Against 438 other V6 cars rated 2010–2012, the Liberty trails their 20.4 mpg average by 2.4 mpg, about $251 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2002, the 2.8L 4-cyl (2005–2006), does 21 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.7L 6-cyl (2002–2012), 17.5: $365 a year apart.
Every Jeep Liberty engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 4-cyl | 19 / 23.5 | 2005–2006 | $1,829 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 17 / 22 | 2003–2004 | $2,021 | |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 15.5 / 21.1 | 2002–2012 | $2,194 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Nissan Xterra gets 18 mpg, the Cadillac SRX 19.3 mpg and the Infiniti QX56 16 mpg, next to 18 mpg for the 2012 Liberty.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2012) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2010–2012 | +$251 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,690 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2012 Jeep Liberty gives up 6 mpg in town: 22 on the highway against 16 in the city, $655 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2012) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 22 mpg | $1,745 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (38%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Liberty changed over the years
The Liberty peaked in 2008 at 19 mpg (16 city, 22 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2007 at 17 — 2 mpg apart, or $238 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2012 car does 18.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2011 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2010 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2009 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2008 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2007 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2006 | 17 / 22 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 2005 | 17 / 22 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 2004 | 16 / 21 | 2 | $2,133 | |
| 2003 | 16 / 21 | 2 | $2,133 | |
| 2002 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
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How we count
This page rests on 15 EPA ratings of the Jeep Liberty — 3 engines across 2002–2012. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,690. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2012 Jeep Liberty get?
18 mpg combined, 16 city and 22 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2002 the Liberty has averaged 18.2 mpg.
Is the 2012 Liberty more efficient than the 2011?
About the same: 18 against 18 mpg combined.
Which Liberty year has the best gas mileage?
The 2008, at 19 mpg combined (16 city, 22 highway).
Does the Liberty get better gas mileage than the Nissan Xterra?
About the same: 18 mpg for the 2012 Liberty against 18 for the 2013 Nissan Xterra.
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