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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  A Keeper! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Honey - August 13 - 8:46 pm

  After driving a van for so many years, I wanted something smaller and more gas efficient. In the city I get 20-21 mpg. I dont touch the "stick shift" and Im fine with that. On the highway it "a dream" I thought that the small engine would sputter, but its "smooth as silk", no hesitation in front of any vehicle!! Once friends and family see the style and learn about the package they are impressed, and want to drive my " Flaming Red Beauty"!

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  Great Vehicle, Excellent Value - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By txoutdoors - August 13 - 5:18 pm

  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.

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  143,143 miles to date - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By west_lawn_mark - August 8 - 10:12 pm

  We purchased our Patriot new in 2008 and I have put on quite a few miles in that time. I enjoy the car. It is fun to drive, and good in snow. I have heard people complain about FWD Compasses in the snow but I have no similar complaints. I do not worry about driving in the snow at all (except for other drivers). With the electronic traction control I rarely need 4 x 4. I have even taken the Patriot off road on the beach in Corolla, NC and it performed pretty well. I that situation it benefited from being light and not getting bogged down in the sand. The adjustable seat works from my 5 2" wife and my 6 4" son in law.

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  Good Value - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By OpenRoad - August 4 - 7:00 am

  It appears Jeep/Chrysler put a lot of thought in to fuel economy vs performance, Offroad capability vs Onroad handling. It is very well balanced. Its not the fastest but you reap huge rewards in fuel economy. Great Onroad handling and foul weather confidence. This evening I was driving on a dirt road that turned into a mud bog. I was worried that I would have to get out and push or hike out of the wilderness for help. I have a new appreciation for the patriots capability (I didnt have to jump into the mud). For those wanting more extreme offroad capability jeep offers a trail rated package. The vehicles to compare it to are Toyota Rav4 and Honda CRV. Once you try the Patriot you will buy it

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  I dont recommend the Patriot! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By CRGray - August 3 - 7:00 am

  I specifically purchased the Patriot to help save on fuel costs. I should have stayed with my old car. It costs a little more to fill up per week but had a bigger tank. When merging into traffic, I always need to look over my shoulder to check traffic due to the blind spots. There are only 4 cup holders in this car, and no coin holder. I feel like they didnt think anything through before getting this car out to the public. I wouldnt recommend this car to anyone. I have always had Jeep Grand Cherokees in the past, but I would never get a Jeep Patriot again.

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  Terrible with a dash of confusion - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By buckleyjohn - July 8 - 1:03 pm

  First off, I have to agree with everyone here that this is a terrible Jeep. Now, I bought my 2008 Patriot 4x4 Sport with the automatic CVT and 2.4L in New Mexico used in 2010 with about 40k on it. Two days after I bought it, the transmission overheated. They tried to blame it on the fact that the tires didnt match. The front and rear were different profile sized. So, I called them retarded and made them service the transmission by changing the fluid and filter and give me a set of new tires. About 3 months went by. Same thing transmission overheated at 70mph on the highway in the middle of no where. Had to sit in the hot sun for about 3 hours for it to cool down.

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  Patriot is a winner! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Todd - July 4 - 8:20 pm

  This is the vehicle that America needed. A 4 wheel drive Jeep that gets 30 MPG, and is high on American made content. I now have 12,000 miles on my Patriot and I have loved every mile of my driving experience. The low price is reflected throughout the vehicle, but if you like older Jeeps, that is a good thing. Interior is mostly easy clean plastic. Instrumentation is clear and comprehensive. The square design of the Patriot provides an impressive amount of cargo space. Seats are comfortable. Rear seating is spacious for adults, but let a kid sit in the middle. The car is rated at 28 but I get as high as 32 on the highway. 20 in strictly city driving. 4 cylinder engine is plenty powerful.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By miltyo - July 4 - 10:30 am

  There were trepidations about the CVT automatic but they werent justified. The car runs very smoothly. I came to the Patriot from a Grand Cherokee so I was prepared for a letdown that never ocurred. Gas mileage is near 23mpg. With this fuel economy the small capacity (13.5) tank is no issue. The amenities are good, and the VIC is better than on my Grand Cherokee. I have just a 1000 miles on this baby and it keeps surprising me in the most pleasant ways.

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  2nd Patriot, even better than the first! - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Banjo - July 3 - 8:37 pm

  This is my second Patriot, after owning a FWD 2012 Altitude Ed. with the CVT. I can definitely say the 6spd unit is an improvement in every way. Worth every penny getting a 4x4 over a FWD. Gas mileage is only slightly less, but I drive mostly highway so I barely notice a diff at all. It may not be the quietest on the hwy, but I dont think it is all that much louder than my Acura trade-in was. Rides very well on city streets with the Goodyear Wranglers, especially given the ohio road conditions. Uconnect is pretty basic, but gets the job done. There is something to be said for no distracting screens in a car these days. I test drove this back to back with the new renegade expecting the renegade to crush it, but I actually much preferred the look and feel of the Pat. Looking forward to many more years of enjoyment. The Sport SE package has every thing I wanted, and nothing I didnt - perfect bang for your buck. Out the door for under 20k on a brand new Jeep 4x4 is too good to pass up. **6 month update** Still loving my Pat. I have put over 12k on it since June and have had zero issues. Decent highway cruiser, and averaging about 26 mpg with my mostly highway commute. Has survived a couple big ikea trips and can haul most anything in the back. Forgot how comfortable the front seats were, and the storage nooks are great for phone/wallet etc. Definitely recommend upgrading the headlight bulbs and speakers, but both of those take about 15 minutes to do, super simple. Looking forward to many more miles and having some fun in the snow this winter.

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  Montana Travler - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By MTSkywalker - June 19 - 6:36 pm

  This Jeep was so much better than my 1998 Cherokee Sport. Better driving, instrumentation, and fit and finish. Jeep doesnt push this car because it sells itself.