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 this car, just not the cheap interior - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By wbouma - October 18 - 8:36 pm

  My Patriot is actually a FWD automatic, there just wasnt an option for it. I bought this car with 100,000 km on it and have had no problems in the two years since, and am now at 154,000 km two years later. Gas mileage is alright, if I drive 110 everywhere I get 500 km on a tank (when the gas light comes on). Its awesome for trips as it can hold four people and all their luggage easily, but the seats are a little hard. Despite all this, its been a good vehicle and I plan on keeping it till it dies.

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  Disregard "expert reviews" - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By opm3228 - September 2 - 7:58 am

  I disregarded expert reviews and read owner reviews instead on the Jeep Patriot. Im glad I did. I purchased my 2014 Patriot Sport 4x4 last month after looking at the CRV, RAV4, Escape, and Subaru XV. Im 64 and have more than enough leg and headroom and like the simplicity of the Jeeps interior. Although, most 2014 Patriots come with a new 6-speed auto transmission, I opted for the Freedom Drive 2 package with the CVT. Last weekend, I took a road trip from middle North Carolina to middle Tennessee and back crossing the Appalachian Mountains on steep grades and winding roads. The handling is great, the steerings predictable, and the ride is smooth. Power is sufficient enough to get me up

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  Jeep Patriot - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By jzink0883 - August 28 - 8:30 am

  Walked in to the dealer to test drive a Caliber. Drove out with the Patriot. Liked the Patriots styling, rear seat leg room and load capacity. I wasnt looking for a serious off-road vehicle. Meets my desire for a small AWD SUV that gets good mileage. Getting 25 MPG in suburban driving. Getting just under 29 MPG on the highway. I try to average 70 MPH on the highway (no speed control). Very pleased with the manual transmission. Light clutch. Nice shifter. My wife hasnt driven a manual in over twenty years, has no problems driving the Patriot.

• 

  2.0 CVT Cherry Red - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By elvis765 - August 23 - 11:09 am

  Overall I do like the car. I am with mixed emotions on the fuel economy as it does better on the hwy. than around town as most any car but the numbers vary greatly. I have only 2k miles to date. I like the style and color of the car. The cvt is fine esp. with the option to use it in manual mode. The brakes are good. I did have to get a minor paint issue fixed by the dealers body shop. The car handles well and everything is located where you need it to be. The seats are some of the best esp for the price but would like lumbar support. Time will tell on reliability since it really is a Hyundai Mitsubishi Dodge engine. I have had an issue with the car hesitating to start about 7 times now.

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  Bought as a cheap ride, but its much better - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By arlobigwater - August 14 - 9:33 pm

  Traded under Cash for Clunkers and got one of the few Sport models with the 22 package and the Trail Rated Freedom Drive II. Thats the upgraded CVT. This vehicle is MUCH better thought out than I expected. I have dragged boulders for landscaping, taken it off road, towed a small cargo trailer, and commuted in all weather conditions. I am in CO, and we have had some ferocious snow. This thing is better in snow in some ways than my LR3. It bombs up and down fire roads and climbs obstacles like a champ. It gets about 24 MPG. No rattles, leaks, thumps or whistles. If you need a cheap small SUV with decent off road ability and MPG, but still is smooth enough to commute in, this is the de

• 

  Jeep No. 7 - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By KG - August 10 - 2:20 am

  Traded in a 99 Grand Cherokee. Better gas mileage, better rear seat legroom (also a huge improvement over the regular Cherokees). The mile commute off blacktop gives no issues for me. Cruise control works much better on hilly highways with the CVT over a traditional transmission. Absolutely no regrets thus far.

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  Disappointed in east Tn - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By Dstout - July 19 - 2:22 am

  Too many suspension parts becoming rusty or corrosive and having to replace such as wheel barrings for one example and now the axle and surrounding components are worn and corrosive looking. Theres a squeaky noise in the rear and hoping it doesnt fall apart with me. Ive bought this car new and havent been driving it 5 years yet. I would never buy another one...EVER!! Its JUNK!!

• 

  Disappointed in east Tn - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By Dstout - July 19 - 2:22 am

  Too many suspension parts becoming rusty or corrosive and having to replace such as wheel barrings for one example and now the axle and surrounding components are worn and corrosive looking. Theres a squeaky noise in the rear and hoping it doesnt fall apart with me. Ive bought this car new and havent been driving it 5 years yet. I would never buy another one...EVER!! Its JUNK!!

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  Learned about ignition & transmission the hard way - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By peter. - July 6 - 4:00 am

  Overall the patriot does the job nicely. It can crawl across the desert with no real issue. In fact ice and snow it runs like a dream and goes up hills, down hills and stuff that the large and lifted 4x4s cant do. So why the poor review? 1: The CVTY Automatic transmission is highly variable and works like a charm, BUT it CANNOT BE FLAT TOWED (Dinghy Towed). This is towing the vehicle behind another vehicle. Why? Because the transmission is lubricated by the engine running and if the engine is not running the transmission fluid isnt covering parts. As a result, flat towing or dolly towing will destroy the transmission. This means that if rock crawling, desert hopping or snow driving the jeep fails for any reason, it has to be flat bed towed to a dealer. The ignition WCM module is a huge problem and a Google search will reveal page after page of complaints going all the way back to the 2006 model year. The module will fail at any time (usually around 45-50K miles) and is an expensive repair that the DEALER ALONE can do. Why? because the module has to be programmed to the VIN number of the vehicle and the keys have to be programmed to the module. Otherwise the thing wont start. There are other issues with the Uconnect system and the 2017 revelation of the Apple iphone issue also translated to poor or constant disconnect from the radio. This is an apple problem, but because the Uconnect is also very slow on connecting, a turnoff of the vehicle switches the radio back to a radio station and the Bluetooth system disconnects. Overall Jeep put out a relatively decent product with the patriot and would give better reviews if it slved the WCM problem and gave the CVT system a neutral-flat tow capeablitlty.

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  Nightmare money pit - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Anise - June 19 - 3:37 am

  Bought used with 51000 miles. Started having small issues around 60000 miles. Continous problems ever since.Major electrical issues with lights windows. Had to have brain replaced twice. Possibly looking at a 3rd time. Will drive fine one minute next time wont start up. All warning lights go crazy. Sometimes it takes it 3-4 hrs before it will start. Weird humming sounds on occasion. At stops when you push gas it will go to floor but vehicle wont move there is a 1-2 minute delay before it slowly starts to go. This is all intermittent therefore not dependable. Dealership mechanics seem clueless. They drove it several times without a problem before it acted up for them. They still arent sure. Weve replaced all sensors. Some multiple times. Now they are saying its probably the brain again. Interior is cheap plastic easily. Stay away from this vehicle. Its the worst one Ive owned.