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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  Keeps getting better - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By 58charlie - April 5 - 2:15 pm

  I have just past the first year anniversary on my 2011 Patriot. At first I was simply in need of a new vehicle. Moving from a minivan to a jeep was difficult. I needed to get something smaller and affordable. The price was right. We used to own a Cherokee Sport 4X4 and I loved it. The Patriot is close in some respects so I went for it. At first, I was not too impressed. but as time went by I really came to enjoy it. Going on vacation really made me realize how nice it is. It gets good gas mileage, especially on the highway. It handles great and I like the auto stick feature for both manual upshifting and downshifting. I will buy another one when the time comes.

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  good value - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By d0nman - April 3 - 12:24 pm

  Ill start off by saying I was intending to buy a Subaru Crosstrek or Forester this time around, after owning one of the FDII trail-rated Patriots previously. Ive always been a big fan of Japanese vehicles for the mix of compactly packaged capability and good fuel efficiency. Turns out, though, that you can get 90% that stuff in a well-tested US-designed vehicle for thousands of dollars less. Im not saying the Patriot is better than one of those Subarus (and sometimes I still wish I had forked over the extra cash), but I am saying it is a more competitive choice than theyd have you believe here. The Edmunds review exaggerates all kinds of perceived shortcomings while ignoring the fact that you get a compact, serviceable AWD crossover for 20k. Yet, if you read the review for the Crosstrek, they immediately claim it has "relatively strong off-road capabilities" despite its Pinocchio nose that youll scrape just backing out of your driveway. I replaced the stock tires with Toyo all-terrains right off the bat. I dont intentionally go off-roading and probably dont need them, but I do occasionally get plowed in by the maintenance guys and Ive barreled through snow piles up to the front grill without a problem. Blocked in by a delivery truck? Up over the curb and down the sidewalk! On the road, its no sports car, but the steering feels responsive (if a little light-weighted) and theres no problem getting up to speed on the highway (at least with the 2.4L). Ive had one issue so far with the ignition system, with no warning. One cold and dry winter evening it simply would not even attempt to start. After about 10 minutes of research I found that over the years people have had trouble with static electricity locking up the anti-theft electronics in the ignition, especially in dry weather. I pulled the appropriate fuse for about 30 seconds and it started right up after that. Currently having an issue with concerning vibration noise somewhere in the transfer case (according to local shop); will update once I get it dealt with by the dealer. Visibility is not a strong point. The A-pillars are pretty large and Ive been surprised more than a few times when making a left turn by cars that were completely blocked from my view. Windows are pretty small all around. Resale value will suck. There are plenty of Patriots/Compasses available out there, and unless gas prices skyrocket again or the economy tanks (and we probably have a few years before regulation rollbacks lead us into The Great Recession II), most people that have a choice are going to choose bigger and/or nicer vehicles.

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  My lil Black Demon!!! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Krystle - March 26 - 8:20 am

  The Patriot: it looks like a Jeep, but feels like your in a car thats a little higher. Ive had my Jeep for a little less than a year! I personally think city/street driving is not its best feature, but its so minor, who really cares. You have to get used to it. Thats a Jeep for you! When I first bought my Jeep, no one had it, now everyday I see at least 3 of them on the road! I have a traveling job, I am always on the road. The gas mileage is ok, not that great, but its good for your average SUV/truck. I get an average of 21-24 miles for highway. The driving when its windy is pretty nerve wrecking, the Jeep seems to get pushed with the wind, especially driving on a bridge.

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  Love my Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Love my Jeep! - March 25 - 6:33 am

  I love my Patriot, no regrets! It has almost been a year (bought in July 07) and 17,000+ miles. Reasonably priced, great gas mileage, room for my dogs, & fun to drive were major factors in buying a new vehicle. I commute about 60 miles round trip to work doing both city and highway driving. Averaging 24-27 mpg (depending how much foot I put into it!). Not nervous about zipping in and out of traffic. WeÂ’ve taken it on several road trips, very comfortable & SIRIUS radio is great! Recommend to anyone looking for reliable, great gas mileage, roomy/comfortable, fun to drive, room to haul stuff (with the back seats down), & eye catching compact SUV that get compliments!

