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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  At least test drive if considering a SUV - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By dragonant - December 23 - 7:33 pm

  I test drove and now enjoy my trail rated 2008 Patriot. The CVT even as a baby has enough umph to throw our heads back. I currently average over 20mpg city but expect it to improve in a thousand miels or so. Inside is roomy for my tall 200+ self, wife and sons carseat. The ride is very smooth, stable, and quite. Drives better than a base Chevy HHR and better than the Dodge Caliber IMHO. Previously I had a 05 Dakota, it served its purpose I needed more MPG all though an excellent truck, I wanted something closer to a sedan economy/handling wise but still get off- road. Well loaded yet affordable

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  Love the look and feel of this quirky vehicle! - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Nathan - December 13 - 12:26 am

  I have to say that Ive been warned many times to stay away from Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep products due to quality concerns. You can find on many consumer websites that this concern is well founded, as this automaker appears at or near the bottom of a lot of reliability lists. I took a shot on the Jeep, since I found that the Patriot is Jeeps most reliable vehicle (about average relative to all other cars), I love the exterior styling and interior function, and the dealer gave me a great deal on the Altitude version that I wanted. Obviously you can see where this review is going... I have just made my second service appointment for the Jeep and Ive had it less than two months. 500 miles into my ownership of this vehicle, the malfunction indicator lamp lit on my way home. I took it to the dealership and they cleared the code, stating that the code came up as a minor emissions leak, but they suspected a false positive. Another 500 miles or so later, and the light is back on. Now, this does appear to be a very minor issue, as the Patriot is driving great so far. However, no one wants to be subjected to multiple visits to the dealer immediately after purchase of a new car. Now that that unpleasantness is out of the way, I have to say that I do love the car. There is something analog and old school about it that is very enjoyable, now that it is basically the only choice for those who dont love the new, swoopy styling of almost all crossovers these days. The front seats are very comfortable and the UConnect radio works very well. The high seating position, boxy shape and square windows, as well as large side mirrors all lend to visibility being very good. As for power and the CVT, I dont drive aggressively, so I have had no problems so far. Its a very smooth ride. I can see where some drivers might want for some extra power, but for me, the trade-off for extra gas mileage is worth it. Speaking of which, Im already averaging 26 to 27 MPG, which I think is very solid considering the boxy shape. Its nice to find a window sticker that displays mileage that is actually beatable, and not a pipe dream. So, overall, I guess the grade on the Patriot has to be an incomplete for now. I have it at 4 stars, but that review could change in either direction depending on overall reliability over the next few years. I do love it, but if I cant keep it out of the garage, Ill be forced to trade it in down the line. Which would be a shame, because there is a lot to love!

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  Love My Patriot - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Lady Di - December 3 - 8:43 am

  I was hesitant to buy this model because of the negative reviews. I test drove the Subaru Forrester because it was so highly rated. It was an Ok ride, but it just felt like I was driving a nice car not an SUV. As soon as I got behind the wheel of this Patriot I knew it was the vehicle for me. That is one solid vehicle! Holds the rode well and stops on a dime. I wanted a vehicle that was tough, durable and will get me around in the snow. I found it. I did not get a lot of fancy options because they are not important to me. This is basic model, no frills. Its a Jeep for goodness sake! I got mine for about $21K after rebate. Not a bad price for a 4 wheel drive vehicle IMO.

