Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 1, 2008 - Since its introduction in 2002, the popular mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) Jeep® Liberty gives off-road enthusiasts and owners their own sense of personal freedom and capability that can only come from the Jeep brand.

The 2009 Jeep Liberty remains true to its legendary 4x4 heritage by offering two Jeep Trail Rated® four-wheel-drive systems - Command-Trac® and Selec-Trac® II.

The Liberty's exterior continues its rugged, classic Jeep look that is sure to captivate and broaden its consumer appeal. For 2009, two new exterior colors are available, Sunburst Orange Pearl Coat and Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat.

Chassis improvements for the 2009 Jeep Liberty include stiffer rear axle shafts and retuned springs, shocks, anti-roll bars and steering gear valve. These enhancements provide a more precise, linear feel and improve steering and handling. Additional improvements to brake pedal feel are achieved through a retuned booster, low rollback calipers and a revised brake pedal ratio.

Giving the 2009 Jeep Liberty that "only in a Jeep" open-air experience is the industry-exclusive Sky Slider™ full-open canvas roof. Additional available features include remote start, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats and express-up/-down windows. There are two models for 2009 - Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited.

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2009

EXTERIOR

• Sunburst Orange Pearl Coat added
• Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat replaces Modern Blue Pearl Coat

INTERIOR

• Floor mats standard
• Auto unlock at exit standard
• Remote express open front windows (Limited only)
• Stain Repel Seat Fabric-available on Sport with Popular Equipment Package
• uconnect studios SIRIUS Satellite Radio standard on Sport with six speakers
• Additional features content (Limited model) includes: Stain Repel Seat Fabric available in tu-tone gray or tu-tone beige with embroidered "Jeep" logo or leather seats in monotone gray or monotone beige with accent color stitching with embossed "Jeep" logo. Center console armrest with cut and sew leather with accent stitching, soft door armrests (front only) with cut and sew leather with accent stitching, instrument panel grab handle with cut and sew leather with accent stitching, park brake boot with cut and sew leather with accent stitching, and leather wrapped shift knob with chrome cap.

CHASSIS

• Stiffer rear axle shafts provide a more precise, linear feel to vehicle handling
• Retuned springs, shocks, anti-roll bars and a steering gear valve and stiffer rear axles improve steering and handling
• Retuned booster, low rollback calipers and revised brake pedal ratio improve brake pedal feel
• Auto headlamps standard on all models

PACKAGES

• Popular Equipment Group (which includes six speakers, fold-flat front-passenger seat, 115-volt outlet, roof rails, floor mats, fog lamps, compass/temperature display, cargo shade, speed control and deep tinted glass)
• Premium Sound Group (which includes six speakers, uconnect studios SIRIUS Satellite Radio and AM/FM/MP3/six-disc CD [Limited only])
• Premium Group I (which includes driver lumbar, automatic on/off headlamps, memory seats and mirrors, power passenger seat, remote start, heated seats and leather seat trim)
• Premium Group II (which includes air filtration, rain-sensing wipers, automatic temperature control, ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System and 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels)
• Trailer Tow Group - Class III (which includes full-size spare tire, Class III trailer hitch and Trailer Sway Control)

DESIGN

The exterior design of the 2009 Jeep® Liberty takes its cues directly from the Jeep brand's legendary 65-plus years of heritage. Familiar design characteristics, such as the clamshell hood, seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel openings and rugged stance, provide the vehicle with its classic Jeep style.

There are two 2009 Jeep Liberty models: Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited. The signature seven-slot grille is standard on both. A front-end module that spans across the vehicle houses the grille and headlamp system in a single unit. Front lamp modules contain halogen headlamps and optional fog lamps. The front fascia is body-color on all models.

At the side of the vehicle, deep body sections and a high beltline produce a tough, strong and capable appearance. A wheels-to-the-corner stance and dramatic trapezoidal-shaped fender flares enhance the vehicle's side profile. Fender flares are painted body-color on both the Sport and Limited models. Dark Slate mold-in-color bodyside moldings accent the Sport model, and bright chrome side moldings are featured on the Limited model. The "Liberty" nameplate is distinctly stamped into the side moldings. A mold-in-color side vent featuring seven slots is placed at the side of the vehicle's elongated hood where it meets the fender, door and A-pillar.

Roof side rails are available on Sport models and are standard on Limited models. The side rails are black on the Sport and bright on the Limited.

Rear of the vehicle is a liftgate with a flipper glass window. The flipper glass is self-opening, permitting interior access without having to open the rear liftgate. The flipper glass can be opened by a release button on the light bar or key fob. The spare tire is underneath the vehicle, allowing for increased interior space.

