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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  Great Ride! - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By jonnyd28 - March 1 - 11:21 pm

  Traded in my 08 Jeep Wrangler for the 11 Patriot mainly because of gas mileage and I could not be any happier. It truly is a tremendous vehicle and very easy to drive. Its quiet, comfortable, runs great, and handles great. My only complaint would be the small gas tank. Has a 13.9 gallon tank. I commute 45 miles to work each day and I am filling up a lot. Nothing major, just inconvenient. I average about 23-24 MPGS on the highway, not the advertised sticker number but Im told once you break it in it gets better (Im just waiting for that.) I have a 4 cyl. automatic Patriot Lattitude and you cant tell its 4 cyl. Powers up nicely on the highway. All in all a great vehicle.

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  Its All Right - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Joel - February 24 - 9:10 pm

  Well to start the Patriot is a nice truck, I do have some problems with the flat tire gauge going on but I have no flat. It should be standard to have the Information Center on the dash I am very disappointed with that mine didnt come with that. I would like to see a Glass Panoramic sunroof too that would be cool and some more interior lighting preferably under the dash, and the tach lighting is dim make them a little brighter white is the new color for gauges. and a wood dash option with black leather, the two tone leather looks tacky.

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  Short drivers avoid! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Cheryl - February 24 - 8:03 pm

  Im in this rental for 3 weeks now. I have bruises all over my right knee. There is a panel under the steering wheel that I constantly bump into. The seats are not adjustable enough. Im unable to sit high enough to see, if I want uninjured legs; pushing the seat back, I sit uncomfortably stretched.

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  my 4th Patriot - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By tom polcari phd - February 24 - 4:56 pm

  Im on my 52nd Chrysler product and of those, 4 were Jeep Patriots. Good gas mileage, even in the city. Ride is good, with plenty of interior space. Patriots went thru numerous improvements for 2009- interior design, noise levels, ride upgrades, etc. this year alone, Ive had the orange and the black- one of. my favorite recent Chrysler products. Today. I may buy a Jeep Compass which is the Patriots upscale cousin.

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  Patriot Rocks - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Gsmac7 - February 15 - 12:06 pm

  I love my Patriot. I actually traded a Liberty for the Patriot. It is nice on long road trips and great on gas.

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  Pro review wildly inaccurate. - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By rollpoly - February 14 - 10:32 am

  To start, the "pro" review is shockingly inaccurate. The vast majority of 2015 patriots are have Auto transmissions as Jeep has tossed the CVT. The 4x4 comes with a competitive 2.5L engine. 5yrs ago Jeep interiors may have been cheap, but the 2015 interior is great! love the illuminated cupholders. Great features at a great price, the latitude has heated seats, reclining rear seats, audio controls, 115V outlet, remote start, ht. adjustable seat and much more. I got 30mpg driving from denver to WY and back. Thats a 4000ft elevation gain. With 4WD you have the benefit of being in 2WD 95% of the time and getting better gas mileage than AWD cars and better 4wd performance whine in 4wd.

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  My jeep - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Melinda - February 13 - 3:19 pm

  I love my Jeep Patriot !! BUUUUT, I have had it for only seven months and , it has been in the dealers repair shop five times to repair the trim on the windshield and roof :(( Really think this is a defect that Chrysler/jeep needs to check! After five times of ordering trim..... Maybe a defect in the grove?????

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  1st Jeep - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By GJM - February 9 - 10:36 pm

  I have put 4500 miles on this rig in 6 weeks. I had an AWD Subie that I put 157,000 miles on in 4 years. This is roomy, fun to drive and will go through ice and snow easy enough. I am getting anywhere between 22-28MPG depending on whether or not it is 4 wheel drive or city driving. I bought this because I could not find a 4x4/awd for less money. I plan on keeping it for 30,000 miles. If it holds up I will buy another one with options. If I have any issues, I buy another forester.

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  Loving It! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Kristen - January 31 - 9:53 pm

  So after looking at the Chevy Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Mazda5 and a few others, Jeep had the best lease terms and no doubt the absolute best warranty in the business, which led us to lease this truck 1 wk ago. So far so good, its fun to drive with the euroshift making up for its lack of spunk when passing, a little down shifting goes a long way. My own complaints are that its 2008 and you can still lock yourself out of the car with THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION! Ive already done it, if you hit the lock down manually by accident while getting out too bad!! Also the cup holders are in a stupid spot and the tailgate door is super low. Im 510" and Ive hit my head a few times already

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  LOVE THIS SUV - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Dianne - January 29 - 9:07 am

  I have never owned a Jeep product. I always stuck with Honda or Toyota. This vehicle tops all of those. The head room and leg room is wonderful, I am 59 and I have lots of room.