2011 Jeep Liberty Review

The Jeep Liberty gets a new steering wheel and some new radio/infotainment interfaces for 2011.

The Jeep Liberty's appearance hasn't changed much over the years. Command Track is one of two four-wheel-drive systems offered in the Liberty; it's a part-time system intended for trail-running, while Selec-Trac II is a full-time system that's also off-road capable but better oriented for snowy roads.

The seating configuration—and the cabin in general—in the 2011 Jeep Liberty feels airy and well laid-out. The Liberty's on-the-road ride and refinement are probably the biggest turn-offs of this vehicle. There's also a fair amount more interior road and wind noise than in more car like compact crossover vehicles.

The 2011 Jeep Liberty is offered primarily in base Sport, off-road-ready Renegade, and more luxurious Limited trims. In addition, new Sport Jet and Limited Jet models offer a spiced-up appearance, with big 20-inch aluminum wheels, chrome molding, and other black and bright trim throughout, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and alarm system.

The 2011 Jeep Liberty is a compact SUV available in Sport, Renegade and limited trim levels. The Limited includes the Popular Equipment Group and adds 17-inch wheels, exterior chrome trim, heated power front seats (six-way driver, two-way passenger), driver memory functions, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system. The Comfort/Convenience Group adds rear parking sensors, remote ignition and automatic climate control. Also optional are 18-inch chrome-clad wheels.

A navigation system can be added to the Media Center, and the two together are available on all Liberty trims. The 2011 Jeep Liberty is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. The Sport and Limited can be equipped with rear-wheel drive or a choice of two 4WD systems: part-time Command-Track II or full-time Selec-Trac II. In Edmunds performance testing, a Liberty Limited 4x4 went from zero to 60 mph in a sluggish 10.2 seconds -- slower than most four-cylinder-powered compact SUVs. The 2WD Liberty returns an EPA-estimated 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined, while 4WD returns 15/21/17. With the optional towing equipment group, the Liberty can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Safety
The Liberty comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control, active front head restraints and side curtain airbags. The 2011 Jeep Liberty has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures.

Driving Impressions
The 2011 Jeep Liberty rides comfortably enough, but its on-road handling abilities disappoint, with vague steering and pronounced body roll. Like most other Jeeps, though, the Liberty receives high marks for its off-road prowess.

When properly equipped, the Liberty can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Both the Selec-Trac II and Command-Track II four-wheel-drive systems are very well integrated into Liberty's various systems, including traction control, Electronic Stability Program, hill-start assist, hill-descent control and available trailer tow package.

Four-wheel-drive models achieve only slightly lower numbers, at 15 mpg city and 21 highways.