MPG-o-Matic 2010 Jeep Liberty Review Summary:
As the competition moves to soft and cushy crossover designs with limited off-road abilities, the Jeep Liberty remains a competent and conventional mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV), designed to tackle tough terrain while hauling the goods. Although the Liberty’s 3.7-liter V6 has been newly equipped with an interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off feature to improve fuel economy, this is still a relatively thirsty SUV.
The 2010 Jeep Liberty is offered in two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations in three levels of trim: Sport, Renegade, and Limited. The Liberty is equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The V6 delivers 210 horsepower (HP) and 235 foot pounds of torque.
The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 4WD Jeep Liberty are 15 city / 21 highway miles per gallon (MPG).
We traveled roughly five hundred miles in our Bright Silver Metallic Liberty Sport review unit and squeaked past the official mileage estimates, scoring an average of 22.8 MPG on the Interstate highway and 18.5 MPG combined in winter temperatures and mixed conditions.
Overall test period temperatures ranged from the twenties through the thirties. Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the mid thirties. The test vehicle was equipped with the standard 16-inch aluminum wheels clad with 225/75R16 all season tires and was delivered with just under 3000 miles on the odometer. (The optional 18-inch Aluminum Wheel Group option includes 235/60R18 all season tires, along with a full-size spare.)
2010 Jeep Liberty – Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, heat on, windows up: 22.3 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, heat on, windows up: 23.4 MPG
The 2010 Jeep Liberty is equipped with a 19.5 gallon fuel tank.
The 3.7-liter V6 has its work cut out for it off the line, with the 4WD Liberty tipping the scales at just under 4,300 pounds (4,290 pound curb weight).
A new Interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off (iDFSO) and basic ECO indicator help save a bit of fuel and encourage a light-footed driving style, although we’d recommend adding a real-time fuel economy gauge to gain the best advantage.
Jeep’s traditional Trail-Rated prowess is proven in extreme conditions. The Liberty is a well mannered SUV, with a tall design that provides excellent visibility. Command-Trac part-time 4WD is standard. Full-time Selec-Trac is optional. Hill-descent Control and Hill-start Assist are standard.
The Liberty Sport’s roomy and functional interior is devoid of gimmicks.
The standard six-speaker audio system includes SIRIUS satellite radio, plays MP3 CDs and includes an auxiliary input jack for digital music players. The optional eight-speaker Infinity audio system includes a 368-watt amplifier and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.
UConnect Bluetooth is optional in the Sport model and standard in the Limited. The Liberty provides two 12-volt power outlets: one at the base of the dash and one in the cargo area.
Heated seats are only available in the Limited edition.
Families of six footers take note. Rear seat headroom is excellent for taller passengers.
The Liberty was built to haul stuff. A button on the key fob provides quick access to the tailgate window. The cargo area is cavernous, with 25.2 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up and 60.9 cubic feet with the 60/40 rear seats folded down. The front passenger seat folds flat to accommodate longer items.
The trailer-tow package provides a 5,000 pound towing capacity.
Our test unit was equipped with the following option packages:
- 28B Customer Preferred Option Package – the towing package includes a full-size spare, Class III receiver hitch, wiring harness and adapter, trailer sway control, and heavy duty engine cooling.
- Skid Plate Group – includes tow hooks, transmission skid plate, fuel tank skid plate, transfer case skid plate, and front suspension skid plate.
- Popular Equipment Group – includes deep tint glass, speed control, fog lamps, security alarm, side roof rails, temperature and compass gauge, 225/75R16 all season tires, and cargo compartment cover.
The 2010 Liberty can be equipped with a conventional sunroof or a jumbo-sized Sky Slider full length open roof that measures a whopping 33 inches by 60 inches, providing a unique open-air driving environment.
All-in-all, the 2010 Jeep Liberty delivers competent 4WD performance and an abundance of interior space in a rugged package. While fuel economy leaves much to be desired, we expect efficiency to rise as Jeep adopts the new Chrysler V6 in upcoming models. We also hold out hope for a return of a fuel-efficient diesel-engine Liberty, down the road.
2010 Jeep Liberty – Parts Content Info
U.S./Canadian Parts Content: 80%
Final Assembly Point: Toledo, Ohio
Country of Origin:
Engine – United States
Transmission – United States
– by Daniel Gray
22mpg? keep it. Let me know when your getting 42mpg.
The fuel economy is ok for an SUV, for 4wd, I’d hope that one would opt for the 3.0 litre V6 CRD diesel engine if fuel economy truly matters. Otherwise, I’m impressed with what I saw in the video.
Ford gave us 32mpg, and more power, with the Escape. Jeep isn’t trying.
Let’s see the Escape pull 5,000 pounds. You give up miles per gallon to get a good towing vehicle at a reasonable price.
I bought a new Escape V6 and babied it from day one, used synthetic fluids, dealer maintained, proper tire pressure, documented every tank of gas miles/gallons used – averaged out monthly. The best I could do was 23-24 mpg at 60-65mph. Just bought the 2011 Liberty Sport 70th Anniversary Edition. The vehicle definitely has more power and holds the road better (used to get blown around on interstate in high winds) none of that here and the build quality is much much better with the Liberty. Just shut the door or hood on one and you will know this is no Ford. First few tanks around 21.8-22.4 mpg Hwy at 60-65. Not too bad since its not even broke in. A couple miles per gallon difference in my book is worth the difference in overall quality.
we own a 2004 jeep liberty . besides getting robbed on the gas mileage the vehicle has had more problems tha Barrack Obama’s administration. Electrical, A.C. , Window falling off track, valve cover gaskets leaking, lights going on / off …..Unless its improved I would stay away just for the crappy gas mileage alone unless you are trailering a light boat, camper or mother-in-law.