Auto Guide
2012 Jeep Liberty
Used

Review and specifications

2012 Jeep Liberty

The boxier looking 2008 redesign brought little improvement in driving dynamics. It also remained noisy and cramped. In fact, we ranked this version of the Liberty lower than its predecessor and it is the lowest-rated vehicle in its category for the time. Ride quality is unsettled, handling is clumsy and the noisy engine uses too much fuel. The interior is too small, uncomfortable and fit and finish are poor. On the other hand, the Jeep tows well and offroad terrain is handled masterfully. A full-time four-wheel drive system was an option. The 2012 models were the last for the Liberty.

Market value
$5,275
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2012
Owner rating 3/5
Reliability Not rated
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door SUV
Drive type
4WD
Transmission
Automatic, 4-speed
Category
Compact SUVs
Generation began
2008

Pricing

Current retail median
$5,275
Retail value range
$4,700 - $5,925
Original MSRP range
$23,395 - $28,995
Trade-in range
$1,900 - $3,065

Ratings

Road test score
27/100
Owner satisfaction
3/5
Would buy again
50%

Fuel economy

EPA city
15 MPG
EPA highway
21 MPG
EPA combined
17 MPG
Tested city
11 MPG
Tested highway
22 MPG
Tested overall
16 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$2,450
Cruising range
310 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.1 sec
0-60 mph
9.2 sec
60-0 mph braking
150 ft
Avoidance speed
48.5 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
177 in
Width
72 in
Height
70 in
Wheelbase
106 in
Weight
4,220 lb
Maximum load
950 lb
Towing capacity
3,500 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
3 in
Front leg room
41 in
Rear head room
5 in
Rear leg room
28 in
Cargo volume
36.5 cu ft
Luggage
4+0+0

Owner feedback

Comfort
1/5
Driving
1/5
Styling
4/5
Value
3/5

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
2/10
Greenhouse gas score
2/10
SmartWay
No

Brand context

About Jeep

The Jeep Wrangler has poor fuel economy, wind noise, an uncomfortable interior, and reliability scores near the bottom of Consumer Reports’ rankings. Despite those results, the Wrangler has been popular for decades. Next to endless options of aerodynamic compact SUVs, its boxy, military-inspired design makes it timeless and charming. It’s also especially capable off-road, and is available as a pickup truck. The Wrangler’s rugged appeal benefits the rest of Jeep’s lineup of small, medium, and large SUVs. The Cherokee and Wagoneer, despite their name’s historical appeal, usually score low on Consumer Reports’ customer satisfaction surveys. However, shoppers drawn to the Jeep name who are comfortable with sacrificing handling and fuel economy for three-row capacity can consider the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Low reliability scores across the brand make it difficult to recommend buying a used Jeep.

Vehicle ID: 6706 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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