Industry-exclusive Sky Slider™ Full-open Canvas Roof
The 2009 Jeep Liberty gives customers an "only in a Jeep" open-air experience with the industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-length open canvas roof. The Sky Slider roof can be moved to several positions, including full forward, full rear or partially open to any position in between with a convenient express one-touch switch.

The Sky Slider roof is made of a reinforced acrylic cloth, similar to a convertible top, which is weather-resistant and leakproof. The top panel nests into a weather strip seal to help minimize wind noise. The roof uses anti-pinch software that prevents it from moving should it detect an object in its path. The Sky Slider roof is an optional feature on both the Jeep Liberty Sport and the Jeep Liberty Limited.

Simple and Functional Interior Space
The interior of the 2009 Jeep Liberty delivers simple, functional styling and provides customers with ample storage and organizational space.

Available fold-flat front-passenger and standard 60/40 fold-flat, reclining rear seats are perfect for loading, hauling and tailgating. The front and rear seats - monotone on Liberty Sport and two-tone on Liberty Limited - feature wide inserts and heavy bolstering designed to cradle occupants for a secure feeling. The seats have tall, square shoulders and the bottom cushion has been lengthened for better thigh support. The Jeep Liberty Sport model comes standard with cloth seats. Leather, heated front seats are optional on the Limited model.

Jeep Liberty Limited also features standard Stain Repel Seat Fabric. This advanced fabric repels stains, controls odors and reduces static electricity. The new fabric can withstand endless cleanings (even in the same area) and will not rub off or change the texture or comfort of the seats during ownership of the vehicle.

A four-spoke steering wheel provides the 2009 Jeep Liberty with generous tactile heft and feel. A leather-wrapped steering wheel with a steering wheel-mounted Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and audio controls are standard on Limited models. A tilt steering column also is standard on all models.

A two-tone instrument panel treatment gives the vehicle a feeling of spaciousness. The Jeep Liberty features a four-gauge instrument cluster with clear white on black graphics with orange pointers and an available integrated vehicle information center. The instrument panel includes a large glove box with a grab handle.

The center stack - black on Sport models and satin silver on Limited models - neatly houses the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) controls, vents, radio and switch bank. The center stack also houses an open bin with a rubber mat, perfect for holding cell phones, handheld PDAs or coins. A small enclosed storage compartment left of the steering wheel provides additional closed storage for the driver.

The center console storage bin can hold CDs and DVDs and also features an additional top-mounted tray. There are bins on the driver- and passenger-side doors, and a map pocket behind the driver's seat. Both the front and second rows have a pair of cup holders.

Remote start, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats, radio and mirrors and express-up/-down windows are just a few items that are optional on 2009 Jeep Liberty models.


Cargo and Utility
There are several storage and convenience features designed into Liberty's spacious rear cargo area. Cargo capacity with the rear seats up is 31.5 cubic feet and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Both left and right trim panels have cargo tie-down loops for securing items to the load floor. The left trim panel houses a concealed compartment for jack storage and tools.

Sport models have a storage bin in the rear quarter trim panel. On Limited models, the Infinity® Premium Sound subwoofer and amplifier occupy this space.

The load floor system has a reversible carpeted surface. Dual latches on either side release for access to a four-inch-deep waterproof storage bin beneath the lid, which is perfect for muddy boots or flats of flowers. The load capacity of the cargo load floor system is 400 lbs. maximum.

ENGINEERING

Chassis improvements for 2009 Jeep® Liberty include stiffer rear axle shafts and retuned springs, shocks, anti-roll bars and steering gear valve. These enhancements provide a more precise, linear feel and improve steering and handling. Additional improvements to brake pedal feel are achieved through a retuned booster, low rollback calipers and a revised brake pedal ratio.

Proven 3.7-Liter V-6 Engine
A 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine is standard on all Jeep Liberty Sport and Limited models sold in the United States. The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine provides the 2009 Jeep Liberty with competitive peak power and torque while providing smooth, quiet operation and proven durability. It produces 210 horsepower (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque @ 4,000 rpm. Fuel economy is estimated at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Refinements in the valve train and combustion chamber, working together as a system, enhance low-speed torque while providing a smooth idle and minimal engine noise. A sophisticated electronic throttle control system helps to improve the drivability and acceleration feel of the 2009 Jeep Liberty. The exhaust gas recirculation valve helps to increase the engine's fuel economy.

Towing capacity on all models is 5,000 lbs. maximum when properly equipped with a weight-distributing hitch.

