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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  Happy w/ Pat - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By CJ - June 16 - 9:40 pm

  Was looking for something with 4WD, decent storage space, and good fuel economy. Have been very happy with my choice. I think it is a great value as I picked mine up, new, for just under 20k. Not too cars that give you 4wd, 30mpg, sunroof, heated seats, and premium sound at that price. After 30k miles which included a cross country trip I have no major problems or complaints. Only time it has been in for service was for loose bolt on the front suspension.

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  Patriot is awesome! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By CHUCK - May 29 - 10:56 am

  To those interested in a fun to drive SUV, look no further. After looking at many SUVs, the Jeep Patriot was the best deal, and had the most options for the money! After test driving the automatic CVT version, I chose the 5 speed manual. I like to shift gears, but also found the engine to me more quiet. It has a very smooth, quiet ride, and the interior is very comfortable. With its SUN AND SOUND PACKAGE, you get 9 speakers that are awesome, SIRIUS, and sunroof. Heated seats,mirrors,premium stain resistant cloth, are just a few of the neat options. The negative review by EDMUNDS is simply not true. go see for yourself. The reviews from other owners also prove this SUV is loved/fun!

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  Repeat Owner - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Jinx - May 28 - 1:00 am

  This is my 2nd Patriot. I bought my first in 7/07 brand new. I loved the classic Cherokee body style. It is also the roomiest SUV with the best MPG at the best price. I couldnt resist buying a new one and I couldnt see myself driving anything else. I love my Patriot and as long as they keep making it I will keep buying it!

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  Great SUV - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By W. Williamson - May 24 - 12:13 pm

  I have no regrets about buying the Jeep Patriot. It is a great compact SUV for a great price. I purchased the limited style which is great. The leather seats are very comfortable and the design in the SUV is good. The seats are very roomy in the front and in the back. There is not quite as much room for cargo as I would like in the back, but its OK. Also, this SUV gets great gas mileage but it has a small tank. Overall, great SUV.

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  They Got It Wrong Again! - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Mr. Naselroad - May 19 - 3:11 am

  First off, forget everything you just read!! The reviewers get their kick backs from the auto industry anyway. Was looking for a compact SUV/Crossover for the wife. Found this little gem and 7 months later, we couldnt be happier. We purchased the 2015 High Altitude Edition with 2.4 and 4 wheel drive (actually just transfers to AWD but jeep calls it 4X4). Main reason for purchase was price, but so much more to this vehicle. In FWD mode, we are getting 23/24 mpg in town and 28/30 highway mpg. I cant really tell you mpg in AWD because we rarely use it, even during the last Indiana winter. The FWD pulls the nibble, light weight body through almost anything on the road. While it is a compact SUV, the interior is very roomy. We have friends and family who own both the Ford Escape and the Honda CRV and they feel cramped in comparison to the Patriot. The heated leather seats are extremely comfortable and fit both our larger frames without feeling "wedged in". The cargo area is large. While its Cubic volume may be smaller than some of its competitors, due to its shape, it will hold a lot of items and appears larger. As a matter of fact, my brother purchased the Cherokee and the Patriot cargo area is more useful and appears larger than its big brothers. Lets talk about ride comfort. The Patriot is no Cadillac by any means, but we feel it has a smoother ride than any SUV/crossover we have owned/driven (GMC Jimmy, Toyota 4-runner, Ford Explorer, Dodge Journey)! While the interior is sparse, it is well thought out and very ergonomic to the driver. All controls are easily reached and simple to operate without distracting the drivers attention from the road. The handling is very responsive and doesnt have that sluggish feel as in some other vehicles in its class. The 2.4 4 cylinder is not going to throw you back in your seat, but has more than enough power for interstate driving, actually you will surprised how easily and effortlessly the engine gets up to speed. As for the tranny, unlike the article states, the 2015 Patriot comes standard with a 6 speed transmission not the CVT. The CVT is an option, but you would be hard pressed to find one on the dealers lot! For $21,000.00, out the door, we have a vehicle that has all the bells and whistles that would have cost us 10K more in any other vehicle. Do yourself a favor and go drive this vehicle before you buy into the crap written in this article! Options included for 21K purchase price, heated seats, leather seats, power sunroof, remote start, custom 17" rims, 2.4 liter with 6 speed automatic, 4 wheel drive (AWD transfer lock), leather wrapped steering wheel, and heated outside mirrors! Find that in a Ford or Honda and youll pay upwards to 30K! Most of all, my wife loves it!

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  Lovin it! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By nothin but a Jeep! - May 7 - 12:56 pm

  No problems whatsoever with this vehicle in 8 months. Love it and would buy another. I am over 6 feet and find plenty of room. Best looking car on the road.

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  Best Small Suv on the Market - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By boar - April 28 - 12:01 am

  My wife and I purchased our Patriot at the end of August , we bought it for her to drive back and forth to work and around town , she loves it , the handling is excellent , the ride is firm yet forgiving , we have the 2.4 engine and it has the power to get out of its own way and then some , we average 26mpg , its rated at 21/27 we get 24/30 . And yes it is a 4x4 havent been able to use that feature yet I was told NO 4 wheeling in her jeep lol.

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  Great choice-1st Jeep - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By m. coon - April 27 - 4:36 pm

  For my first Jeep, I am very satisfied with my choice. This SUV does well with the mpgs and is sharp looking too. The ride is comfortable and the interior is spacious. The cargo area is a little small, but manageable. I think if you are looking for an SUV that is economical...this is it!

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  Very Nice 4x4 SUV - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By jmcwil01747 - April 23 - 2:15 am

  Well built. Quiet, handles well except for some body lean on tight curves (compared to my BMW). Averages 24 MPG with 1500 miles on the odometer of mixed driving. The CVT takes a little getting use to but after a couple of hundred miles you and it adapt to one another. Where this guy shines is when you take it down the logging roads. It really shows its Jeep heritage! Nothing seems to faze it. Rocks, water, mud, deep ruts equals "No Big Deal".

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  Great, cheap vehicle - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By gibz - April 17 - 3:23 am

  Got my 2WD base model real cheap, saved $4,300 off MSRP (Socal dealer). Positives: More fun to drive than other small SUVs Ive tested. Ergonomically sound dash and cabin space. Great looks outside, wipe-down interior inside. Bucket seats. Good driving position, handles better than entry-level sedan. Easily holds surfboard/dog. Negatives: Crappy Chrysler paint job, lots of orange peel. Weirdly -- can anyone explain this? -- when mine hits 68mph the engine emits a high-pitched frequency sound. Not good ... Engine noise is moderate apart from that. I got mine with 0 miles on clock. Would recommend it to anyone. Love its looks in bad-boy black, I shoulda got the 17" rims tho ...