Overview
If you are wanting an SUV with great off-road abilities, the Liberty is perfect for you. However, if you are looking for more space and better on-road manners, there are other options available that would suit you better. The Liberty was first introduced in 2002 and last updated in 2008, meaning it's beginning to feel dated when compared to other models on the market.
Performance & mpg
The 2012 Jeep Liberty comes with a 3.7-liter V6 under the hood that puts out 210 hp and 235 lb.-ft. of torque. Your only tranny choices are 4-speed automatic transmission, but there is RWD standard with your purchase, and you have two different four-wheel drive systems to pick from: part-time Command-Trac or full-time Selec=Trac .
The Liberty can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. However, Edmunds performance testing showed that a 4WD Limited went from 0 to 60 mph in only 10.2 seconds - much slower than the competition. EPA fuel economy estimates are also below average at 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined with two-wheel drive and 15/21/17 with four-wheel drive.
Safety
The 2012 Jeep Liberty comes with many features that are now standard in most vehicles, such as antilock disc brakes, stability control, active front head restraints and side curtain airbags. While rear parking sensors are available as an option, front-seat side-impact airbags unfortunately are not even offered. In Edmunds brake testing, the Liberty's stopping distance was average compared to other vehicles on the market; it came to a stop from 60 mph in 134 feet.
In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal-offset and roof strength tests, the Liberty earned a top mark of "Good." In its side-impact test, however, it only earned the second-lowest "Marginal" rating.
Driving
The 2012 Jeep Liberty provides an adequate ride quality on the road, but it's nothing to write home about. Its suspension isn't well-suited for city streets, which can cause some handling and body roll issues. The 3.7-liter V6 is noisy and not particularly powerful, but it does alright if you're careful with your expectations."
Interior
The 2012 Jeep Liberty has a cheap interior design, with hard plastics that don't feel good to the touch. The front and rear seats aren't comfortable, and the steering wheel is only adjustable for tilt, which makes it hard to find a comfortable driving position. Standard climate and audio controls are easy to use, but the optional audio system can be confusing due to its small touchscreen controls.
In addition, there's a lot of noise from the road and wind which can become annoying during extended drives. The available cloth Sky Slider oversize sunroof is unique and does a better job sealing out external elements than you might expect. The cargo hold has an average amount of space, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seatbacks and 64 cubic feet with them folded down.
Are 2012 Jeep Libertys reliable?
The 2012 Jeep Liberty Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5. It ranks 15th out of 32 for all car brands.
How many miles is a 2012 Jeep Liberty Good For?
Typically, a Jeep Liberty can last anywhere from 10-15 years or 200,000 to 400,000 miles. Of course, how you drive and maintain your Jeep can have a big impact on how long your vehicle lasts.
Is a used Jeep Liberty a good buy?
Are Jeep Libertys Reliable? The Jeep Liberty has received average scores on all major reliability ratings. The Jeep Liberty has received average scores on all major reliability ratings. RepairPal rates it a 3.5 out of 5, ranking it 14th out of 26 midsize SUVs.
Is the Jeep 3.7 engine a good engine?
Most reviews suggest that the 3.7L isn't a bad engine. Many owners rave about its long-term reliability. It is prone to a few problems that you should be on the lookout for if you own or are considering a Jeep with the 3.7L (225.8 ci) engine. Being aware of these problems may help you prevent major engine failure.
Are there any recalls on a 2012 Jeep Liberty?
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012 Jeep Liberty and 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles. A component within the occupant restraint controller (ORC) may fail and prevent the active headrests from deploying in the event of a rear-end crash.