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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  1st Jeep and Loving It - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By 1st Jeep & Love It - October 1 - 9:06 am

  Loving this Jeep. Hard to find the negatives about it. For those who want more power and complain that its whimpy, go buy something bigger. Its that simple. But if you are looking for a smaller cheaper SUV and want to park in more places than bigger SUVs, then get this Jeep! I recommend this to anyone. Well, the limited version anyway.

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  Much More Than You Pay For - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By zulu45 - September 30 - 5:03 pm

  I own a 2008 Patriot 4WD. It is not the trail-rated version, but has the CVT2. Since purchasing it, I have had it during two ice storms, one in early 2008, and the horrific one here in Kentucky in 2009. And during both storms, there was one constant: this Jeep just cant get stuck! No matter where I was driving, even without being the trail-rated version, it handled everything, including hills that full-sized trucks with off-road packages couldnt even come close to handling. The fuel economy is great, but its not sluggish. Acceleration is great, and the auto-stick is a lot of fun, and helps with city MPGs. The interior isnt luxurious, but its a great utility interior.

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  Jeep Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Rion Allen - September 27 - 8:43 pm

  10,000 miles and still loving it, not the fastest but smooth to drive and built with quality. I like chicken. 5 spd manual had a little trouble grinding in 3rd gear but local chrysler/dodge/jeep dealer fixed it right up with a new blocker ring. Towed a 2500 or more load from Michigan to Texas in 2 days over foothills of mountains, no trouble at all and not equipped with tow package, however i do run synthetic. This car was perfect for me with the basic package because the vinyl is easy to clean and the removable rear cargo floor is easy to clean. I am very happy with my new Jeep and look forward to a long companionship. Purchased extended warranty- lifetime bumper to bumper good buy.

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  Love my little Jeep. - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Erik Parker - September 23 - 10:36 am

  Got my car almost two weeks ago and since I bought my vehicle, I fell in love with it, its very easy to drive and easy to use for cargo!

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  Overall one great car - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By gsxgirl916 - September 21 - 5:16 pm

  I purchased my sport 4wd in automatic in March of this year. First of all, I got this for $14,995 brand new (You cannot beat that deal for any 4wd); second, I am getting way better gas mileage than what it said on the sticker. I already put 8500+miles on this, and I truly average 28mpg combined. This is my first jeep and I am so impressed.

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  First Jeep. Love it. - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Abra - September 20 - 3:19 am

  As many a reviews say, this car is about value and about being Jeep. I moved from Subaru legacy sedan that served me exceptionally well and with ZERO trouble for 7 years (cars age 10 years). I am an outdoors guy and love my camping trip and a bit of sofy-roading. I was split between Forester and Patriot. Few factors that swayed me to the Jeep - latest Forester has become just like all other cute-utes. Jeep stands out with is retro look. Secondly the value, features and dealer discounts. Lastly the ride height and SUV like suspension. I would have bought and XT but couldnt justify the cost. About 1000 kms on it. So far no issues. Mileage has been improving and currently at about 10L/100kms in mixed hwy and city. Great sound (and it is not the Boston Accoustics upgrade); remote start; leather trimmed seats; smooth shifting though slower to start from stop; ride comfort. Will watch for repair issues and resale. Hope it beats the Subaru I loved. ---- Just over two years and 22k kms on the Patriot now. No issues whatsoever. Followed the maintenance schedule. Feels comfortable and safe esp in winter snow. Not the best acceleration from stop, but that is not what i bought the Jeep for. This Jeep is a keeper.

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  Excellent ride - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Paris - September 18 - 12:29 am

  I recently bought a High Altitude 4X4 2.4L and I love it. Its a no non-sense rugged vehicle with tons of room and headroom, handles all surfaces great, easy to drive and park and great olds school climate controls that I love. Front heated seats amazing and tons of room at the back seats together with lots of cargo space. The engine is strong -and a little noisy- but its very fun to drive! The professional reviews this car is getting are non-sense -otherwise the car wouldnt sell that well! Never had a mechanical or electrical issue or any issue whatsoever. Fuel consumption could have been better, but hey, youre buying a Jeep, not a Toyota! The bluetooth works great and the speakers sound much better than one would think for the price. And you get plugs! Real plugs, like the ones at home! Highly recommended!

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  Bargain 4x4 - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Dan - September 11 - 11:23 am

  This is the cheapest 4x4 suv you can find. I got 24 mpg on the first tank. Lots of options and it still was cheap. I cant see myself in a RAV4 or CRV, but this one feels like a real truck.

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  The Cherokees Baby - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By BourbonMom - September 9 - 3:13 am

  I enjoy driving my Patriot but the fuel economy is not exactly what the sticker promises. I drive 120 miles a day to and from work, all highway. My average MPG is 23, not the 27 or better. The armrest that the driver and passenger are to share could be larger. Overall, I like my Patriot. It reminds me of the Cherokee, just smaller. I will add my children ages 6 and 9 commonly refer to our new car as a "box on wheels". Unfortunately its too early to tell what problems will be in our future. Im hopeful that it will not follow the pattern of the last 3 Chrysler products I have purchased which at 80,000 miles needed a new transmissions. Overall I would recommend the Patriot. Happy Buying!!

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  Best $20K SUV on the Market. Nothing comes close - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By S. A. Leonard - September 7 - 5:01 pm

  Best $20K SUV on the Market. Nothing comes close in this price range. Classic Jeep style. Remember when all Jeep models had round headlamps. The Wrangler and Patriot are the only models left true to the brand.