Jeep Cherokee (KK)
The Jeep Cherokee (KK) was a compact SUV produced and marketed by Jeep for the model years 2008 – 2013. On the North American market, it was sold as the Jeep Liberty (KK).
Jeep Cherokee (KK) was introduced for the 2008 model year to replace the Jeep Cherokee (KJ). Compared to the KJ, the KK was boxier and looked more utalitarian. Unlike the KJ, it came with side airbags as standard.
Since MPG-conscious buyers were expected to go for the Jeep Patriot or Compass crossover SUVs, the Jeep Cherokee KK wasn’t offered with any four-cylinder gasoline engine. The available engine choices were instead the 3.7 L PowerTech V6 (gasoline) and the 2.8 L VM Motori RA 428 I4 (turbodiesel). With the iron-block, aluminium-head V6 engine, the KK had a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs (approximately 2,268 kg).
Examples of KK standard equipment:
- Electronic stability control with roll mitigation
- Traction control
- Anti-lock brakes with brake assist
Examples of KK optional equipment:
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Navigation system
- Sirius Satellite Radio
- Bluetooth
- MyGig entertainment system with 30 GB hard drive
Many of the KK buyers were people who had never owned a Jeep before. Data from 2010 show that on the U.S. market, approximately 70% of the buyers were first-time Jeep buyers.
Short facts about the Jeep Cherokee KK
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Manufacturer |
Jeep (Chrysler) |
|---|---|
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Also called |
Jeep Liberty (KK) |
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Production |
2007–2012 |
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Model years |
2008-2013 |
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Wheelbase |
106.1 in (2,690 mm) |
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Length |
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Width |
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Height |
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Curb weight |
3,985-4,780 lb (1,808-2,168 kg) |
| Engine |
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| Transmission |
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Trim levels
The Liberty KK was available in two basic trim levels throughout its five-year production run: Sport and Limited. Sport was the base model, while Limited was a level up from Sport.
Sport
Examples of features included in the Sport trim:
- 3.7 Powertech V6 engine (210 hp)
- Initially, a six-speed manual transmission, but later, an automatic transmission became standard equipment
- 16 inch tires
- Alloy wheels
- Power windows
- Power door locks
- Keyless entry
- Air conditioning
- AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 players and 3.5 mm auxiliary audio input jack
- The 4 speaker system was standard at first, but was later replaced with a 6 speaker system
- Cloth seating surfaces
- Split-folding rear seat
Limited
Examples of features included in the Limited trim:
- 17 inch tires
- Alloy wheels
- Full-sized spare tire and wheel
- Power front driver’s seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Security system
- Dual-zone climate controls
- Uconnect hands-free Bluetooth phone
- Voice command for phone
- A2DP wireless stereo audio streaming capacity
- 6 speaker sound system
- Satellite radio
- Remote audio systems control on the steering wheel
Special editions
Examples of special edition models:
- Renegade
Offered from 2009 to 2011
- Latitude
Offered from 2010 to 2012
- 70th Anniversary Edition
Offered only for 2011
- Jet Edition
Offered for 2011 and 2012
- Arctic Edition
Offered only for 2012
Police use in the USA
The Liberty KK was a popular choice as police vehicle in the U.S; typically the Sport model with 4WD.
2012 recall
In 2012, Chrysler recalled nearly 347,000 Jeep Liberty SUVs due to issues with the rear control arms. Chrysler offered to inspect the parts and replace them for free if deemed necessary. The recall only involved vehicles sold or registered in U.S. States were salt was used to clear ice from roads.
The first recall, which took place in March, was for approximately 210,000 vehicles from the 2004 and 2005 model years. In June, roughly 137,000 vehicles from the 2006 and 2007 model years were added to the recall.
The recalls were a reaction to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration claims of the lower control arms in the rear suspension of the Libertys being suspectible to rusting and breaking, possibly causing the vehicle to crash.
All recalled vehicles were built from July 3, 2003 through June 29, 2007.