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 love my first Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Janie - December 7 - 10:03 am

  I bought this car a few months ago and I love it! This is my first Jeep and Im very impressed with the comfort and roominess of the this car. Im getting about 28 mpg which I think is excellent.

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  CVT TRANSMISSION - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By kh0864 - December 5 - 12:57 am

  My husband and I just bought a 2008 Patriot, fell in love with it right away!! Loved the rugged looking exterior of an SUV/Truck with the gas mileage of a car! Unfortunately the love was short lived. ONE day after buying this Jeep it started to make a whinning noise which was coming from the front end.. We had a bad feeling it was the CVT transmission so we took it into the Chrysler/Jeep dealership and our suspisions were right.. It needs a new CVT Transmission!! a 5 year old car with 100,000KM on it should NOT need a new transmission!!! So to anyone looking to get a Patriot dont fall in love with the Exterior/Interior when whats under the hood doesnt stand up to par!!!

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  Ive only put 200 miles on it, but I love it so fa - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By justin - December 2 - 10:02 pm

  I bought mine (Altitude) with 3,500 miles on it for $18.9k. Im very pleased thus far. Its a pretty basic suv. It reminds me of the old Cherokee Sport versions pre- 2002 - right before they started making the Liberty. Auto dimming mirrors (actually performs very well, maybe the best dimming mirror I have ever driven with); Cruise Control; AC; Fog Lights; Auto Headlights; remote start; bluetooth (can sync my music pretty decent sound); touch free phone (works really well, and I usually never use touch free phone system because I usually hate it, but this works very well, no yelling needed); steering-wheel buttons; voice command; sirius; power windows/mirrors; heated seats; heated mirrors. Also, Im not sure what this feature is called, but Im pretty sure its a variable transmission - meaning that I can drive it in automatic, or I can flick the shifter and it then turns to a manual 6speed transmission. I think thats very cool and enjoy it. Scared me the first time as I had no idea I had transferred it to manual and couldnt make it up a hill. I thought I bought a lemon before I realized I had engaged the manual transmission, lol. I mention this also because i have read several reviews where people say that sometimes their Patriot wont go over 40mph because of "overheating." They probably engaged the manual transmission without realizing it and dont realize theyre driving their car in 1st gear. Its only a 4 cylinder engine, but it gets up to 80mph in a hurry. Its fine. Ive read some reviews that criticize the weak pickup of the engine, Im not sure these people understand its a 4 cylinder carrying an SUV body, its not an V8 engine, lol. Nonetheless, the engine is fine (though I havent had it packed full of stuff, nor have i towed anything with it). The ride is smooth, quiet, and comfortable. Im 63 200lbs. Plenty of leg room. Also, It is the only car, other Jeeps included, that my head or hair does not touch the roof. I do not have to slouch. Thats awesome if youre a tall person. Gas milage is fine. I drove 160 miles (all highway) on a half a tank, so thats over 300 miles on a full tank. I believe it holds 13 gallons and costs somewhere around $30 to fill. The windshield is gigantic. You have a lot of windshield vision as well as passenger front and back window vision. Driver side rear window vision is spotty. Just be careful switching lanes. I love this Jeep. Its basic, yet it also has enough features to make it a very enjoyable experience.

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  😒 - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Neki - November 30 - 5:24 am

  Electrical problems on a brand new truck 2015 not even 2months in Im not understanding smh......

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  Outstanding Value - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By John in Phoenix - November 28 - 2:43 am

  Bought this vehicle while I was in Iraq through military buying program. Did research on these types of sites, and information was overwhelmingly positive, even though it was not rated well in Consumer Report. I took a bit of a "plunge" and bought it strictly on consumer ratings, vehicle magazine ratings (other than CR), and people such as you giving honest feedback on these sites. Got a great deal and bought a Sport 4x4, CVT transmission, electronic package. I have been driving it for a month now and it exceeds my expectations! I was concerned about a 4-cylinder engine, but more than enough power to get around. I heard some cons about the CVT, but not an issue...works very well.

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  Disappointed - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Richard Hendrix - November 22 - 5:08 pm

  My new 2016 Jeep Latitude came with a rough idle when stopped and squeaky brakes. The dealer says this is normal for this model and nothing can be done. It is not what I expect in a new vehicle. I have owned many new cars in my lifetime and I have never experienced these problems on any other vehicle. When I complain to then service manager he basically just shrugs.

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  Great buy - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By USAFflyer09 - November 15 - 3:13 am

  I love my Patriot. I bought it brand new in November of 2007 for $19,000 out the door (cash). I have about 8,000 miles on it now. Its a little underpowered, but it helps get good better MPG. The interior plastic doesnt really bother me that much, but it is a little uncomfortable for your arms/elbows on a long drive.

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  Test while cold - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Jeepman - November 12 - 2:00 am

  The patriot is inexpensive but you get what you pay for. The CVT has a horrible jerk, so-called engine braking, at low speed, and the four cylinder sounds like a diesel until it gets warmed up. Jeep says the jerking is "normal" and they are not working on fix. Good cheap transportation but dont expect a refined ride.

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  Professional car reviewers are worthless - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Larry - November 10 - 8:48 am

  Its a Jeep. I bought a 2016 and I really like it. I have owned a lot of new cars, I buy them for myself , my wife and my son. If you read the reviews you would think it is a terrible vehicle. But I test drive cars myself and I dont listen to what car snobs have to say. If you option it properly it is an unbelievable value. First, I bought a Sport with Freedom Dive 1 and the 2.4L motor with the 6 speed auto. This trim is not included in the drop down list for some reason. So my final cost was under 17K with discounts and rebates ( before taxes and license)- for a 4WD SUV. The interior is pretty basic but the seats are comfortable and the appearance is nice overall, I love the dash and the gauges. The visibility is great and I feel comfortable maneuvering in traffic. It has Blue tooth, AC , and a year of free satellite radio. Cargo capacity is really good. Steering in well connected and ride is pleasant. The motor is quiet but does transmit some vibration at idle, I dont really mind it as it is a minor issue. My last three cars were a BMW128 convertible, a Chevrolet Volt, and Jetta TDI. I have to say I like this one as much as the others. Apparently I am not alone as they sell a lot of them. As a last note my wife, who leases a new Range Rover Evoque. Drives it every chance she gets -

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  I bought a LEMON! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Kansas - October 25 - 3:06 am

  My Patriot has been in the shop 9 times since purchased just 6 months ago. Everything from malfunctioning wipers, washers, fuel gauge, flashing Traction Control light, loose half shaft, missing brake caliper bolts, faulty motor mounts, rusted door hinge, and now have "hiss" when I go over bumps (sounds like air leak?) and brakes squeal in reverse. I am fed up! Hope to return this and buy something else - not another Patriot!