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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  Not the 300, but.... - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Ray G. - November 4 - 7:55 pm

  I own a Chrysler 300 AWD and a Ram 1500 Tradesman RWD truck. I bought the Jeep Patriot with a five speed manual because my wife and I wanted another Jeep, and the sale price of this Patriot 4WD was never to be repeated... under $18000 new, with air. I love the manual transmission, brings back memories from my younger years. My wife loves the ride and seating so much that we often leave the 300 at home when we go out together. The machine is fun to drive, surprisingly quiet for a jeep, and reasonable on gas. My reason for a four star rating is not because of any disappointment or fault found in the vehicle... other than the lack of telescoping steering... I was rating it according to looks, style, and appearance of similarly priced SUVs on the market today. For me, I love the older look, the manual crank windows and manual locks, and all the other stuff that I wanted to have when I was a youngling but couldnt afford to buy a jeep then. If youre looking for a fun machine that you can take out for a cruise, fight a sudden snow squall in, or drive along a sandy beach or wooded field on occasion, then I recommend the Patriot.

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  Works for us - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Randy Fox - October 25 - 12:33 pm

  We bought this for the wife so she could have a safer vehicle for our winters. Winter isnt here yet but we sure love how it drives right now! Nimble steering and great highway ride comfort are 2 big pluses in our book. Gas mileage is about what we expected so we cant complain. (its not even broke in yet!) So far, all we can say is: bring on the snow.

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  Very Impressive SUV - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By teebyrd86 - October 24 - 11:10 am

  I traded in my 05 Toyota Corolla S for my new 08 Patriot with upgraded rims, tinted windows, keyless ect. (everything the limited has but those cheap looking leather seats!) I do miss things about my Toyota but the Patriot suites me a lot more. It has plenty of room for my frame (64) and it very comfortable. The best thing about my Patriot was the price. I totally recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a nice SUV at a great price. Going from a Toyota to a Jeep is a big difference but I am glad I made the transition back to Jeep (my first car was a Wrangler!) You definitely get more for money with Jeep.

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  Best kept secret out there for an SUV - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By jim wilson - October 21 - 4:36 pm

  Everyone is abandoning SUVs because of the bad MPG and costs overall to purchase. So, I figured I would see if there was a "steal" out there in the mass exodus/hype to leave SUVs. And, I found one. I got my Patriot (a complete base model that now in 2008 at least has AC standard) for $12,400 after rebates, incentives and military discount. Just drove it 220 miles across parts of Carolina and got 33 MPG highway going 65 mph. Its manual transmission, which is fine with me. Windows, locks are manual -- again, OK with me. The best thing is the larger engine (4.2) gets better MPG with manual transmission The only complaint is that options add up FAST, which is why I kept it basic.

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  My Second Patriot - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By DJ Ambrose - October 20 - 7:24 am

  I just bought a 2016 Jeep Patriot Sport to replace my 2010 Patriot Sport that I totaled in an accident (my 1st in 37 years of driving) The 2010 held up surprisingly well in the accident and I was not injured; and since I was so happy with the 2010 overall, I decided to replace it with a new Patriot. I upgraded a little, going with the automatic 6-speed transmission, but other than that and the fact that the 2016 clearly has more ground clearance than did the 2010 (which I thought had poor ground clearance) It feels about the same driving and comfort wise. The bottom line with me though is that is that I was able to get BOTH the 2010, and the 2016 for under 20k dollars. And these days, a 4WD vehicle at that price is pretty rare. If the new one is anything like the old one - which only had one minor warranty-covered repair in six years of ownership - I may wind up writing another review someday when I buy what will then be my third Patriot

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  Junk 08 Jeep Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By a - October 1 - 11:33 pm

  I bought my jeep April and it was the worst thing I I’ve done in my life. The transmission went at around 1000 miles. I’m up to 8000 miles now 3 new transmissions in vehicle. The PCM went in the vehicle and the trans still doesn’t shift correctly. When you drive it the engine constantly revs to 6.5 rpm while which gives 16 mpg highway. 23 to 28 mpg that’s a laugh. It’s a lemon.

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  2008 Patriot 4x4 - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By ASG - September 22 - 1:16 am

  I commute 100 miles a day round trip and it doesnt beat you up. traded in the Subaru outback, and am very pleased with MPG (26-28) compared to sticker rating. I like the non carpet in the back, we have 2 large dogs. Visibility is great compared to other models. Tested out the 4x4 today and worked fine in the snow/ice. When my other SUV gets retired soon, I plan on purchasing another patriot (4x2).

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  whats not to like? - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Donh36 - September 17 - 6:50 pm

  Cashed in a Ford Explorer for the Patriot and could not be happier. After 2 tanks of gas I am averaging 27 mpg and am very impressed with the performance and how quiet the engine runs. I went with the 5 speed and it has great pick up I had not heard great reviews about the performance of the cvv automatic.

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  Fun to drive and challenge - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By mountaineer - September 12 - 12:36 am

  We traded our 2005 jeep wrangler in on this 2008 Trail rated Patriot. We got a quiet ride on the highway,(finally)and didnt give up our off road fun. This car definitely has a dual purpose. I recommend this car for its fuel economy. I recommend this car for its easy driving and parking in town and I love this car for the fun of short off road trips.

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  Aggravated and disappointed! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By patty0011 - September 10 - 4:41 am

  I have had my Jeep Patriot for 7 months and had an occuring problem. It only happens occasionally, and of course never when I take into the dealership. Often while waiting at a traffic light for the green light, my motor has a hesitation. "Meaning when I am at the light, foot on the break, the motor makes a noise and jumps like it is cutting off." I have to literally put the vehicle in park and wait for the light to turn, then put it in drive to go. Has anyone had this problem or know what it can be?