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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  all i ask - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By dave1399 - March 1 - 7:39 pm

  i have owned 2 cherokees before this. i was ready for an updated version of what i had. i needed 4x4. when this became available i was ready to buy.the gas milage is right.as we know jeep doesnt make a "4 door sedan" i went in asking for the vehicle i expected and i promise this is it. the quirky things you might hear about this car are not quirks at all. it is a pretty sofisticated enginering marvel... my jeep is a 4 letter word , love.

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  Trail Rated Jeep Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Bill - February 20 - 7:10 pm

  Had the Pat a year its been a great Jeep. The Trail Rated package is the only way to go it sits 1 inch higher w/ full skid plates, crawl 4x4, good stuff. Great mpg and fun to drive - the Jeep Dealer has taken great care of us on oil changes and free tire rotation. Ive owned a lot of Jeeps this one carries on a great tradition. Thanks Jeep. Just paid it off so I like it even better now.

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  A little gem - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Yazzhsh - February 11 - 11:50 am

  I read as many reviews as i could before test driving it. When i test drove it, I knew it was the perfect choice! I compared it to its competitors such as the Rav4 and the Honda CR-V but i felt that with the Patriot i was getting a lot of car for the extremely reasonable price. I am not disappointed with my choice. My family and i are spending a lot more time out of the house!!

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  Very nice - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Rebecca - February 9 - 9:31 pm

  If you dont get the 4.2 motor I think you will not be happy. but if you do you will be very pleased and you can see my reviews its nice and I also have the 2017 45th anniversary.

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  jeep, back in the game. - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By jeepers20 - January 23 - 9:19 pm

  2012 patriot, smooth ride, quiet engine, nice head room , nice cargo space.. a big difference in the jeep line..

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  Best Jeep Yet! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By RayW - January 19 - 8:06 pm

  Ive owned at least 6 Jeeps (new and used) in the last 10 years. This Jeep is a blast to drive (its loaded with all the features you could ask for). Best mileage to date was 32 mpg (highway) and averaging 25 mpg in the city. Bought mine 2 1/2 weeks ago and have over 2500 miles on it. Too new to have experienced any reliability issues yet, but havent got any rattles yet! Had a 1998 Cherokee, but this one is better. The Inferno Red always gets positive comments.

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  So glad I made this decision - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By LoveMyJeep2422 - January 13 - 2:40 am

  I was debating on purchasing this Jeep after driving my Acura. I am so glad I made the change! This is my first SUV. I had done a lot of research and test driving comparable brands, but this one was by far the best. I have the Limited. The U-Connect phone is my favorite feature so nice to be able to drive safely. Yes the cup holders are in a awkward spot, but its not a big deal. I am getting 24-26 around city and 27 on highway MPG. I had been looking at a Pathfinder, but thank god I made the right choice.

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  Love my 5 sp Limited - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By JeeperCreeper - January 9 - 7:00 pm

  We bought a 5 speed Limited after driving numerous others including the ridiculously over-priced Escape Hybrid. That Pat blew them away in price, MPG and styling. On summer blend fuel it gets 32 in combi driving and up to 34 on the open hwy. Winter blends about 30 combi. No problems and its cheaper to insure than an Escort hatchback (that one really shocked me). Ive had it in the hwy, city, and mountains and it performs well in all venues. This is one of Chryslers best kept secrets..

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  Worst vehicle ever! - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By Cari - December 25 - 5:35 am

  Transmission will go out on you! & they will replace it with the same model & the same thing will happen. Brand new transmission as of yesterday & it still skips & studders when accelerating. Dont buy this vehicle.

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  Worst vehicle ever! - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By Cari - December 25 - 5:35 am

  Transmission will go out on you! & they will replace it with the same model & the same thing will happen. Brand new transmission as of yesterday & it still skips & studders when accelerating. Dont buy this vehicle.