2012 Jeep Patriot Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.62/5 Average
13 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2012 Jeep Patriot has had its available continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) recalibrated for improved performance.

Pros:
  • Jeep-lite styling
  • Clever features.
  • Above-average off-road ability
  • Low base price
Cons:
  • Sluggish acceleration
  • Disappointing fuel economy
  • Poor braking distances
  • Limited cargo capacity.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 13.00
  • Good, inexpensive 4WD wagon - 2012 Jeep Patriot
    By -

    My Patriot is a 2.4 Latitude 4x4 but with a manual trans and not a CVT (something the Jeep site says shouldnt exist). There is lots to like here: the size is right, the price is low, the feature content is high for the price, the interior is roomy and comfortable, visibility is excellent, its quiet, the seats are great, the ride and handling balance is very good, and the 4WD system works well and has a locking center diff. I love the simplicity of the interior although the materials could be better, but they look long-wearing. Plenty of cargo room in reality. Looks far better than the soap-bar competetion and remains a true 4WD station wagon. For someone like me, a solid choice.

  • Better than a Cute Ute! - 2012 Jeep Patriot
    By -

    I didnt do a whole lot of shopping around, but I did know I didnt want a compact crossover that looked just like every other "cute ute" in the sea of SUVs on the road. The Patriot broke that mold and immediately attracted me. The interior redesign in 2011 made a big difference, although its still not up to par with competition. Rides and handles well. Only real complaint is the noisy engine. Other than that, I love this little Jeep.

  • Great Vehicle, Excellent Value - 2012 Jeep Patriot
    By -

    I got the Jeep Patriot Sport 2WD with the 2.0L engine. I opted for CVT over the standard 5 speed manual. And Im in Texas so it had to have A/C. But I chose to go without power locks, power windows, heated mirrors, etc. Ive had it for six months now and its a pleasure to drive and comfortable to travel in. It handles highways well. Ive done driving on two-tracks and rough dirt roads on government land and it handled them with ease. The controls are large making them easy to see and use. The windows give you a nice sight picture all the way around and the mirrors give a great view to the back whether going down the road or backing into a garage. Overall, I very happy with my Patriot.

  • Very impressed - 2012 Jeep Patriot
    By -

    Purchased our 2012 Patriot in Feb. of 2014. My wife totaled my 2003 Tacoma 4x4 after hitting some black ice and losing control. Thank the Lord my wife was fine other than some bruises and a concussion. We decided we needed something better on gas and with a closed back end to haul things out of the weather. 4 wheel drive is a must since we live on a farm and do get snow in our part of Kentucky often enough. Weve put nearly 20k on it in the year weve had it and love it. Has had no issues and like every owner says, dont listen to the magazine and professional reviews. This thing is a great vehicle and value for the money.

  • Best SUV Deal in the USA - 2012 Jeep Patriot
    By -

    I have 2k miles on my Patriot Sport 4WD CVT and I am very happy with it. Some reviews state that it lacks power. I have no problem with the acceleration but I am no jack rabbit starter. The CVT(tranny) takes a little getting use to but is fine after you do. It is a stick/auto so you can up/down shift it at will through 6 speeds. I get 26mpg highway w/o the A/C, 20 in the city. I dont go 4-wheeling but have gone over rough terrain at camp and it is fine for that. Im sure it is going to good in the snow in the coming winters. I ended up paying $19.5k after discounts/incentives/bargining the MSRP was $22.5. I recommended this car.

  • jeep, back in the game. - 2012 Jeep Patriot
    By -

    2012 patriot, smooth ride, quiet engine, nice head room , nice cargo space.. a big difference in the jeep line..

  • 2012 Patriot 4x2 Latitude - Altitude Edition - 2012 Jeep Patriot
    By -

    I have been considering purchasing a Patriot since they first came out, and since then they have made tons of improvements! I test drove a 2010 did not like it enough to make the commitment. My last vehicle was an 03 Corolla, so it was quite a change for me. I wanted a car with lots of cargo space and decent mileage, so I looked at some smaller cars like the Fit, Impreza, and XV Crosstrek. I found the Patriot to be the best combo of style, utility, mileage for my tastes. I have wanted a Jeep ever since I was a kid, and the Patriot delivers! I finally chose a White Altitude Edition, which is an amazing color combo! LOVE my Pat!

  • Surprisingly Jeep-like! But...incredibly comfortable. - 2012 Jeep Patriot
    By -

    I reluctantly and sullenly bought the Patriot over a year ago. With a growing family, full sized dog & insane gas prices, I traded in my Wrangler with resent...the poor Patriot didnt have a chance. I hated it before I even set foot in the Jeep dealership-lol I was 100% wrong. I honestly cannot say anything bad about this vehicle. I really like it! I grew up with a CJ5 as our "family" car, I have no idea how my parents managed that!?! My favorite Jeep product I ever owned was a 1988 Cherokee & the sweet little Patriot comes darn close to that Cherokee in looks and solid feel. Performance is far better, off-roading...well, Im older now & seldom hit the trails. Great little 4X4Xme.

  • Great SUV for the PRICE - 2012 Jeep Patriot
    By -

    Its only been a week since my purchase but Im loving it all the way. Looked into Nissan Rogue, Kia, Suzuki but after test driving Patriot - I made up my mind right then.

  • LOVE IT! - 2012 Jeep Patriot
    By -

    I was torn between the Jeep Patriot and getting another Caliber SXT (which I loved and ran faithfully without a minute of trouble for 64,000 miles). After rigorous shopping and research, I was able to get a loaded Jeep Patriot Latitude; 4 x 2; CVT; sunroof;Sirius radio for about $22,000. I spend a ton of time in my car, so the fact that it is comfortable is of utmost importance. Traction control is a great feature. Heated seats; smooth drive; 2.4 litre engine has nice pickup; manuevers well in parking structures and around town. Looks like a Jeep, but drives like a car. Being 51, I love that I sit up high. I think were going to have a lot of good years together. Ill keep you posted!

Jeep Patriot Reviews By Year:
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