For key diesel markets outside North America, the Jeep Liberty (Cherokee) is offered with a 2.8-liter DOHC 16-valve common-rail diesel engine.

Two Four-wheel-drive Systems
Whether it's rock crawling in Moab, Utah, or making its way through a snow-covered highway, the 2009 Jeep Liberty's four-wheel-drive systems meet customer needs. Selec-Trac II,® a full-time four-wheel-drive system and Command-Trac,® a part-time four-wheel-drive system are available.

Selec-Trac II Full-time Four-wheel-drive System
The Selec-Trac II four-wheel-drive system is a full-time, active on-demand system that anticipates and prevents wheel slip before it occurs. It is ideal for a wide range of road settings, including dry pavement conditions not typically suited for conventional part-time four-wheel-drive systems.

This premium system offers a "4WD Auto" mode that is ideal for full-time driving. When in 4WD Auto mode, the system uses vehicle sensors to adjust and redirect torque between the front and rear axles based upon real-time driving conditions, providing the vehicle with responsive tractive performance.

For added capability when traversing steep grades, rough terrain or extremely poor traction surfaces, the transfer case includes a "4WD Low" mode. This second-speed gear multiplies engine torque 2.72 times and locks the clutch pack for maximum traction.

Electric shifting between 2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Low is accomplished with a console-mounted switch. A "2WD" mode is provided for the U.S. markets. A pushpin button is used to shift to Neutral mode. Selec-Trac II is available on all Liberty models.

Command-Trac® Part-time Four-wheel Drive
Command-Trac is a part-time four-wheel-drive system. Its front driveshaft is disengaged from the transfer case, and power is directed to the rear wheels.

"2WD" is the vehicle's everyday driving mode. By selecting "4WD Lock" on the console, the front and rear driveshafts lock together so that the two rotate at the same time providing a 50 front/50 rear torque split. This is ideal for use on slippery or loose surfaces, such as snow or dirt. It can be engaged at any speed.

A Neutral mode permits towing without having to disconnect the driveshafts. A pushpin button is provided to shift the transfer case into Neutral.

For true off-road conditions, "4WD Low" can be engaged at speeds of 2-3 mph. The front and rear driveshafts are locked together, and a second gearset multiplies torque, providing traditional Jeep capability.


Independent Front Suspension and Five-link Rear Suspension
An independent front suspension, five-link rear suspension and a power rack-and-pinion steering system contribute to the 2009 Jeep Liberty's blend of on-road ride comfort and nimble, confidence-inspiring handling.

The independent short-and long-arm (SLA) coil spring front suspension provides drivers with an optimum combination of ride and handling and a steering feel that is unattainable with typical strut-type suspensions. A link-type stabilizer bar helps control body lean in cornering and lane-change maneuvers. Ample wheel travel and tuned jounce bumpers help maintain the vehicle's consistent ride quality. A low-arm design mounts the upper control arm on the longitudinal rail of the front body structure for optimum stiffness to minimize noise, vibration and harshness.

A five-link rear suspension, including upper and lower trailing links and a track bar, provides greater lateral stiffness, making the 2009 Jeep Liberty feel more responsive. The solid axle delivers uniform handling and stability when the vehicle is loaded or towing a trailer.

Precise Rack-and-pinion Steering
To help create a premium on-road driving experience and confident road feel, the 2009 Jeep Liberty's power rack-and-pinion steering gives a precise feel and provides a turning circle similar to vehicles with a shorter wheelbase.

Automatic Transmissions
A four-speed automatic transmission is standard on Jeep Liberty Sport and Limited 4x2 and 4x4 models. The transmission incorporates a variable hydraulic line pressure feature to increase fuel economy.

Jeep Trail Rated®
Vehicles equipped with Jeep Liberty's four-wheel-drive systems are Trail Rated®. The Jeep Trail Rated badge on the 2009 Jeep Liberty shows that the vehicle has been designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: Traction, Ground Clearance, Maneuverability, Articulation and Water Fording.

