Overview & Reviews

At first glance, the Jeep Patriot crossover evokes the boxy, go-anywhere Jeep Cherokee of old. And that's the way Jeep wants it. But underneath, the Patriot utilizes the same platform as the old, discontinued -- and generally unloved -- Dodge Caliber hatchback. Fundamentally more of an economy car than a real SUV, the Patriot is a tough pill for the Jeep faithful to swallow.

You do get respectable approach and departure angles, ample ground clearance and the availability of a serious four-wheel-drive package that adds low-range gearing and skid plates, among other goodies. But when you get right down to it, there's just not a lot of substance behind the Patriot's bold face. Other vehicles in the segment offer roomier interiors, more standard features, higher fuel economy, stronger performance, superior fit and finish and comparable off-road capability. Overall, we think most shoppers will be better served by looking elsewhere.

Current Jeep Patriot
The Jeep Patriot is a compact crossover available in three main trim levels: Sport, Latitude and Limited. The base Sport doesn't even come with full power accessories or air-conditioning, but it makes do with basics like 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control and a four-speaker sound system. The Latitude adds the Sport's missing features plus alloy wheels, a height-adjustable driver seat and heated front seats. The Limited boasts rear disc brakes (the others get rear drums), leather upholstery and automatic climate control. Options include distinctive flip-down tailgate speakers, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, a 6.5-inch touchscreen and roof rails.

The standard engine for front-wheel-drive Sport and Latitude models is a 158-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 172 hp is optional on those trims and standard on the Limited trim, as well as on all Patriots that have four-wheel drive. The Sport and Latitude come standard with a five-speed manual transmission and are eligible for a six-speed automatic, while the Limited gets the automatic as standard. The limited-edition Altitude and High Altitude sub-trims are equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

There are two four-wheel-drive systems offered. The first, a single-speed system that's technically just all-wheel drive, can be paired with either the manual or six-speed automatic transmission in Sport trim, but the automatic comes standard on the higher trims. Opting for Freedom Drive II four-wheel drive substitutes the CVT but also adds low-range gearing, all-terrain tires, skid plates, hill ascent and descent control, front and rear tow hooks and a full-size spare tire.

Due to its slim profile and high load floor, the Patriot doesn't have a lot of space inside. The rear seats are on the tight side and storage space is limited. The rear seatbacks fold down in a 60/40 split to open up 53.5 cubic feet of storage space, but most rivals offer significantly more.

In reviews, we've found the Jeep Patriot disappointing from behind the wheel. The ride quality is relatively crude, thanks to a suspension that's easily unsettled by imperfect roads, and the cabin is pretty noisy at speed. The 2.4-liter four delivers just adequate acceleration with the manual or six-speed automatic, and it's lethargic with the CVT. The base 2.0-liter four, meanwhile, is underpowered and barely more fuel-efficient than the 2.4. Even models equipped with Freedom Drive II fail to convince, since there are other compact SUVs out there that perform just fine in the dirt while offering a superior experience in civilization. Another major complaint concerns the lackluster quality of the Patriot's interior materials.

Used Jeep Patriot Models
The Jeep Patriot was introduced for 2007. Some features were added a year later, but 2009 saw the first big changes in the form of a new and improved interior. Prior to that, the crummy hard plastics created one of the worst cabins on the market. For 2010, the 158-hp four-cylinder could be paired to the five-speed manual for the first time. These 2007-'10 Patriots lack the upgrades made to the 2011 model, including minor exterior styling changes, improved interior trim, reworked steering and suspension systems, and a taller 4WD ride height. The six-speed automatic didn't appear until the 2014 model year, which is also when front-seat side airbags became standard across the lineup.

User Reviews:

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  I think the review people dont know - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Dee - September 28 - 1:48 pm

  Its not a high priced vehicle, I believe that is a good value for a lower price SUV. I priced several and settled on the Patriot. Its perfect for what I wanted. I have had it 6 months and am very satisfied. If the reviews reflected the value instead of comparing it to high priced (some of which also have very bad reviews) vehicles.

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  Decent 4x4 - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By ash - September 25 - 1:23 pm

  Not a bad Jeep. Good update of the classic Cherokee. Great 4x4 capabilites. Good for the average driver. If you want to take it off road and beat on it than go with a used Cherokee or Wrangler.

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  Great Purchase - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Shea H. - September 25 - 10:36 am

  I have owned my Patriot 9 months and have yet to be disappointed. Its fun, gets great mileage, and is very comfortable. My son is 61" and easily sits in the back seat. Plenty of cargo room in the back. We have taken it on many long trips already. Its great both on trips and around town. I went from a Cherokee to the Patriot. We plan on keeping it for many years. We recommend it to anyone.

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  toyota who? - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By j.d. - September 19 - 3:46 am

  Great gas mileage. Fun to drive. Economical payment and gas for $2.99. Whats not to love?

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  Another Bad Transmission - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By kwijibur - September 17 - 9:55 am

  I bought this new in 2007 3 weeks before they offered the lifetime powertrain warranty. Now, at 56k miles, it needs a new transmission. This is after the control arm and tie rod failures that were covered (thankfully) under the 3/36 warranty. I understand that its out of warranty now. But, a new transmission on a 3 y/o car with only 56k miles? Really? Chrysler customer service have also been real jerks. I called them for payment assistance at the recommendation of the dealer and theyve promised me a response by the end of the day for five days straight.

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  almost but not quite - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By cephas73 - September 15 - 7:20 am

  Smooth ride, good styling, plenty of room. Poor fit and finish. Sensor that controlled brakes broke and caused brakes to fail when applying them when going over any type of bump. Water leaks into vehicle from the rear brake light. Turn signal does not turn off after turning. It is too bad that these things have happened because the vehicle is a great idea it just was poorly built. It has 7000 miles.

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  Great Car, Dont Listen to "Experts" - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By jrgibsongirl - August 29 - 9:35 pm

  Please dont judge this car by the "expert" reviews. Ive owned this car for one year and put 14k miles on it. I love it! Gas mileage is as advertised or even better (and thats with a base automatic engine). Interior is simple, but more than adequate. Ride is a little noisy on the highway, but hey, its a Jeep not a Mercedes. If youre looking for a smaller SUV thats reliable and affordable then I highly recommend you check out the Patriot.

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  I like it - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Mike Lowery - August 16 - 3:43 pm

  Im in the military and bought this through the on post car sales and Ive only been driving it about a month and some change. But so far I really enjoy the vehicle like said earlier dosent have a lot of off the line power but it has more HP than the average 4 banger, especially considering the last 4 banger I drove was in 94. Anyway all around I personally think its a great deal and the test drive is what took me to this over the Dodge Nitro. Not as flashy but rides smoother and dosent have a huge parking brake right beside your thigh, thats just my opinion though go test drive it yourself see how you like it versus these reviews

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  RR - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By David - August 10 - 8:46 pm

  Awesome! great value for your money, and is a very well built SUV.

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  Classic Jeep looks - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Steve - August 2 - 8:27 am

  2016 Jeep Patriot Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 5Manual) with Power Value Group and air conditioning.The Patriot feels solid and well built. I have no problem reaching freeway speeds or traveling over the mountain passes in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. It has very comfortable front seating with excellent head and leg room. I received a great price on this smaller SUV. The Jeep Patriot is the best value for your money in this segment of the SUV market. Test one for yourself and see if it fits your lifestyle.