2012 Jeep Liberty Preview

The 2012 Jeep Liberty remains largely unchanged in the latest model year. This is not a very good thing for freedom, but is known for his SUV off the pavement - on the road is another story. The 3.7-liter V-6 engine acceleration and fuel economy continues to struggle with, and is overlooked by almost all other competitors in its class. The fuel consumption of the four-wheel-drive models is similar to a V-8 Chevrolet Tahoe, which is a red flag to bring it.

All the problems that the Liberty experience on the road made for off-road. With Selec-Trac II four-wheel drive system, the Liberty go elsewhere SUVs can not. However, the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Nissan Xterra are two SUVs that can, and do so with more power. If you're not an avid off-roader and are just looking for a family transporter check out the game before committing to the Liberty.

Body style: SUV

Engine: 3.7-liter V-6

Transmission: four-speed automatic

Models: Sport, Limited, Limited Jet

After going through a mild refresh in 2011 to receive a newly designed steering wheel, an updated media center, and a new trim called "Limited Jet," the Liberty rolls in 2012 unaffected. Five new exterior colors have been added for the latest model year.

The 2012 Liberty continues to maintain the rugged Jeep look famous. The Sky Slider roof option open, making the Liberty open-air experience, not usually found on smaller SUVs. Choosing the Limited Jet you get all-season tires, chrome accents on the front end, side moldings, black-out headlights, and roof rails. Liberty retains its boxy profile for 2012, but a refresh is expected in the near future.

The Sport model will be available with uConnect hands-free navigation and entertainment with voice command, a universal garage door opener and a compass. An external temperature sensor makes his debut on the instrument cluster for 2012. Park Sense rear park assist, a remote starter, memory seats, electric mirrors, and express up / down windows are available in all finishes. A nine-speaker system, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and one-touch up / down power windows are on the new Jet trim model.

Two four-wheel drive systems, Command-Trac II, Selec-Trac II, offered on the 2012 Liberty. Command-Trac II is a part-time four-wheel drive system that will be familiar old-school off-roaders. Command-Trac works in four modes: two-wheel drive, four-wheel-drive lock, four-wheel-drive low, and neutral. The other option, Selec-Trac II is a full-time system that works when it feels necessary. It works in two-wheel drive, four-wheel-drive lock, four-wheel-drive low, and neutral. A 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 engine is standard on all models Liberty.

The Liberty has stability control, Roll Mitigation, Hill-start Assist and curtain side airbags that cover the first and second row. Traction control, front active head restraints, curtain airbags, and anti-lock brakes are also standard safety features.

RWD: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway

Four-wheel drive: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway

Sport Sport Utility

Sticker Price: $23,360

Jet Edition Sport Utility

Sticker Price: $26,960

Limited Sport Utility

Sticker Price: $26,760