Jeep Trail Rated is a unique methodology used by Jeep Engineering to measure and predict off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles today and into the future. Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, the Jeep Trail Rated system provides a consistent measurement of off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

From the ground up, the 2009 Jeep® Liberty remains true to its legendary 4x4 heritage

• Choice of two 4x4 systems to meet customers' driving needs
• Selec-Trac II® four-wheel-drive system - Full-time, shift-on-the-fly, active four-wheel drive system offers customers the benefit of a fully electronic two-speed active transfer case and brake traction control system. It instantly anticipates wheel slip and redirects torque accordingly, which is ideal for off-roading or when driving in inclement weather
• Command-Trac® four-wheel-drive system - Part-time, shift-on-the-fly, fully electronic system provides the peace of mind of four-wheel-drive capability delivered through a two-speed transfer case for use on slippery or loose surfaces (snow, mud or sand)
• Hill Descent Control - Allows a smooth and controlled hill descent on rough or slippery terrain without the driver needing to touch the brake pedal
• Hill Start Assist - Assists drivers when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill by maintaining the level of brake pressure applied for a short period after the driver's foot is removed from the brake pedal
• Jeep Trail Rated capability

Improved on-road ride, handling, performance and fuel economy

• Independent front suspension, five-link rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering for improved on-road ride and handling
• Refined 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine delivers 210 horsepower (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque @ 4,000 rpm and improved fuel economy
• Trailer Sway Control helps reduce trailer sway and improves handling in adverse towing conditions caused by crosswinds and traffic
• Unsurpassed 5,000-lb. trailer towing capability (when properly equipped)
• Standard safety and security features including supplemental side-curtain air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) brake traction control and Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM)
• The Jeep Liberty maintains the balance of on-road refinement with off-road capability that its customers expect

Jeep classic exterior styling and functional interior space designed to broaden its consumer appeal

• Rugged appearance, flatter hood, taller seven-slot grille and encased round headlamps designed to attract new customers
• Increased interior space for passenger comfort - 2.0 inches longer, half-inch wider, increased second-row leg room, increased shoulder room, reclining rear seats, increased cargo capacity behind the second row, larger glove box and storage in center console
• Functional interior space - available fold-flat front-passenger seat, standard fold-flat second-row passenger seats and a reversible cargo floor
• Limited model features bright side roof rails, light bar and interior details
• Sport model features standard body-color fascias and wheel flares

Innovative premium amenities

• Industry-exclusive, Sky Slider™ full-open roof available on Sport and Limited models slides open to reveal first and second row, or just one row individually for an "only in a Jeep" open-air experience - four times the size of a conventional sun roof
• uconnect tunes includes a 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing as many as 6,700 compressed MP3, AAC or WMA format songs and JPEG photos onto the hard drive. In addition, movies can be displayed on the screen for entertaining passengers when the vehicle is in Park
• uconnect gps which combines the features of uconnect phone and uconnect tunes with navigation and real-time traffic. The system includes an integrated voice recognition system and touch screen for easy operation with eight audio premium speakers and subwoofer
• Automatic temperature control with a cabin air-filtration system
• Options include 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, Stain Repel Seat Fabric, heated (front) leather seats, rain-sensing wipers, ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System, 115-volt power outlet, memory seats, radio and mirrors, AM/FM/six-disc CD/DVD/MP3, remote start, automatic headlamps, uconnect phone and uconnect studios SIRIUS Satellite Radio

MODEL LINEUP

2009 Jeep Liberty Sport
Standard Features

• Auto headlamps
• 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine
• Four-speed automatic transmission
• Command-Trac® part-time four-wheel-drive system (4x4)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
• Brake Assist
• Four-wheel brake traction control
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Supplemental side-curtain air bags
• Cloth high-back bucket seats
• 16-inch aluminum wheels
• P225/75R16 all-season BSW tires
• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM)
• Compact spare tire
• Premium floor mats
• uconnect studios SIRIUS Satellite Radio

Optional Features

• Select-Trac® II full-time four-wheel-drive system
• P225/75R16 all-season outlined white letter (OWL) tires
• P235/70R16 all-terrain OWL tires
• Sky Slider full-open roof
• Power sun roof
• AM/FM radio with six-disc CD player
• Fog lamps
• Speed control
• Deep-tinted sunscreen glass
• Full-size spare tire
• Trailer Tow Group
• Trailer Tow Group - Class III
• Fold-flat front-passenger seat
• 115-volt inverter
• Roof rails
• Compass/temperature display in-dash
• Cargo shade

2009 Jeep Liberty Limited
Standard Features
In addition to the standard features on the Liberty Sport, the Limited model includes:

• 17-inch aluminum wheels
• P235/65R17 all-season black sidewall (BSW) tires
• Command-Trac® part-time four-wheel-drive system (4x4)
• Stain Repel Seat Fabric
• Power front driver seat
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Security alarm
• Speed control
• HomeLink Universal Home Security System Transceiver
• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) with display
• Cargo shade
• uconnect studios SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
• Fold-flat passenger seat
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Auto-up/-down driver window
• Auto-down passenger window
• Steering wheel radio controls
• Infinity® premium audio speakers (eight) and a subwoofer
• Power heated folding exterior mirrors
• Full-size spare tire
• Exterior and interior chrome accents

