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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  Very impressed - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By fallguy83 - April 11 - 1:15 am

  Purchased our 2012 Patriot in Feb. of 2014. My wife totaled my 2003 Tacoma 4x4 after hitting some black ice and losing control. Thank the Lord my wife was fine other than some bruises and a concussion. We decided we needed something better on gas and with a closed back end to haul things out of the weather. 4 wheel drive is a must since we live on a farm and do get snow in our part of Kentucky often enough. Weve put nearly 20k on it in the year weve had it and love it. Has had no issues and like every owner says, dont listen to the magazine and professional reviews. This thing is a great vehicle and value for the money.

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  2010 freedom drive Latitude, trail rated badge - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Heather Johnston - April 6 - 2:11 pm

  First, this is a Jeep. There are no other vehicles which can manage deep sand, snow like a Jeep. You want cheeper 4x4, get a different make. I have owned this vehicle for more than 7 years. I consistently get 21.2 miles around town. Hmmm, does that exist with any other 4x4? The gas tank is small, meaning more frequent fill ups. I hope they make it with a larger gas tank. With seats down, I can fit my 125 lb. shepherd and 75 lb. boxer in this thing along with an American Pitbull weighing about 90 lb. True Jeep enthusiasts say it is only a brand it is not really a Jeep. However, this thing handles like no other vehicle out there. The front control arms needed to be replaced. I hope Jeep improves this in the newer models. The transmission well CVT has its problems, however I still have the original. It is now 2017, my Jeep has over 100,000 miles and still going strong. Runs smooth, no squeaks, creaks, just smooth riding. I had two fords before. One an Explorer the other an Expedition both sounded like they were going to fall apart around 60,000 miles. Neither handled as well as this does in ice, snow or deep sand. Gas mileage remains consistent. I have no idea why Jeeps are rated so poorly.

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  I dont get the Jeep thing - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Charles A. - March 12 - 6:30 am

  I got this 2016 Jeep patriot as an unwanted upgrade at enterprise. I wanted something that got good gas mileage and they had no cars. I was told this this would but it consistently got only 21 MPG. Soooo where to start, the engine sounds like an angry sewing machine, and it doesnt do much to the motivate the CVT that has trouble changing gear. It idled rough... It had 5341 miles it should run great I would think. It rides like a truck, rough and bouncy, and there is tons of oversteer. The front seats lack lumbar support, they are manual with minimal adjustability. The radio made a terrible high pitched noise when I plugged in my phone into aux and it was plugged into the outlet. The door sills are high and I smack my feet on it getting in and out. There is no visibility out of the back windows unless you lay the rear seat down, the roof line gives poor visibility out of the rest. Ive driven jeeps I like and lots of other SUVs that were great, but this has to be the worst. There was nothing that stood out as good beyond the braking performance.

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  Go against the flow! Go old school! - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By skaad - February 19 - 12:32 am

  Our 03 Jeep Liberty was starting to rack up some repairs and then the real kicker was the 12 mpg continual run to the pump. A new car was easier on the budget. I still wanted a small 4wd C/SUV, but with excellent gas mileage. Looking to a balance my need for good cargo space, ability to carry a fair amount of weight and still be economical, I test drove every one of the Asian built tennis shoe/used soap bar shaped AWD vehicles - especially after reading the reviews of the Jeep Patriot/Compass. I did not even bother with test driving this vehicle. Only the Mazda CX5 came close ($$$ and lack of cargo weight). Finally the Patriot - the reviews are wrong! It rocks! It is a dream to drive.