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  huge mistake! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By bridges114 - March 25 - 5:07 am

  I purchased a 2008 jeep patriot in 2012 and ever since I have had issues. Ive had to replace the battery, alternator, plugs(which isnt a huge deal i understand that happens) but now my transmission has went out!!! Its completely ridiculous. I dont have 2000 plus labor to fix it so I am now screwed. I have no idea how Im gonna get my kids to school, Dr appointments or me to work. I will never but anything made by Chrysler again nor do I reccomend it.

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  Not bad - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By climber117 - March 22 - 1:10 am

  This is my third vehicle. It has the best fuel economy of any other vehicle i have owned. It is a solid vehicle that is practical and functional. I only have FWD but have had it off- road, and as long as its not sand it does fine.

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  Not worth the money - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By leoswifefromny - March 21 - 7:06 am

  I just got this in feb and the stereo is bad doesnt sound good at all the car goes through gas alot the transmition seems like its slipping and the brakes push back at you when you brake i hate this car

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  Do yourself a favor and DO NOT BUY a Jeep Patriot - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By B Means - March 18 - 9:20 pm

  I usually buy cars/SUVs/pickups and drive them into until the wheels fall off. I like having at least 2 years without a car payment to really get my moneys worth. I bought my Jeep Patriot with 15,000 miles on it and ran well for a year. From then on it has been mechanically unreliable. When I began having trouble with it, I looked up problems and found many other owners of Jeep Patriots with the same issues I was having. We live out away from any large city, so we drive a lot of highway miles. Very little stop and go traffic. COMMON MECHANICAL ISSUES: 1) Alternator will break down at 90K to 95K 2) Transmission will start to overheat (thats right, I said Transmission) at around 45K. Talking to the Jeep/Chrysler mechanics, the recommended transmission service for the Jeep Patriot is every 30k. To service a Jeep Patriot transmission, the mechanic has to drop the transmission. There are no drain plugs and no transmission dip sticks. INSANE! 3) Even if you do your transmission service every 30K, it makes a whining sound when it gets over 45K. Fortunately I was under warranty when my transmission went out and got a new one. The new one still whines. By the way, the transmission went out while I was away on work and my wife and two kids were driving. 4) To change any of the front lights, you have to remove the wheels on the front. Then remove the wheel well covers. Even then, it is a tight fit for medium hands. 5) To get to any moving part in the engine you have to have a lift and have professional tools to work on it. Pros 1) Cost of the vehicle 2) The sound system is very good. You can listen to great music quality while you are broke down on the side of the road waiting for a wrecker.

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  The perfect ride! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Kevin Bharne - March 17 - 7:23 am

  Out of searching for a good SUV, this one is perfect. I got the D package, because I hate power windows, and remotes, so it saved money. It has 4x4 with the Freedom Drive I CVT2. I bought it for road driving, but got 4wd in case I need to go off-road for something, and for snow and heavy rain. So far, it has been great. It handles very well, and now that Im getting used to the CVT, has great acceleration. You can really feel the AWD help in daily driving, and the 4wd locking lever is easily accessible So far, been having about 24 mpg on average, with a combination of city and highway driving. This is definitely the vehicle for the more sensible buyer. And best of all, made in USA!

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  All Jeep, Practical Transportation - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By job2133 - March 8 - 9:50 pm

  We bought this vehicle as a second car and my wifes daily driver for work. Since we live in the Northeast, we wanted to get a 4 X 4. We looked at the Honda CR-V, Saturn VUE, and the RAV 4 but no one could touch the price of the Jeep Patriot and the lifetime power train warranty. I am very pleased with the Trail Rated Version and as a second vehicle to a Chevrolet Suburban, it fits the bill perfectly for low cost, 4 wheel drive, fuel efficiency and the historic look of Jeep. Yes this vehicle is a little noisy and does not drive like our Suburban, but what do you expect? It is practical transportation that gives you many standard safety features, low cost and rugged looks.