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.