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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  Loving it still.... 5 years in - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By dbt1979 - February 5 - 7:24 am

  Bought a 2008 Jeep Patriot in August 2008. It was a daily rental return that just under 20,000 km on it. Almost 5 years later and Ive had next to no problems with this vehicle besides wear parts. I got the extended warranty to 5 years / 100,000 km and the only warranty work that I needed was the fuel evap cannister that was hanging off (I probably ran over something) and there was minor work needed to be back end (sway bars and such) that was causing crunching noises when I went over bumps. Less than $600 warranty work in 5 years. I replaced the front brakes at 60 K and the back brakes (drums and all) at 95 K. 4 new tires at 60 K and Ill 4 new ones at 110K

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  poor - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By delaur - January 26 - 12:33 am

  Loud noise, poorly designed, no locks on glove box , gas milage not as good as they say, cant wait to get rid of it. Its like driving a tank cant hear the radio, engine noise is loud, comfort level not there. Cant drink a cup of coffee in the dark, cup holders out of the way, cant find them.

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  Problems after 60,000 - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Don Ward - January 19 - 11:46 am

  I took my patriot to a dealer for normal oil change. I had been hearing some groaning noise from front end. They checked it and said it was the right front ball joints and tie rod ends. And rear auto link. Whatever that does. The Jeep only has 63k on it. That is not very good for a three year old SUV. I will never buy one again, and I will be looking for something else.

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  Fooled! - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Jamie - January 18 - 9:29 pm

  If your looking for a suv thats somewhat good on gas by pass this one! The outside of them are nice & the Bluetooth inside is good. Its a cheap made gas guzzler!

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  Now my Twelth Jeep 2016 yes another patriot latit - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By George Leedy - January 3 - 1:24 pm

  2015 Jeep Patriot . Yes my 11th jeep I am 64 yrs. old. As a child was was fascinated by old military jeeps.My first jeep was a 1984 jeep Cherokee , I believe its first year of production. And my latest 2015 Patriot. In between numerous Cherokees , Liberty and Grand Cherokee models! No major malfunctions. This current Patriot has just 4999 miles as of today. Many of my previous jeeps had excess of 200,000 plus miles when traded in. I am a happy customer!

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  Instant Sale - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By David - January 3 - 12:00 pm

  I was driving a F250 Lariat Crewcab but the high cost of diesel forced me to downsize. I test drove so many small SUVs and never though I would like a Jeep. My first ride in the Patriot was an instant sale. It is such a cool vehicle and looks good too. I am fascinated with the 4WD and Autostick features. I went from paying $100 a week in fuel to only $40. The inside is very roomy and just by adding a custom seat cushion, I now have the feel of a Lexus at half the price. My Boss drives a Land Rover, but to be honest, the Patriot is just as classy and having the 4WD capabilities makes it just easy to stand up to his Land Rover. Buy One! You will love it!

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  Pure Fun! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By smiguel76 - January 1 - 4:50 pm

  I bought this vehicle 2 weeks ago and I love it! Its a lot of fun to drive it. You feel like you are in a bigger SUV, but its really compact and easy to handle. Not to mention that fuel efficiency is good. Just one advice, make sure you get the 5-speed manual transmission. I test drove both the automatic and the manual. The automatic version its a hog! Just what you would expect from a 2.4, 4 cyl- automatic tran combination. The manual 5-speed tran. its just perfect! Fast pick up speed and much more fun to drive! Plenty of room for the GF, fishing rods, ice chest and the dog! This SUV is great for 14.4K including tax and title. Cant beat it!

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  Fun To Drive - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Brian Usiak - December 16 - 4:30 am

  I bought my Jeep used and I fell in love with it right away. The body style is great and the interior is roomy enough for my 6ft 3in frame.

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  Fuel - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Mark - December 12 - 8:36 pm

  I bought this vehicle for several reasons. Warranty, fuel economy, USA made, off road abbility, price. Im happy with everything so far except for fuel. the dealer blames it on winter and blended fuel. He said when we switch to summer blend it will get better. On the highway Im at 19.5 MPG all around about 18 I have 1000 miles on it is 3.5 weeks old. I owned a Chevy 4 door truck if the fuel does not improve I will be sorry. Everyone else says they are getting 25 MPG.( perhaps they are optimistic) I live in Wisconsin.

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  BUYERS BEWARE!!!!! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By xerxes27 - December 9 - 11:20 am

  I bought this car new. It has been very gently driven, never off road, never in an accident and well maintained. I was very happy with it until it recently began making creaking noises. The dealer has informed me my 4 1/2 year old car with 72,000 miles needs struts, mounts, sway bar links, lower control arms, ball joints, rear toe links, and a front end alignment. Their estimate is $2090!!! The suspension should have lasted longer than this. I am heartbroken. This will be the last American made vehicle I own.