims: Sport and Limited. The standard equipment list for the base Sport trim includes Stain Repel stain-resistant seat fabric, air conditioning, body-colored bumpers and fender flares, MP3-capable CD player with auxiliary audio input jack, power windows, heated mirrors and power door locks. The Limited Edition Liberty adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather seating , premium Infinity speakers with subwoofer and 368-watt amplifier, chrome exterior accents and steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Standard safety features for both trims include anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability control with roll-over mitigation, traction control, front row active head restraints, front airbags and two-row side-curtain airbags.

Optional Equipment

There are several option packages available to further outfit the Jeep Liberty, including the Sport trim's Popular Equipment Group, which features a fold-flat front passenger seat, fog lamps, cruise control, tinted glass and a two-pronged power outlet. Other options include 18-inch wheels, Trailer Tow Group, automatic temperature control, power sunroof, Sky Slider canvas top and the Uconnect navigation and radio system. 4X4 Limited models can be equipped with a Dana 30 front axle, skid plates and all-season tires.

Under the Hood

The 2010 Jeep Liberty is powered by a 3.7-liter V6. It offers plenty of power when tackling rough trails but the on-road acceleration is underwhelming. The Liberty features only one transmission: a standard four-speed automatic. The Liberty is offered with a choice of Command-Trac II part-time four-wheel drive or Selec-Trac II full-time four-wheel drive. Both systems include a low-speed transfer case which multiplies engine torque to help traverse challenging terrain at very low speeds.

3.7-liter V6
210 horsepower at 5200 rpm
235 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 (2WD), 15/21 (4WD)

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2010 Jeep Liberty Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating
8.0
Out of 10

Based on 191 Ratings for the 2008 - 2012 models.

Review this car
  • Value
    8.4/10
    Quality
    8.2/10
  • Reliability
    8.6/10
    Performance
    8.2/10
  • Comfort
    8.4/10
    Styling
    8.6/10

I love my Jeep Liberty

By Katie (CA) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,500

10 10.0
overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
10/10
Value
10/10
Reliability
10/10
Quality
10/10
Performance
10/10
Styling
10/10
Comfort
10/10

Pros: "Comfortable and reliable"

Cons: "The cup holders are too big"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I purchased a 2012 Jeep Liberty 4x4 with the Lattitude package 9 months ago. So far it's been a very good suv. The four wheel drive is excellent. I've gone through some really deep snow with ease. I've also been able to tow a fairly large trailer quite easily. I have the leather interior and it's very comfortable. I haven't had any issues at all. I've perfprmed 2 oil changes and rotated my tires once. The only thing I can even think to complain about is the cup holders are too big for most drinks. Overall I would buy another Jeep in a heartbeat."

I like it a lot, but don't love it.

By GR (OK) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 19,000

10 7.0
overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
7/10
Value
8/10
Reliability
10/10
Quality
7/10
Performance
8/10
Styling
7/10
Comfort
5/10

Pros: "Reliability, exterior look, feels good driving it"

Cons: "back-seat comfort, MPG"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"First, I want to it to be clear that I got an excellent deal on my white Liberty Latitude Edition. I am happy with it, and proud to drive it. BUT, I highly regret not spending a bit more to get the 4x4 version. If you're considering the Liberty, either get the 4x4 version or get a different vehicle entirely. What's the point of getting a heavy SUV that only gets about 16mpg in the city if you aren't going to have the benefit of getting to drive it in mud and snow when you need/want to? Sure, with the decent ground clearance I can drive in heavy rain and deep water just fine in my RWD Latitude, but you won't see me driving around in heavy snow (like I occasionally need to where I live). I like its overall exterior look. I'm a fan of the military-style Jeep look, and I like the look of the chrome accents and wheels (standard with the Latitude) on the white paint. It's a classy-looking SUV that I'm proud to drive, but like I said, I'm kicking myself for not getting the more capable 4X4 version. The interior is acceptable but nothing to brag about. It's straightforward. Black leather seats, the front two are heated. Retractable sun roof is pretty cool. Boring radio/CD interface. I'm not a showy person, so I was fine with the modesty of the interior. Back-seat ride is pretty bumpy, and there are no air vents for back-seat passengers. However, they do fold completely flat and leave you with quite a bit of room to haul stuff inside. I haven't towed anything with my Liberty yet, but I plan to. From the research I've done, it shouldn't be a problem pulling modestly heavy trailers. The Tow/Haul button comes standard and keeps you in lower gears longer to pull the extra weight. Last but not least, critics say the Liberty motor is dated and "behind the times" because its big V6 isn't putting out enough horsepower compared to the competition. What they usually fail to mention is the reliability that comes with buying a vehicle with an engine that has been in production for several years. You know what you're getting with this motor. (And while on the topic of reliability, being a Jeep means there's quality Mopar products scattered throughout the vehicle.)"

Daily mileage awful

By jk (NY) on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000

10 7.0
overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
7/10
Value
7/10
Reliability
7/10
Quality
7/10
Performance
7/10
Styling
7/10
Comfort
7/10

Pros: "fun to drive"

Cons: "bad day to day mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4

"It's a shame that a US car shows 10mpg in day to day city driving. On the parkway it does a respectable 21mpg. I've used this to tow a medium sized, 4000lb RV trailer, and it did very well."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Love love love my Liberty!

By Lynne B (NY) on Monday, March 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 91,000

10 10.0
overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
10/10
Value
10/10
Reliability
10/10
Quality
9/10
Performance
9/10
Styling
9/10
Comfort
9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is the 4th Jeep I've owned. They are great vehicles, reliable, dependable and fun to drive. Lots of zip and they handle well. Also, they are great in the snow. I have run all of my Jeeps to well over 100K miles, a couple to over 200K. They required very little repairs, only the obvious wear items like brakes, exhaust, tires and later on suspension parts but again, that was wear-items. I will probably always drive Jeeps. Great car for a good price."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

Solid vehicle, poor mileage

By Bubba (MA) on Sunday, March 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,000

10 8.0
overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
8/10
Value
8/10
Reliability
8/10
Quality
8/10
Performance
8/10
Styling
8/10
Comfort
8/10

Pros: "for new 4x4 under $25,000 can't beat"

Cons: "Gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"Owned since new, good power, handles right for type of vehicle, wish gas mileage was better, sky slider has minor leaks during heavy rains (about 3 times), overall good value for the price, next vehicle will be Sahara, more money but resale is better"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Excellent 4WD , good value overall... it's a Jeep!

By Lobodog (MA) on Tuesday, November 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,000

10 10.0
overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
10/10
Value
10/10
Reliability
10/10
Quality
9/10
Performance
8/10
Styling
9/10
Comfort
9/10

Pros: "It's a Jeep!! A good value with a long time name."

Cons: "Poor gas mileage especially about town is all."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Very good value for money spent excellent (real!) 4WD, off road seems superior to others in class and a perfect size. Engine runs purrfect but not good gas mileage by todays stasndards. This is my wifes Jeep and she loves it! Plenty of room for her 3 dogs and despite the fuel cost it really does the job for her, she loves it. Of course with us if it says "Jeep" it rules anyway and it's tough!! It's a shame Jeep has decided to drop it...I think it'll be back... let's watch."

11 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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