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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  Worst rental Ive ever had - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Compcond - December 7 - 11:35 pm

  I purchased a 97 Audi A4 new and owned it for 5 years so I know rental cars. I had everything from a Buick LeSabre to Geo Metros and everything in between (lots of Tauruss) and never returned a car early. My car was totaled last week (not my fault) so I needed to rent a car. I had a Camry for almost a week but it sounded like something was going to fall out of the front end so I swapped it last night for this Jeep. I went back first thing this morning and swapped that out for a Hyundai. I have never felt "not safe" driving a car until this Jeep. Forget the interior that seems more cheaply built than the aforementioned Geo Metro, the stereo that cant cost FCA more than $15 including all the speakers, or the rear mirror that you have to be a monkey to reach, but I have never driven a car with worse torque steer in my life. I drive like a little old lady and I kept finding myself heading toward a parked car every time I touched the gas. This Jeep would be an embarassment in 1980. How can a 2017 be this horrid?

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  The SUV you want with todays gas prices - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Eric in CO - December 6 - 9:16 pm

  We got the Patriot to replace a Honda Element. So far, we have mostly good things to say about it. Where we live, we routinely get heavy snows, and even with Freedom Drive I we have no problems. The upgraded sound is amazing, the sunroof is well worth the $800, and the YES! seats are perfect for our 10-month-old. Our big complaint is that theres not very much cargo space, especially with a baby in the back seat. I guess thats what you get with a small SUV, though. I also wish the liftgate lifted higher. Im 511 and I hit my head all the time. So far we get something in the 25-26 mpg range, but we drive up a 2000-foot hill once or twice a day, which kills the mpg. Overall were pleased.

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  Great Gas Saving SUV - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Nancy - December 2 - 8:36 am

  As a mom I love this SUV. It’s easy to get in and out of with little ones. The gas mileage is nice for an SUV. The floor boards are very deep which gives great leg room in the back, however it does make it hard to pick up anything from the front of the vehicle that your little one throws. Over all I say go for it- great vehicle. We love it.

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  Not what everyone else said - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By crashgordon - December 2 - 1:07 am

  After reading several reviews by other owners Im reassured about my purchase decision. I bought my 2007 Patriot new in September 2007, soon after the lifetime warranty was offered. I opted for a manual transmission because I wanted the better gas mileage and was unsure about the CVTs. I wanted to wait until the CVTs had been in service for a few years before I bought one. Also, I was unimpressed with the CVT when I test drove one. With 65,000 miles I have had two warranty issues - the shift boot split and the switch on the cruise control needed replaced. NO other issues. I also bought a 100,000 mile service contract for the car, but have never used it. I have had no complaints.

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  mid size mid review - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By cathy johns - November 30 - 12:29 am

  didnt want all the bells and whistles then have too many issues with them love the plain jane

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  mmmmmm.......Jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By matt - November 28 - 6:43 pm

  My fiancee and I bought our Patriot in March of this year. We love the fact that it meets or exceeds the gas mileage on the window sticker every time. Another great aspect of the Patriot is the utility. The fold-flat passenger seat and the 115 watt inverter along with the Yes Essentials seats and rechargeable flashlight are priceless. We have a small family and a limited budget and couldnt have spent our money more wisely.

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  Lemon - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By IDW - November 17 - 6:13 pm

  I bought the patriot in may of 08 my parents have one and I liked it. I had mine for about seven months then it stopped shifting from 4th gear to 6th gear. i took it to jeep. They put in a new transmission, wiring harness, and circuits, that still did not fix the problem. They had it for 2 months, and could not fix the problem. They were in the process of buying it back when they went bankrupt. Now i have no jeep and im still making payments. Until that point that point it worked great. I drove it to Seattle from Tucson, then from Tucson to Durango, Mexico. Awesome gas mileage. Fun to drive. If I trusted Chrysler I would buy another one in a heart beat.

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  One Word - Excellent! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By bluesky - November 11 - 12:00 pm

  I normally do not take the time to provide feedback, but feel obligated, given I often look at others opinions before buying. In short, this car is excellent! You cant go wrong. Ive owned it almost a year now. No problems whatsoever. Its fun to drive, responsive and intelligently designed. The on board computer display is a nice feature (forget what its called), as it not only gives you the outside temp,but warns you of such things as low tire pressure, etc. Im ave about 26 to 28 mpg.

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  2007 Patriot with Manual Transmission - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By TM - November 10 - 2:50 pm

  The ride is smooth and the seats comfortable. Ive had the car for over a week and I get a little over 27 MPG. I love the roominess. Seats three in rear seat comfortably. I did get the manual transmission because Im not entirely sure of the reliability of CVT transmissions in general. There is a large debate over this topic. Besides, my previous car was a manual. In my prolonged quest to find a compact SUV that had good gas mileage, was under $20,000, and, of course, looked cool, this was the easy choice.

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  could be better, could be worse. - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Warren - November 10 - 12:40 am

  Rear view mirror positioned too low causing visibility problems. Plastic door finish vibrates. Lots of road noise. Water leaks in front dome light (could be front window seal?). Impossible to utilize indicator switch at night without flipping to high beam. Great gas mileage (45 imperial mpg @ 60 mph on flat highway, 30 mpg in town). Mechanical no problems whatsoever after 12,000 miles. Tremendous traction in snow.