The 2009 Jeep Liberty is, like any Jeep, a poor choice of daily driver, but a rock-solid choice of adventure vehicle. If you’re after a second vehicle for weekend getaways but you don’t want to spend ten, twelve grand on a Wrangler or a 4Runner, the Liberty can be had for under $7,000.
Is the 2009 Jeep Liberty a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – All 8 of these points are for the Liberty’s performance as an off-roader. It’s not well-rounded, but it is well-specialized.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 6/10 –
- Reliability 8/10 – The Liberty is surprisingly dependable for a Jeep, with few major issues expected before the 200,000 mile mark.
- Safety 7/10 – Generous standard safety equipment is par for course with dedicated off-roaders, but the Liberty’s crash test scores are mediocre.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – 15/21 miles to the gallon isn’t great, but it’s not bad for a Jeep.
- Value 8/10 – With typical listing prices starting under $7,000, the 2009 Liberty is a good value if you’re shopping for a second vehicle to take down to the creek on weekends, but it’s a lousy deal if you’re looking for a daily driver.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2009 Jeep Liberty?
Consumer Reports named the Jeep Liberty one of the lowest rated vehicles in its category. They didn’t like the clunky handling, noisy, gas-guzzling engine, rigid suspension, cramped, cheap-feeling interior, or the jittery ride. They do note that it lives up to the Jeep reputation when it comes to off-road and towing, though.
Kelley Blue Book suggest that the Liberty might be a decent alternative if you don’t feel secure in a soft-top Wrangler. They didn’t like how the SUV handled paved roads, and they note that the Liberty sacrifices a lot of comfort and convenience in the name of off-roading.
Edmunds praised the Liberty’s “respectable off-road abilities,” and they liked the simple, function-first design of the cabin. High-towing capacity and decent luggage space earned some praise, as well. They note that the engine is underpowered for how thirsty it is, the interior trim feels cheap, and the SUV handles like a boat.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Jeep Liberty Have?
The 2009 Jeep Liberty has generated 103 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Structure issues take up about a fifth of these, with drivers reporting the sky roof breaking. One driver states that they have replaced the sky roof three times in total.
A handful of drivers have reported dashboards melting. This isn’t actually a matter of the surface plastic literally melting, rather, the adhesive used to assemble the interior trim bubbles up to the surface with exposure to sunlight, creating a shiny, sticky film.
Drivers report a number of electrical hang ups such as the auto start system failing, door locks getting stuck in the open or shut position and so on. Essentially, the whole gamut of problems you can have with switches, ignition, and latches.
The 2009 Jeep Liberty has only been recalled once, for aftermarket performance suspension systems that could leave the SUV unstable and more prone to accident.
How Long Will the 2009 Jeep Liberty Last?
Drivers have reported the Jeep Liberty lasting as long as 400,000 miles. These are outliers, though. Realistically, 200,000 to 250,000 is a more reasonable expectation for typical lifespan. Jeeps can last for a very long time, but they are prone to expensive repairs after the first couple hundred thousand miles.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $612, with new wheels accounting for the most expensive repairs, at around $797 to $809 each.
I have not had any problems with my jeep liberty at all. But I have not had it for very long.. I bought it used.
The jeep is reliable because you can drive it in any type of weather, it is easy to drive, and it is got great gas mileage.
I haven't found any problems with my Jeep Liberty. It has been a very reliable vehicle for me and only costs $40 to fill up probably every week and a half.
I currently have 6 cylinder engine so it pulls a lot of power when I have to turn on the air conditioning
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2009 Jeep Liberty is pretty basic, even for the model year. CD/MP3 players with 8 speakers are as fancy as it gets, and the high-end Limited edition is available with Sirius satellite radio.
Safety technology in the 2009 Jeep Liberty is generous, as is usually the case with dedicated off-roaders. The SUV packs anti-lock brakes, traction control, and an enhanced accident response system as standard features.
