Jeep Liberty
The Liberty replaced the long-running XJ Cherokee in North America for 2002 and was sold as the Cherokee in most other markets. Two generations, the rounded KJ and the boxier KK, were built in Toledo, Ohio, through 2012, after which the Cherokee name returned in North America on the KL.
Generations, newest first
KK
Jeep Liberty (KK)
Revealed at the 2007 New York show, the second Liberty was a squarer, roomier redesign built on the same Toledo line as the Dodge Nitro. The four-cylinder and diesel were gone in North America, leaving a 210 hp 3.7 L V6, and it debuted the Sky Slider, a full-length folding canvas roof that Jeep called an industry exclusive. Standard stability control, roll mitigation, and side-curtain airbags were part of the package, along with Command-Trac part-time or Selec-Trac II full-time 4x4. Sales fell sharply after the first year, though special editions such as the Jet and Arctic and a 2011 interior update kept it going until the Cherokee returned.
3.7 L PowerTech V6 · 2.8 L CRD turbodiesel I4
4-door SUV
KJ
Jeep Liberty (KJ)
The KJ Liberty took over from the XJ Cherokee in mid-2001 as a 2002 model, with round-headlamp styling inspired by Jeep's Dakar and Jeepster concepts. It was the first Jeep with rack-and-pinion steering and the first with independent front suspension since the 1960s Wagoneer, yet it kept a solid rear axle and real low-range 4x4. Buyers chose a 150 hp 2.4 L four or a 210 hp 3.7 L V6, and for 2005 and 2006 a 2.8 L common-rail diesel made it the first diesel mid-size SUV in the US. It sold strongly, topping its segment in 2003, though repeated safety recalls marked its early years.
2.4 L PowerTech I4 · 3.7 L PowerTech V6 · 2.8 L CRD turbodiesel I4 · 2.5 L CRD turbodiesel I4
4-door SUV