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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  Love my Patriot! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By luvmypatriot - July 3 - 8:26 am

  This is my fave jeep - love it much more than my previous Grand Cherokees. It has everything I want in a SUV- affordable, good gas mileage, and style.

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  Jeep Patriot - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Jerry - July 2 - 11:16 am

  This SUV is a good mix of Man Car plus luxury. Leather, Sirus Radio, black interior, Sun Roof, Reasonably sized width, sun roof, 4 wheel drive on fly, and fold down seats for the dogs and gettaways. Im excited. Bought lifetime bumper tp bumper warranty. I will drive this vehicle till Im 70 (12 years) before I get the comfort vehicle. Jerry R.

• 

  Just Right - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By speaktrue - July 2 - 1:13 am

  After 33,000 miles, I traded in my 07 Caliber for this 08 Patriot, so I was used to the interior layout (though the Jeep is a little roomier) and the CVT. I agree that you sacrifice some "get up and go" for the gas mileage, but in these days of $4.00 a gallon gas, I think the trade off is well worth it. Prior to the Caliber, I had an 05 Equinox. The Equinox was a little too large for my needs, and the Caliber was a little too small, but the Patriot is just right! I feel like the Patriot fills a niche that no other compact SUV does - its an SUV, just smaller; not a "cute ute" like everything else in its class.

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  For $$$$ you cant beat it! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By 101proof - June 14 - 5:53 am

  I bought this Patriot new, it is a base model no a/c, no power anything, but I only paid 14K out the door. So for the money I could not be Happier. Great performance (for a 4cyl) even better gas milleage. It may not have the creature comforts but it comes stock with all the safety features that the top models have including the tire pressure monitor and canopy airbags. The best part is it still has a cd player with AUX input for ipod and tinted windows. So once again for the money I challenge anyone to find a better SUV. BUY AMERICAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  May have just been ours, but... - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Mgoble - June 10 - 10:26 pm

  This was one of the worst cars we ever bought. It was our 3rd new car purchased. My mom loved the Surf Blue color, so we bought it. The service engine soon light came on twice in 2 weeks, both times it had to be serviced. The tire inflation light came on when the temp was under 50 degrees. We also didnt like it because it set lower than our other SUVs. It also stalled on us at red lights several times. Ours should have been LEMON yellow, instead of blue, we only kept it 5 months.

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  1st Jeep - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Melissa - June 8 - 1:16 am

  I recently switched from a Pontiac G6 to a Jeep Patriot. I love it. I am going to be on my own soon and needed something to cart my dogs around in easier. The Patriot drives great, handles well, and is extremely comfortable. It seems small when looking at it from the outside, but there is tons of room inside. My dad, who is 6ft tall, fits with plenty of room to spare. Its been hard going from a sports car to a SUV, but I am happy with my switch, I do not regret this decision at all.

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  Maybe I got the only good one? - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By minetrainer - June 4 - 2:03 pm

  I have read a number of negative reviews on this car. I bought mine new, in December of 2008. I have been driving it exclusively since then. I log about 25,000 miles a year. They gave me a first owner only lifetime or 1,000,000 mile warranty and I have often wondered why. This car is like the energizer bunny and I love it!

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  This is NOT a Jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By cayoung85 - May 27 - 7:24 am

  Purchased this CAR a year ago. I have put 12k miles on it taking it to 54k. Hesitates on take-off. Most of the time I dont feel comfortable pulling in to traffic. Recently I started getting the creaking sound from the front end. Ended up having to replace both ball joints and control arms (since they are not sold separately) and a tie rod. $780. Looking for something else. Went from a Mustang Convertible to this. Just goes to show, dont marry the rebound girl. If youre looking for a Jeep, this is not it. This is a crappy old Dodge in knockoff Jeep clothing. So disappointed.

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  Best SUV Deal in the USA - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By lameduck9 - May 16 - 2:59 pm

  I have 2k miles on my Patriot Sport 4WD CVT and I am very happy with it. Some reviews state that it lacks power. I have no problem with the acceleration but I am no jack rabbit starter. The CVT(tranny) takes a little getting use to but is fine after you do. It is a stick/auto so you can up/down shift it at will through 6 speeds. I get 26mpg highway w/o the A/C, 20 in the city. I dont go 4-wheeling but have gone over rough terrain at camp and it is fine for that. Im sure it is going to good in the snow in the coming winters. I ended up paying $19.5k after discounts/incentives/bargining the MSRP was $22.5. I recommended this car.

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  Patriots a real bargain - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Curt-Michigan - May 13 - 1:40 pm

  Was looking at gas sipping little cars and ran across the Patriot. Was shocked to see it gets 28mpg, took a drive and was sold. Had an old Wrangler years back and this thing is like a BMW next to it, very nice and tight ride. Great interior room, and lots of headroom too. You can sit real adults in the backseat, great Jeep looks, and all while getting great gas mileage. We got some bells and whistles in ours and still got it out the door for 15600, dont know how jeep is selling these so cheap. Dont listen to complaints about cheap interior quality, Jeep made it that way so its easy to clean, its all wipe off surfaces, cargo area too. Congrats to Jeep, they did a great job on this.