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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  Like a stick? Heres how to get the best 4x4 value - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By TJ Pierce - September 1 - 2:18 pm

  The enthusiastic reviews here arent shills, I can assure you. While the venerable Patriot doesnt much impress the car writers who throw around jargon like "daily driver"-- as if 95 percent of us had anything but -- dollar for dollar, theres still not a better value in a roomy, reliable, adequately powered 4x4 crossover. Heres the total maintenance Ive had done in three and a half years: oil changes and fluid top-offs. Thats it. I nervously bought mine in 2012, after Chrysler had already announced the models demise in 2013. But guess what, they had a problem -- the (2011) re-styled Patriot kept selling far more units each successive year, so I did not end up with an orphan after all. Here are the U.S. sales figures: 2011 - 54,647 2012 - 62,010 2013 - 75,797 2014 - 93,462 2015 - 107,258 It looks as though Fiat may finally replace the Patriot/Compass models next year, but you can still get one now. And with over a million Patriot/Compass/Caliber models -- all essentially the same CUV -- still on the road, parts and maintenance shouldnt be a problem anytime soon. I wanted the 5-speed manual transmission 4x4 with the nice wheels and manual windows. (Do you REALLY want to skid into an icy body of water with electric windows shorting out, or ride around in the summer ten years from now with malfunctioning seat warmers coming on? Hmmmm? Yeah, the fob-operated locks would be nice but theyre only available with the package.) But that configuration was on NO car lot in North America--I looked. So, heres what I did. Through my credit unions dealer, I ordered the base Sport model--the ONLY one with the 5-speed stick--with the 4x4 option, A/C, and the winter package, which provides the wheel upgrade, engine warmer, rubber floor mats (hey--its a JEEP!), fog lamps, and tow hooks. Cagey, huh, but dont forget the tow hitch like I somehow did. (I see Latitude model owners all the time who paid for the pricey standard stuff that comes with that model and then saved a few bucks by getting the ugly, small wheels! WTF!?) I paid just under $22,000 to drive it away. Couple of miscellaneous notes: If youre over 5-10 you may feel cramped--its a bit narrower than most CUVs and has less head room. And, if you dont need quite as much cargo space (50.8 vs 63.4 cu ft with back seats down), the new Jeep Renegade looks like a sweet buy. I average only about 23mpg, but the thousands I saved over the next lowest-priced 4x4 buys lotsa gasoline.

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  2007 Patriot limited - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Julius - August 30 - 10:13 pm

  The exterior is very bold. I love the ride. It is so much more comfortable than other Jeeps or truck based SUV. It rides higher than cars, but not as high as truck based SUVs. Visibility is good. I dont like the placement of the rearview mirror, as it somewhat limits visibility. Road noise is prominent, but this is expected since I have the all terrain tires. Off road ability is superb. It can travel just about any place my previous Nissan Xterra went. Wind noise is somewhat pronounced due to the large mirrors. Cruising speed from 20-65 mph is very quiet. 65 and beyond, wind noise does increase. It isnt terribly bad, comparable to a Nissan Altima I traded.

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  love my patriot - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Aubrey - August 19 - 1:40 pm

  I purchased my 2010 patriot sport in November of 2010 with about 13k on it. it was a rental vehicle. i have put 90k on it in 5 years. this is the best vehicle i have ever owned. i regret not upgrading to leather seats, sunroof, etc. but id buy another patriot without hesitation. my dad owns a repair shop that my brother works at and now partially owns. we were raised with GM vehicles. my 05 equinox was the absolute worst vehicle i ever owned. its so refreshing to have my patriot. ive had only to do the normal maintenance work on it. brakes, tires and some suspension stuff along with the scheduled services. i would recommend this vehicle to anybody. it certainly isnt as fun to bang on as my boyfriends hemi grand cherokee but i love my patriot and have no plans on getting a new vehicle anytime soon.

