When Jeep introduced the Liberty in 2001, it was the middle child of a three vehicle lineup. Now that it's redesigned for 2008, it's the middle child of a seven-vehicle lineup. Compared to recent Jeep offerings such as the Patriot and Compass, however, it is more of a true Jeep, with off-road prowess and bold, upright styling.

The 2008 Liberty is unmistakable as a Jeep. The 2008 model is 2.5 inches longer and 0.8 inch wider than the previous generation (2001-07), with a wheelbase that grows by 1.8 inches. Its tall, upright, angular styling fits with the current Jeep design idiom while also recalling the 1990s Cherokee. Whereas the last model had some soft lines and skewed 60/40 toward women buyers, Jeep feels the new model's more rugged looks will attract an even split of male/female buyers.

Internally, Jeep calls the Liberty's platform KJ. It is the same platform used for the last model and it is shared with the Dodge Nitro. The big news here is the new rear suspension. It's an independent five-link unit that allows for greater interior room and better ride characteristics.

The most noticeable aspect of the front end is Jeep's characteristic seven-slot grille, which is taller on this model. The grille is body color on Sport, chrome on Limited. The front fascia is body color on all, and the front air dam is removable to provide more ground clearance for off-roading.

From the side, the Liberty looks like a junior Commander, with tall windows in a squared off greenhouse. The Limited's chrome theme extends to the side with chrome side trim and roof rails. These components are black on Sport, and the roof rails are optional. In an attempt to give the Liberty the open feel of a Wrangler, Jeep offers the Sky Slider sunroof. Jeep says this canvas power sunroof is four times the size of an average sunroof.

A notable feature of the rear is the lack of an exterior spare tire. Jeep has moved it under the floor for 2008. The tailgate also changes from a swing gate to a liftgate design, and separate opening rear glass is newly standard.

Jeep says its competition is the Honda CRV, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Xterra. The 2008 Liberty is approximately the same size as these vehicles, but is considerably heavier than all but the Xterra. It is also more capable off-road than all but the Xterra.