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  Value for your $$ - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Bill C. - November 20 - 4:49 am

  I bought the Jeep Patriot sport se 4x4 model. I traded in my 2011 Grand Cherokee that had 140,000 miles on it. The fact that I can drive a 4x4 suv worry free from repair costs, is quite comforting. As I was still making payments on Grand Cherokee and repairs would come out of my pocket. Now as for the patriot, it aint no Cherokee, but its not intended to be! Overall Im impressed with this package on the patriot, the extra attention to details, heated seats, trim accents, etc. Ride quality is good, tolerable road noise, front seats excellent, easy to park, perfect vehicle to zip around town in. A few nit picks I do have is, the lower entrance height, and the lower height of roof area when back hatch is lifted up. I tend to smack my head on these as Im 6ft tall. Just need to get used to it and be careful. The only real problem I have so far is the absurd location of the usb port. Its not on the radio, not even in center console area, its in the GLOVEBOX! Really?! Its almost impossible to find, even in there. The dealer couldnt even locate it. It is above the opening of the glovebox, up into the dash area. You need to blindly reach up and feel around for it. I have no clue how this is a useful spot to mount this. To use it, you need to drive around with glovebox open and place phone either in glovebox or above on small shelf built into dash. Horrible design on this! This will be my 3rd Jeep and I hope to get years and years of use from it.

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  Pleased it was only a rental - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Jacob - November 17 - 9:04 am

  Interior feels cramped. Hard to get out of the drivers seat with the stearing wheel in the way. Stereo genuinely is confusing to use and doesnt sound good. The lack of power and the transmission was a nightmare. Cruise control was good.

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  patroit sunroof leaks even after 4 visits to the dealer - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By trlist77 - November 13 - 7:35 am

  My 2009 Partoit has a sunroof and leaks all the time. had it to the dealer 4 times prior to today and they said to stop parking by trees. Very poor customer service and the quality of this factory installed sunroof is unacceptable. Ours is a 2 wheel drive automatic model, but edmunds only thinks this model comes with a manual tranny.

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  It works - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Justin - November 13 - 1:53 am

  I bought this car because most of my driving is the Urban Jungle, but my weekends often involve kayaks on the roof. This is a great for driving around town scoring around 25 mpg. Load her down for a trip and highway miles drop to about 19mpg (maintaining speed even on hills) Say about 22 mpg if you dont mind dropping about 10 mph climbing hills or not using cruise control. The gearing of the CVT pushes my last nerve anytime I leave the city. If you have a lead foot or drive aggressively, this isnt the car for you. Off the pavement (long shot from "off-road") this little guy handles well, minus the rattling in the steering column. Would be the perfect vehicle for me with a V6 and no CVT.

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  Love My Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Michael E. Burton - November 10 - 8:00 am

  I have been extremely pleased with my new Patriot. On a recent trip (interstate driving) I was shocked to get a little over 28 miles per gallon. The jeep handles well on mountain roads and so far the 4wd has preformed in all situations, even though I did not get the Trail-rated editon. The room inside is generous and comfortable. Im glad I opted for the manual transmission.

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  Not the worst car Ive ever owned - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By SteveH - November 8 - 12:46 am

  The Patriot is definitely #2 though. Glad my son is taking this thing to college. If it had a decent transmission I might like it. It drives like it has a slipping clutch. Driving it is a miserable experience. Aside from the transmission, handling is unstable, economy is so-so, the gas tank is small so range is bad, the gear selector is junk (no lockouts so it can be put in reverse at any time) and the rear liftgate is in the way of anyone over 6 feet tall. Nobody has complimented it on being roomy or comfortable. Initially everyone seems to like it, but they turn on it fast. Our daughter complains about it. She would rather ride in a 96 Voyager.

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  Engine overheats - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By rstonebrook - October 25 - 2:45 pm

  This Jeep is not made for going thru mountains. When still under warranty and 4 different trips, traveling from Phx to Flagstaff AZ to see family in the hot summer, would lose ALL power, coasted to side of road, wait till engine cooled and. nothing they could but but add another raditaor under front bumper, but I had to pay for it $300. My husband is a disabled vet. The V.A. in Prescott az bought a fleet of these jeeps, and the V.A. is not happy. When they had to travel thru mountains to do in home care, overheating, V.A. contacted Chrysler, sorry theres nothing we can about the problem ! 13 gal tank dont get far. V.A. uses different, cars now & bolts to remove, air cleaners!