Optional Features

• Selec-Trac II full-time four-wheel-drive system (4x4)
• AM/FM/MP3 six-disc CD radio
• 18-inch aluminum chrome-clad wheels
• P235/60R18 all-season BSW tires
• uconnect tunes
• Heated leather seats
• Memory seats, radio presets, mirrors
• Sky Slider full-open roof
• Power sun roof
• Auto headlamps
• Power passenger seat
• Remote start
• Automatic temperature control with cabin air filtration
• Rain-sensing wipers
• ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System
• Trailer Tow Group
• uconnect phone

2009 JEEP LIBERTY SAFETY AND SECURITY EQUIPMENT
Please refer to the Safety and Security Glossary in the Safety and Technology section for descriptions of the following available features:

• Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags
• All-speed Traction Control
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Auto-reverse Sun Roof
• Auto-reverse Windows
• BeltAlert
• Brake Assist
• Brake/Park Interlock
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)
• Child-protection Rear Door Locks
• Crumple Zones
• Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Energy-absorbing Steering Column
• Height-adjustable Seat Belts
• Hill Descent Control
• Hill Start Assist
• HomeLink Universal Home Security System Transceiver
• Interior Head-impact Protection
• Knee Bolsters
• Low-risk Deployment Air Bag
• Occupant Classification System (OCS)
• ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Seat Belt Pretensioners
• Security Alarm
• Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
• Side Occupant Protection System
• Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags
• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM)
• uconnect phone

COLOR AVAILABILITY

• Sunburst Orange Pearl Coat (New)
• Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat (New)
• Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
• Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
• Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat
• Jeep Green Metallic Clear Coat
• Light Graystone Pearl Coat
• Red Rock Crystal Pearl Coat
• Stone White Clear Coat

MANUFACTURING INFORMATION

• 2009 model year production start: July 2008
• Production location: Toledo North Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio
• 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine: Mack Avenue Engine Complex in Detroit
• Six-speed manual transmission (NSG 370): Stuttgart Transmission Plant in Stuttgart, Germany (for export diesel models only)
• Four-speed automatic transmission (42RLE): Kokomo Transmission Plant in Kokomo, Ind.

MARKET POSITION
The more refined 2009 Jeep® Liberty features a classic design for the "independent adventurer" who values legendary Jeep 4X4 capability. These customers are surprised and delighted by the unexpected on-road manners and comfort, convenience, cargo versatility and safety improvements in this "right-sized" SUV.


MARKET ADVANTAGES
A more refined and classically designed, "right sized" mid-sized Jeep® with unexpected on-road manners, improved ride and handling and unmatched off-road capability

• Jeep engineered independent front suspension for optimal on-road performance
• Jeep Trail Rated®
• Standard V-6 engine
• Selec-Trac II® 4WD system with an active two-speed transfer case is a more responsive, on-demand system that provides superior traction in inclement weather, while enhancing off-road capability
• Improved on-road ride and handling
• Towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. (5,000 lbs. with load-leveling hitch)

Enhanced interior amenities for a mid-sized SUV

• Longer wheelbase (2 inches), wider wheelbase (½ inch), more front-seat shoulder room (½ inch), more rear-seat leg room (1½ inches), improved cargo capacity
• Available fold-flat front-passenger seat
• Stain Repel Seat Fabric
• Memory seats, radio and mirrors, remote start, rain-sensing wipers
• uconnect gps which combines the features of uconnect phone and uconnect tunes with navigation and real-time traffic. Includes a 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing as many as 6,700 compressed MP3, AAC or WMA format songs and JPEG photos on to the hard drive. In addition, movies can be displayed on the screen for entertaining passengers when the vehicle is in Park. The system includes an integrated voice recognition system and touch screen for easy operation
• Reversible cargo tray

Segment exclusive Sky Slider retractable, full-open canvas roof

• Convertible fun, freedom and adventure delivers the "only in a Jeep" open-air experience

Delivering safety and security Selec-Trac II Active 4WD system with two-speed transfer case responds "on demand" to customer needs and delivers a sense of security

• Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which includes four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control and Stability Control
• Standard side-impact air bags
• Standard multi-stage driver and passenger air bags with low-risk deployment
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Hill Descent Control
• ParkSense Rear Park Assist System
• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM)

DEMOGRAPHICS

• Gender: 50 percent male/50 percent female
• Median Age: 40 years old
• Median Annual Household Income: $65,000+
• Education: 55 percent with undergraduate/graduate degrees
• Household: 65 percent married