Jeep's heritage as a rugged off-roader intended for both the weekday and weekend adventurer lives on in the 2009 Jeep Liberty. This truck-based compact SUV takes styling cues from Jeeps of old and is available in both rear-wheel drive and two forms of all-wheel drive. Both the part-time Command Trace and full-time Select Trace II feature low-range gearing for off-road performance and Hill Descent Control that reduces brake wear on tough terrain.
The 2009 Liberty drops its manual transmission, leaving a 4-speed adaptive automatic as the only match for its 3.7-liter single overhead cam V6 engine. The powerplant puts out 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the optional tow package. Fuel economy averages 16/22 mpg, which happen to be the worst numbers in its class. The Liberty gets a retuned suspension and brakes, along with more rigid rear axles to improve steering and handling. Critics report solid bump absorption and superior off-road capability, saying the Liberty performs better off-road than on-road, though the brakes still feel somewhat soft and the V6's acceleration needs a boost.
Other additions for 2009 include the optional Uconnect, an entertainment suite that includes a 30-gigabyte hard drive, a wireless phone link, and a navigation system with real-time traffic. The Limited adds leather trim for the shifter, door armrests, center console, and instrument panel. The 2009 Liberty comes in two trims – Sport and Limited. Sport trims offer full power features, remote entry, a CD/MP3 player with satellite radio, and 16-inch wheels. The Limited upgrades to a power driver's seat, trip computer, wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, and a garage opener. On the outside, it jazzes things up with foglights, chrome roof rails, and larger 17-inch wheels.
The 2009 Liberty earns five stars for frontal impact, but only three in rollover tests, and reviewers have noticed marked body lean coming from its truck-like body. Traction and stability control with rollover mitigation, dual front-side and side curtain airbags, ABS brakes, Hill Start Control, and automatic headlights are all standard. Parking sensors cost extra.
The Liberty's cabin feels narrow and cramped, particularly for backseat passengers, and headroom overall feels tight, so owners might want to choose the optional retractable Sky Slider canvas roof, which opens nearly the full length of the Liberty and is supposedly leak- and noise-proof. Rear seats split-fold flat, as long as you first remove the headrests, and the cargo space holds anywhere from 31.5 to 64 cubic feet, making the Liberty slightly smaller than the Suzuki Grand Vitara, cargo-wise. An optional flat-folding front passenger seat accommodates longer objects, such as skis. Entry to the backseat can be awkward due to the narrow doors.
Top-notch towing capacity and off-road performance make the 2009 Liberty a good choice for drivers interested in a rugged and truly utilitarian SUV. Those desiring a more refined, comfortable, and roomy hauler may want to look elsewhere.
My back passenger window today has decided not to go back up! All the others are fine, so they must be individual motors, and/or fuses. Out of nowhere! How do I know which fuse to change, and if this is even the problem! So random!
Hello I live in Wisconsin and it snowed a lot recently and has been in the single digits, anyway im not sure if this has any thing to do with the way my car has starting acting but I thought I'd mention that, long story short today it started jerking tremendously when I would go accelerate or go to break and its saying its still saying its on 4low even though I put it in 2WD, also its showing the traction control light is still on and also saying ESP off. Im not sure what any of this means but its really frustrating, I know im gonna have to take it into the shop but I was wondering if anyone else experienced anything like this with a Jeep or other car.
I recently purchased a 2009 Jeep Liberty 3.7 6cl. 4×4 with 155,000 miles. I noticed a oily fluid all over my frame in the front and my transmission was slipping Bad! Firestone told me I needed a new condensor and I had the transmission filters and fluid serviced and A/C recharged yesterday. The transmission isnt slipping anything like it was yesterday but has slipped a couple of minor times. I need to know how to check my transmission fluid level and ANYTHING Else I probably need to get done. Our Only Transportation TYIA
My 2009 Jeep Liberty wasn't throwing any heat. The answer I got here helped me find out why and the heat is going great. The radiator was low on fluid. Problem is the reservoir was full so I didn't bother checking the radiator at first. Why would the reservoir be full and the radiator so low on fluid that the heat quit?
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 115V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: grocery bag holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.73
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: 600 CCA
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: one-touch
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: driver only
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: upper and lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome aluminum
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front · Trailer hitch: Class III · Trailer wiring: 7-pin
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 115V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.73 · Transfer Case: manual hi-lo gear selection
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: 600 CCA
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: one-touch
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: driver only
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: upper and lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all terrain
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome aluminum
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front · Trailer hitch: Class III · Trailer wiring: 7-pin
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc CD/DVD in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): 115V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.73
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: 600 CCA
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome · Grille color: chrome · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 2
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: driver only
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Cover: hard shell · Mount Location: outside
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Suspension
Front Arm Type: upper and lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: Class III · Trailer wiring: 7-pin
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc CD/DVD in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): 115V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.73 · Transfer Case: manual hi-lo gear selection
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: 600 CCA
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome · Grille color: chrome · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 2
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: driver only
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Cover: hard shell · Mount Location: outside
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Suspension
Front Arm Type: upper and lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: Class III · Trailer wiring: 7-pin
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up