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  Very Surprised and Pleased!! - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By sal_the_wop - February 18 - 10:30 am

  I had a Titan and needed something more practical but cool looking at the same time. I researched numerous cars and became drawn to the Patriot. I got a great deal through the internet (dont go to dealer at 1st anymore, call the fleet sales or go to internet) and went to test drive it and check it out. I ended up being very surprised with the overall experience and purchased a black one. The ride is smooth and the features which came with it are awesome. I have the sun sound package and remote start. Inside is nice as well. Nothing too flashy, but very simple and clean. Im surprised with some of the negative reviews which it received. For the price, this is top of the line

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  Not a Long Road Trip Vehicle - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Chris Z. - February 14 - 5:16 pm

  Drove this over 1,200 miles inside 3 days, mostly on the interstate. The base model has some of the worst seats Ive ever experienced in any vehicle. If your waist is anything over 28" youll be squirming to get out in two hours. There are two metal bars on the outer-side of the seat cushion that can be felt under about 1/2" of foam... very uncomfortable. The wind noise is incredible; turn the radio off and thats all youll hear. And the smallish tank means youll be hitting the gas station in around 300 miles... our low-fuel light went on at 271 miles from a full tank, averaging 70 MPH on the highway. If this is your terrain vehicle or around the town SUV then youll be fine. If you plan a long road trip in this PLEASE do yourself a favor and spend more time in it then the typical round the block test drive from the dealership.

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  Love JEEP! I have owned 3 JEEP SUV s in 12 years. - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Tony Jimenez - February 6 - 10:01 pm

  Despite of what some people say negatively about JEEPS... in my opinion (JEEP) It is one of the best built vehicles that is made America today. I have owned Ford, Chevy, Mazda and Pontiac, (all American made vehicles) ALL BAD EXPERIENCES. (JEEP) in the other hand, without a doubt has being the best SUV s vehicles I have ever owned till today. My first brand new JEEP i bought, is a "2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo" still own it, still running strong and like a charm. With very little mechanical issues, "if any?" My second brand new SUV I bought, is a "2006 Jeep Commander" still own it, and has no relative major issues to complain about. Both Jeeps I have bought in 10-16 years, have out performed any other American made vehicles that I owned in the past. Every non Jeep vehicle I have ever owned, gave me lots of trouble after reaching the 50,000k mile range. The two Jeeps I own, both have over 170K miles on them, and they are still running very strong. My newest addition to my JEEP collection is the 2016 Jeep Patriot High Altitude Edition SUV. I have just acquired it from Gray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of the Poconos in Stroudsburg, PA. And so far; I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS VEHICLE. It has all the bells and whistles I ever wanted, and more. ((And Sure! When Compared to my 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, or my 06 Jeep Commander, it is in another lesser power category. It is not in the same league "I do admit". But. It is by far the best vehicle, when compared to any other brand new vehicle of its class and price range. I personally will continue to stand behind JEEP; as long the vehicles I come to own from Jeep "continue to perform as my good as my first two have done so far. My honest advice to anyone considering in purchasing a new vehicle... Try Jeep first before considering any other vehicles. Jeep is a good brand, they continue to make, and have made some of Americas toughest and most reliable vehicles for decades.

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  Nice Car for the Money - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By minime7 - February 2 - 8:58 am

  Picked up our new base model Patriot at NW Jeep about a month ago. Bought the cherry pearl with black interior. Very nice paint combo. Nicely laid-out interior. We paid $13,100 for the base model with air conditioning.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Va-Jeeper - January 11 - 9:26 am

  Test drove Hyundai Santa Fe, Chevy equinox, Ford escape, Toyota 4runner and fj, Mercury mariner, Mazda tribute and of course the Jeep patriot. Jeep Patriot was easy to drive and the seats are comfortable. It is also fun to drive. Of all I test drove the Jeep Patriot was the best of the bunch and at a good price. Don’t forget the great gas mileage. It is no Jeep Commander or Ford Explorer but for a small SUV it is great. It seems bigger than what it is when driving it. Does not feel like a small puddle jumper. When I bought it home and my wife drove it, she wanted me to buy her one, that’s how good it is.

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  Skeptical - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Sarah - December 23 - 7:03 pm

  About two years ago I purchased a 2008 Jeep Patriot brand new and have had an overall good experience until it started making weird noises whenever I accelerated. Well, it turns out at around 30,000 miles I need to replace my CVT. Thank god it is still under warranty! Other minor problems are that the tires constantly squeak whenever I go around turns and it does no handle well at high speeds, especially with the windows down.