Is the 2009 Jeep Liberty a Good Value?
The 2009 Jeep Liberty is priced fairly if you’re after an off-roader to take out on the weekends. The entry-level Sport typically sells for around $6,642, while a high-end Limited goes for around $7,255. These prices are several thousand dollars below the Wrangler and the Toyota 4Runner, making it one of the more affordable adventure vehicles on the market.
Cost of ownership is a bit higher than average, but not to the same extent as a Wrangler. The Liberty is both more reliable and less fuel-thirsty than the iconic soft-top off-roader. The Liberty may not be a great daily driver, but it’s one of the more affordable options out there if you want a weekend adventure-mobile.
What are the Different Models of the 2009 Jeep Liberty?
The 2009 Jeep Liberty is offered in just two trim levels, being the base Sport and the high-end Limited.
With the entry-level Sport edition you’re getting:
- Remote keyless entry
- Cloth seating
- Anti-lock brakes and traction control
- Manual air conditioning
- CD/MP3 player
The top-of-the-line Limited model adds:
- Fog lights
- Heated mirrors
- Premium cloth seating
What Engines Come In the 2009 Jeep Liberty?
- The 2009 Jeep Liberty packs a 3.7L V6 engine delivering 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission in four wheel drive, andi t averages 15/21 miles to the gallon, city/highway. With the right equipment you should be able to tow up to 5,000 pounds with the 2009 Jeep Liberty.
What Colors Does the 2009 Jeep Liberty Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2009 Jeep Liberty?
The 2009 Jeep Liberty is not very comfortable. The back seat stretches just 48 inches across, which is smaller than some compact cars. Interior trim quality is cheap, and the suspension is so rigid you’ll swear you’re sitting directly on the axle.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2009 Jeep Liberty Have?
The 2009 Jeep Liberty packs 31 cubic feet of cargo in the back with the seats up, 64 with the seats down. This puts it in league with a typical small to medium SUV, and it’ll hold everything you need for a weekend camping trip.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2009 was the second model year in the Jeep Liberty’s 2nd Generation, the KK lineup. The KK was retired with the 2012 edition.
2007: 2.8L diesel engines were removed as an option in 2007.
2008: The Liberty was rebuilt from the ground up in 2008, standing two inches longer at the wheelbase with an optional sunroof, and a more solid build throughout. Engine and transmission options were the same as before.
2009: Braking and suspension were revised and improved for 2009.
2010: New headrests were the only real change for 2010.
2011: The Jeep Liberty got a new steering wheel for 2011 with mounted radio controls.
How Does the 2009 Jeep Liberty Compare to the Competition?
Comparing the 2009 Jeep Liberty to other SUVs from the automaker, the Liberty is cheaper than the Wrangler, it’s more fuel-efficient, and it’s more comfortable. It’s still not a great daily-driver, but if you’re looking for a used off-roader that won’t cost an arm and a leg, the Liberty is preferable to the Wrangler.
The 2009 Toyota 4Runner may be the best all-around off-roader released in that model year, it’s built on a long-lasting Toyota powertrain, and it holds a Vehicle History Owner’s Choice award. But it typically sells for around $12,000 at the entry level.
A 2009 Jeep Liberty isn’t the best off-roader on the market, it’s a terrible daily driver, and it’s not versatile, but if you’re after a second vehicle just to take out on the weekends, the Liberty is one of the more affordable options out there.
Do Owners Recommend the 2009 Jeep Liberty?
Yes very reliable and very good on gas. Easy on maintenance and rides very smooth and is also very good in the snow.
It is a good vehicle because it has a great 4x4 function, and it can be driveable in any type of weather.
My Jeep Liberty is a great vehicle. It handles well and the gas isn't awful. It has plenty of storage space and is roomy.
Yes besides minor repairs it has lasted me a long time minor repairs were brakes tires and other things that fade or need to be replaced over time