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  Transmission - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Dave in NC - July 30 - 5:50 am

  At 7500 miles vehicle began grinding going into 5th gear and occasionally popping out of gear. TSB states this is a known problem with synchronizers. Took to dealer and they ended up replacing transmission. Besides this very happy with vehicle. MPG is 31-32 on highway 27 around town. Ugly rims, I plan to replace when I need tires with aftermarket. Interior is cheap plastic that scratches easily but I knew this before buying. I got a nice 4wd SUV with 4WD and upgraded sound system and trailer prep package and engine block heater and 26E group for under 18k out the door so I am still happy with my purchase.

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  Patriot - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By knobbytires - July 21 - 3:02 pm

  I did my research and mostly read negative reviews of this vehicle so I was hesitant in seriously pursing it. I liked the looks of it and didnt need anything to fancy other than the 4x4 option and height adjuster drivers seat which means the Latitude model with heated seats. I do have a Grand Cherokee with the Penstar 6 engine but couldnt afford another one so this vehicle made sense for me. Long story short I did purchase this vehicle and couldnt be happier it is fantastic in the snow and all though you will not win any races off the line the 2.4 liter engine is very capable when needed and I average 23 MPG. The CVT transmission is great it always knows where it needs to be.

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  Jeep Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By RDAgan - July 3 - 5:23 pm

  Me and my wife just purchased a Jeep Patriot. We were looking a a Toyota 4- Runner and a Nissan Murano, previously but by mistake we pulled into the Jeep lot. So we got out and looked at the Patriots. After test driving it and talking with the salesman about it we ended up making the purchase. we get about 23 mpg and for an SUV thats pretty good. We got it for approximately $21,000. We love it it drives great you have plenty of room. We purchased it because we have a baby on the way and it has plenty of safety features. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a SUV with a smaller budget like us.

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  Really Impressed with this New Jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By NewJeepGirl - July 1 - 12:46 pm

  I just purchased a Patriot-traded my 05 Xterra after it started leaking oil at 23K. Really like the Patriot-great combo of family utility, 4WD, and roominess for a reasonable price. Impressed with the sticker gas mileage. Was able to get a moonroof, outside temp guage and tire pressure monitor for under 21K. Im really glad Jeep still offers a 5 speed. So tired of getting auto trannys crammed down my throat! Jeep offers a lot of bang for the buck-for those who want a roomy family friendly 4WD, take one for a test drive-youll be suprised! I couldnt believe all of the features it has for the money. Cant beat the lifetime powertrain warrenttee. Extending the bumper 2 bumper isnt 2 expensive

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  Peppy n Fun 2 Drive - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By juice_weasel - June 19 - 11:37 pm

  The prosumer review was all negative. Blah blah! I got into a near the bottom of the line model and still impressed. The 2.4 when mated to the 5M is fun to drive. Much quicker than a Mazda 5 and Rav4. Best part is for what I paid I am not hesitant to take it off the road. Taking a $30k Subaru or Rav4 offroad? NO way. Another thing I like was availability of the manual trans. The others dont offer that. Every other sensible suv out there has gone up-market the Patriot stays true. Manual everything if you want it that way. Its lighter and faster. So name your poison!

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  Affordable, Reliable, Efficient - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Pete - June 15 - 10:23 am

  Ive had the Patriot for a few months and absolutely love it. I bartered down big time, so they gave me a very BASIC package but Im not looking for luxury. I drive 80 miles round trip to work, daily, and couldnt be happier. My AVERAGE mileage has been 30+ MPG. Throw in the lifetime FULL warranty, Im comforted by the fact if anything busts, its covered (well worth the exta few bucks a month). Rides great, TONS of room (Im 61 and dont even have the seat all the way back easily can handle someone even taller). Plan on easily adding on features later DIY transmission cooler and hitch, can tow 2000 lbs.

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  Smart buy - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Like a rock - June 5 - 10:00 am

  The jeep patriot is a pleasure to own and drive for the price. I drive a lot for my job and the gas mileage is great from 28 mpg to 31 mpg. I have a 5 speed stick and its fun to drive and great in the snow. It has 31,000 miles not one issue the quality is there. I drove cr-v, rav4, the Jeep won, 31,000 miles later no regrets.