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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Better than some at high price - 2007 Jeep Patriot
By JeepRunner - December 14 - 7:36 pmAfter researching the price compared to the amenities on all SUVs this size, I have found this jeep to be great. With proper maintenance, the jeep has never given me any trouble and works great when having to take it offroad. After owning it for over 2 years the only repair needed was the speakers which were on recall and I brought it in before the speakers go out. I bought the manual transmission due to the troubles still with the CVT transmissions and have no problems and getting around 32mpg. This vehicle goes long distances and goes offroad alot. I love this vehicle.
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Money Pit... Eats tires! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
By ginahweenah - December 11 - 7:27 amWe bought our Patriot new off the lot with 28 miles on it. Weve put a new set of tires on it yearly as it tears up the inside of the front tires despite getting them rotated every two months. We have had to replace something for the rack and pinion steering on the passenger side and a tie rod twice on the passenger side. Looking to trade in and go back to Toyota. Will NEVER buy a Jeep again!
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Great car..... So far - 2009 Jeep Patriot
By Fred - December 7 - 7:30 amWe have 5500 miles on it and it averages about 25mpg all around. We bought the Limited FWD with the sun roof... and yep it leaked. We took it back to the dealer and they replaced it. Hope that fixed it. Drives great, fun to drive and looks good. We got the extended warranty (Max) thought it a good deal. All in all its been a great car.. gets down the road great.
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Enjoying the ride - 2007 Jeep Patriot
By guido - December 4 - 5:13 pmSo far enjoying my new Jeep! Pretty comfortable, great mileage- 28 mpg. Got a great deal! Just wish I had gotten power door locks! Well see how it does in the snow in Colorado in Jan!
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Great Jeep - 2009 Jeep Patriot
By Yoss - December 3 - 6:33 pmI have put 5000 miles on mine already and I still love it. It is a comfortable commute and a very reliable car. The CVT is a little weird at first but you get used to it, and the fuel savings is worth it. We had an ice storm last December and mine was one of the very few cars that could climb up the icy exit ramps to the highway. I get 25 MPG average but have had up to 30 occasionally. Ive transported kids from school, lumber and gardening soil with it: its easy to clean. If you can, get it with a foldable front seat so you can transport stuff up to 8 feet long.
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Good little SUV until it hit 100,000 miles - 2009 Jeep Patriot
By Aaron Kelts - December 2 - 7:58 pmWe bought this car brand new and have meticulously maintained it. We have been happy with it for many years and is a comfortable daily driver. We have had problems with the transmission overheating throughout the years. It seems that the filter and fluid needs changed every year instead of the dealer recommended 60-80k miles. It gets better fuel economy around town than the highway as at high speeds the little 4 cylinder works pretty hard to keep it moving at over 70 mph. Recently though, we had the check engine light come on (even though the car still runs and drives fine?) and I replaced what should have been the faulty part and the old code cleared but a new code came up. We took it to a shop who again replaced the part and they could not get the new code to clear for them either. They diagnosed it as a fault in the computer and recommended a new one. I installed a new computer and the code will still not clear. We are dreading taking it to the dealership as the local Jeep dealer is a con artist and it may cost a quarter of what we could sell the car for to get it fixed. Depending on what the dealer quotes us for repairs we may be looking for a new vehicle instead, but it wont be a Jeep SUV that is for sure.
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Best SUV for the Price - 2008 Jeep Patriot
By Frank - November 26 - 5:36 pmIf youre looking for the best value in an SUV, the Patriot is it. I researched buying a car for about 8 months, reading all the reviews, going on test drives, etc. Nothing else could compare to the low cost and great gas mileage: 24 mpg combined average fuel economy in a 4x4 at under 17K. You cant beat that anywhere. Overall, the Patriot is really for people like me who would prefer a no frills, basic car at a great price. If you like more comfort and amenities and are willing to pay for it, obviously this SUV isnt for you.
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Awesome Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Patriot
By Rachel - November 26 - 5:16 pmWe bought this Jeep due to gas mileage and overall features. We spend lots of time outside and in the mtns and this Jeep has no problems keeping up with us. Even though it is a 4cyld it can keep up with our 8cyld truck in the mtns any day. It is full of great features as well. Very easy to drive and handle on the road and plenty of space for hauling stuff. One of our favorite vehicles ever owned. It is the size of a smaller vehicle but has many of the features of a much larger one.
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regrets - 2008 Jeep Patriot
By unhappy - November 13 - 12:13 pmI bought this because it was affordable and would get good gas mileage. The first horrible thing I noticed was that if you put down the back window and not the front, your ear drums feel like theyll explode. Lacks power, rough ride - you feel every bump, strong winds feel like theyll blow you over. Wish I wouldnt have bought it. If you dont mind a bumpy ride without much power, then this vehicle will suit you. Never again will I buy a Jeep.
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Fantastic!! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
By LARRY COPLEY - November 4 - 9:41 pmWasnt sure how we would like the 4 cyl after our previos Liberty with a V6 and our Dodge Van with the big engine, but it performs very well.
