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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  Patriot Value - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Kangrapes - September 6 - 10:00 am

  Great value in a four wheel drive. Getting 26 miles per gallon on an easy commute. Very comfortable and the controls are easy to use. It is a much better build than I expected and so far rattle free. CVT takes some getting used to, especially the low speed braking. But to get the power they get out of a four cylinder the CVT works great.

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  better than rav-4 & crv - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Pam in LA - August 21 - 5:33 am

  My first time writing a review, but had to let everyone know how well the Jeep Patriot drives. I had mine almost two years and havent had one issue to repair or replace. Love the plastic interior as I have two big dogs. Seats are comfortable and easily cleaned. The performance is great. I do a lot of city driving and still average 24 mpg. I couldnt beat the price of less than $13,000! Well done Jeep. With the money I saved not buying a Rav-4 or CRV, I had a great cross country trip in my Patriot.

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  Best Small SUV - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By FirstJeep - August 15 - 9:13 am

  This is the BEST small 4X4 SUV around. With its pure Jeep look to the new interior for 2009. It has CHARACTER compare to the others, but this SUV have to be driven to understand why it is better than its competitors. It handles well in city & highway driving. With its 4x4, traction control, EBD, Hill decent control, & Electronic Roll Mitigation, you can be safe in any driving situation If you are looking for a small 4x4, take a test drive, compare it to CRVs, RAV4s & others; sure you will be sold on the Patriot.

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  Headache! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By april - July 30 - 12:50 pm

  This Jeep has been a headache since I got it. My Jeep Patriot came to me from the factory with a faulty crank and sensor, so, every morning I get to hold my breath as I listen to the thing crank for 10-15 seconds before finally turning over. I think to myself, is this the day it is not going to start, every morning! It will be going to see a certified Chrysler dealer for the third time to fix this issue! wish me luck! On top of that, there is something wrong with the gas gauge and i ran out of gas on the highway because I got about 5 miles after the fuel light went on. One headache after the next with this Jeep Patriot and I had such high hopes. buyers beware!

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  Nice Vehicle for the $! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Charlie - July 27 - 6:30 pm

  Purchased approximately 1 month ago. Driven mostly in suburbs to and from work. Smooth, comfortable and quiet ride on freeway driving. Like the classic Jeep style (tired of the rolling egg look). Like this better than the Honda CR-V traded in.

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  Just not good- CHEAP - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By KRogers - July 26 - 12:47 am

  I had this car as a rental and pulled over just to write this review. The whole car feels cheap. The center console is dated and the cup holder is far too low. No USB charging in a car made in 2016 tells me Jeep just doesnt care about keeping up with the times. However, by far the worst feature is the engine. The car is brutally slow and doesnt get anywhere near the claimed highway gas mileage. PASS ON THIS CAR.

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  Ecstatic - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Cynthia Behr - July 10 - 1:13 am

  I am ecstatic about my Jeep Patriot. It handles great, feels comfortable. I cant say enough about it. The fuel economy says its 24-26, but Im getting 27-29 in the High Rocky Mountains of CO, and live at 9000 ft elevation. The steering is a little tight at first until you get used to its touchiness. After 3 weeks, I have adjusted or its gotten better. The only problem I have with it so far is the sunroof leaks when Im in the high pressure car wash. Water splashes me in the head and face. I took it in for service and they are fixing this soon. I also opted for the lifetime warranty, because I intend to keep this Jeep for life. Its my 3rd Jeep, and I couldnt be happier. I thought Id be sacrificing power and durability for better gas mileage over the Jeep Rubicon, but I was completely wrong. I have not sacrificed anything but the removable top and I have benefitted way beyond my expectations. The ride is smooth and quiet. They had me at heated seats and sunroof.

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  Love this Jeep! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By luvpatriot - July 9 - 11:56 am

  This is the best jeep on the line in my opinion. Ive had 3 grand Cherokees in the past and like this one so much better. I was thinking about a Liberty but the price and mpg on the Patriot is so much better. This is one smooth and sweet ride!

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  Stay away from the cheap jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By alanhatesjeep - July 7 - 2:06 pm

  The most expensive car to maintain I have ever owned in 34 years. Like everyone, I have replaced tie rods, and ball joints continuously since I bought this jeep new in 2008. I also replaced the engine in 2012, due to a broken connecting rod, at 118,000 kilometers. Chrysler refused to warrant, as it was past 100,000 km. Thought I would just run it into the ground after I paid over $6,000 to have a used engine installed. Guess what? At a 130,000, a pin in the driver door snapped off and now the door will not close. Probably not a big repair, but enough is a enough. It is no longer insured.

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  Bought with 60k on it - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By aaronyrf - July 4 - 10:53 am

  Well Ive had my Riot for about a half of a year now and no problems to report. Previous owner did regular maintenance on it and Im sure that helped extend the life of the factory parts. Just did a CVT tranny fluid change as indicated by the manual. I was nervous that I would have to take it to the Jeep dealer and sell my soul to pay for the fluid but instead I just asked my neighborhood oil change center and they had all the necessary tools and fluid and it only cost me a hundred dollars. (Just out of curiosity I checked the Jeep dealer in my town and they quoted me 755 dollars!!!!!!! for the 60k servicing.) My advice is ask around. It cant hurt.