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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  Satisfied Owner - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By fordluver - June 20 - 10:20 pm

  After 1.5 years ownership, we have been very pleased with our 2014 Patriot Sport, 2.4L, 6 speed auto, 2wd. It suits our farm lifestyle fine. Pre purchase research shows the engine to be unrefined, but extremely reliable and trouble free. Paired with the 6 speed auto, it is quieter and has adequate zip for safe driving. It is easy and economical to service if you are a diyer. Ride and comfort are good. Suspension and road noise are what one would expect on a utility vehicle.....worse than a large touring sedan but completely acceptable. Considering last winter the worst in decades, it handles rain and snow excellent (even 2 wheel drive).

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  Update- 122k, still no non wear repairs - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By jeepking - June 19 - 9:21 am

  I wrote a review about my Patriot at 60k, only repair then was a light bulb. Since then I have 122k and have only had to replace wear items. Just did a new clutch at 122k, did rear brakes at 110k and front at 120k. My hope is the next clutch goes longer, I live in Minnesota and when I replaced the stock Goodyears with Michelins my snow performance went to ****, I have two wheel drive and did put some snow tires on (Kumhos), and that has worked out well. Point is I think I did a lot of damage to my clutch trying to get out of stuff without snow tires.

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  True Bargain! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Jodi - June 7 - 4:40 pm

  We are about a month into owning our jeep patriot, and we love it! You just cant beat it for the price. It is cheap to insure, among the best for safety, gets good gas mileage (we get 22-25), and is very utilitarian. While Ive heard some complain about the quality of the interior seating and the comfort, weve had no problems. We have the YES essentials fabric, and I find the seats plenty comfortable (have traveled for 3+ hours at a time in it). Its definitely not a Lexus, but i appreciate that many of the features are so functional. My sister was so impressed by our jeep that she is actually thinking about trading in her 2008 Saturn Vue for one.

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  Great American Value - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By AK - June 7 - 1:43 pm

  I purchased an optic green sport model with 4x4 and FDI.Just broke first 1000 miles.I love a new updated interior with illuminated cup holders,more comfortable headrests and round chrome accent air vents.Our adventure didnt start the way I expected from a brand new vehicle.I had to wait 10 days for a dealership to fix an A/C line that was leaking freon that had to be ordered from factory in Detroit.Other than that,this is a great vehicle for its price.I love autostick option, very handy when driving on mountain roads.There is not that much of a road noise as described by editors.Turning radius is great so as maneuvering.Even though the interior is all plastic but its pretty durable.

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  Dont Waste Time Researching - By This - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Mark Nahra - May 9 - 6:50 am

  Great vehicle. Researched Ford Escape and all other small SUVs and the Patriot is the best value even if gas goes up to $5 a gallon. No need for you to repeat my research. Been getting about 21.5 mpg on the first tank mostly city driving though. Sharp vehicle, with really great handling, I can get it into tight spaces. Have your cake and eat it to with this SUV. Cant wait to see how it will perform in the snow.

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  Better than a Cute Ute! - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By bondiblue - April 23 - 1:05 am

  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.

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  Way underpowered - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Sam Faust - April 22 - 12:21 pm

  Rented on vacation. The engine is completely punchless and to accelerate on the interstate literally requires flooring it. Maybe ok around town, but barely interstate worthy. Also, the cargo bay cant accommodate a regular golf bag.

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  A Fun SUV - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By william Ward - March 31 - 1:40 pm

  We have been to the Colorado mountains to 11,000 feet elevations from Missouri at 800 feet. We got up to 30.3 MPG across Kansas, a lot of 28.8 with a very loaded car. The noise level was quiet enough to play the radio and talk with out being loud. Seats were very comfortable for us, I even have a bad back. We go off road every year with National Forest maps with every jeep we have had for 15 years, this Patriot did well also, but not as well as our Grand Cherokee. Around town we get 24.8 to 30 MPG and enjoy it. The CVT transmission took some getting use to to get better gas mileage. The Wrangler tires are wearing out at 30,000 miles even though I keep them at 40 PSI. New tires to be soon

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  Very Happy - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By ksandlin - March 20 - 3:03 pm

  Tested the 2.0L which was totally under- powered - 2.4L is a must. Leather interior, nice instrument cluster, sunroof, and Sirius give a luxurious feel to a very affordable SUV (dark interior with silver metallic accents). Mileage is averaging 22-24, though small tank is a little annoying. Lifetime powertrain warranty is a winner. Fun to drive!

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  Finally a fuel miser Jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By jepstr67 - March 17 - 7:36 pm

  I have logged 21000 miles on this Jeep since March of 2008. Not a single problem. Power and performance are more than adequate for my driving style. My mileage is well within the stated numbers. Often a little better, 30 MPG highway is common for me. The cargo space is good. Lots of room for lumber, dogs, furniture and garage sale finds. This is NOT a Jeep designed for difficult trails and extended off road use. It is excellent for northern climates where snow and ice are common. The car is quiet and comfortable. It is possible to keep the cabin comfortable in temperatures from -20 to 100 degrees. There is some road noise but not excessive. Lets be reasonable, look at the price.