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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  Best chrysler ever (Jeep dealer Svc Mgr) - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Steve Lyon - May 20 - 5:20 pm

  I have a Patriot with 60 K on it, front and rear brake pads are not even close to needing replacement. The svc mgr at the dealer says he has never done a brake job on a patriot. The maintenance cost is very low, mine is well under a penny a mile so far. The first set of good years went 55000 miles, so add a penny a mile for tires. Gas mileage is a solid 30 mpg with and that is the combined. The svc mgr at dealer claims these are amazingly problem free. The car has a life time warranty on the drive train, it sounds like everything else should hold up well, so I hope to have this for a long time. You can add a cruise control for about $350.

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  A lot of car for the money! - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Richard Keul - May 20 - 12:22 am

  We traded for this new Jeep January 10, 2015 and left on a winter trip to Texas a month later 3000 miles round trip with four adults and a large car top carrier. The car performed well and the all wheel drive was really nice as we drove through a Kansas snow storm on the way home. I was concerned about trading in a 10 year old Subaru Forester with 187,000 miles that I loved, but after a test drive I felt the Jeep performed at least as well and the deal my dealer offered was really great. My experience with the Subaru service department was terrible (the only local dealer) so I was looking for a new service experience anyway. As it turns out I cant report on the Jeep service department as I have not needed to have the Jeep into the dealership for repair of any kind (I do my own oil changes and minor service). We just got back from our second winter trip to Port Aransas and averaged 23.5 mpg over 3100 miles. We now have 20,000 miles on the car and everything is working great. This little Jeep has been all we had hoped for, up to this point anyway. The only things I would change are to make the fuel tank larger for greater cruising range and mark the speedometer in 10 mph increments instead of 20 mph for easier reading at a glance. We are looking forward to many more years with this bargain SUV. The car has been to Texas and back again and now has 35,000 miles on it a little over a year later. It still has not required a trip to the dealer for repair of any kind and continues to operate as we expected. By now the original equipment Firestone tires are about half worn out and are getting pretty noisy, but we will probably replace them with new Michelins before next winter. So far we are pleased with the car. The car now has 44,000 miles on it and we did replace the tires. There was plenty of tread left on the OE tires but they became so noisy we couldnt stand it. New Michelin Defenders and the car is quiet and rides and drives better than ever. No other repairs have been required.

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  Maybe next time - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Jeepbuyer - May 19 - 7:03 am

  Small interior, blind spots, unheated mirrors that fog up, front seats that heat but arent power, sliders for seats stick out way too far and could cause injury. Not much pep in the engine. Oh and did I mention the 13 1/2 gallon fuel tank? Way too small. SUV sits way too low to the ground I thought I was in a sports car not an SUV. I am a tall female who half the time cannot reach the controls of the sun roof. Does it sound like I am happy? Should have walked away from the deal. Next time I will buy another make or spend more money on a real Jeep.

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  Everyone loves riots - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By RiotDan - April 21 - 4:26 am

  Ive had a wrangler for 6 years and loved every minute of it. However, just like everyone else loosing money at the pump, i needed something a little more gpm friendly. Depressed, i looked at sedans and small trucks until i saw the riot. i did cartwheels as the dealer told me i could have the fuel eco i wanted and still parade around in my American build 4 banger with teeth.

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  I <3 JEEPS! - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Joe Manny - April 20 - 8:36 am

  BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY!

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  After the first week in a Patriot - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Neil Crichton - April 19 - 8:40 pm

  Picked up my new Patriot Limited a week ago, and put on 500 miles (800 km) since. My first impression was very positive. The vehicle performed well on the highway. Its no speed demon, but it can easily pass the slowpokes. It was comfortable and quiet. Found a few things I didnt like, such you cant plug your iPod into the deluxe radio, and the armrests are so hard, they hurt your elbows. Some of the controls were different than on cars Ive owned before, and took some getting used to, such as the cruise control. One of my first jobs was to pick up some lumber, and with the seats folded flat (and a tarp protecting the floor, I was easily able to bring home twenty 2x6s. So far I like it.

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  Totaled it and not a scratch - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Greg Murphy - April 16 - 12:16 am

  Bought it on 3-30 (traded in a Dodge Ram) and totaled it on 5-6. Bounced off guard rail at 65 mph and did not have a single scratch. Has to say something about safety. We love this car so much that we are buying another one today.

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  Surprisingly Jeep-like! But...incredibly comfortable. - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By wrightonman - April 8 - 12:38 pm

  I reluctantly and sullenly bought the Patriot over a year ago. With a growing family, full sized dog & insane gas prices, I traded in my Wrangler with resent...the poor Patriot didnt have a chance. I hated it before I even set foot in the Jeep dealership-lol I was 100% wrong. I honestly cannot say anything bad about this vehicle. I really like it! I grew up with a CJ5 as our "family" car, I have no idea how my parents managed that!?! My favorite Jeep product I ever owned was a 1988 Cherokee & the sweet little Patriot comes darn close to that Cherokee in looks and solid feel. Performance is far better, off-roading...well, Im older now & seldom hit the trails. Great little 4X4Xme.

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  Exceeded My Expectations - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Lee Gordon Jones - April 4 - 4:54 pm

  My Patriot Sport actually has the 2.4L 6-speed automatic FWD option, which was not one of the offerings in the review drop-down box. I previously owned a P/T Cruiser, which I loved and managed to keep for 13 years and my son is now driving. I play music as an avocation, which means needing enough cargo space to hold a bands worth of gear (except the drums). I live in a congested area, so I must have an automatic, and I live in a hot humid area, so I must have A/C. Everything else is extra. Knowing that someday I would need to replace the P/T Cruiser, I began researching affordable wagons several years ago. Most of the reviews on the Patriot at the time were that it was underpowered and too Spartan for most of the reviewers, but those were the same demerits the P/T Cruiser earned when it came out, so I was prepared to (a) dismiss those critiques and (b) settle for something less than sterling for the price the Patriot was asking. When I finally did a test-drive of the Patriot Sport with the optional 2.4L engine and 6-speed transmission, I was immediately pleasantly surprised with just about every aspect of the vehicle. Pickup and shifting are just fine for getting on and off the highway. The interior has no extras - manual door locks, manual/crank up windows, hand-adjusted mirrors - which is fine by me; I actually prefer not having more things to break and fix as the car ages. The seats a very comfortable; the materials used seem pretty standard - there was nothing glaringly cheap about any of it; and on the whole it seems well thought out and executed. The standard sound system needed a little tweaking to deliver a sound that pleases me, but I managed to dial it in within a few minutes. My Patriot came with a single CD player with satellite radio (free for one year), AM, FM, and a 1/8" jack to plug in an MP3 or other outboard music device. I have been driving the new Patriot for a month now. I have no complaints about its performance. The only change I would make if I were on the engineering team was to make the windows a little taller for better viewing (I must duck slightly to see the traffic light if Im directly under it). I have not had it long enough to need service, so I cannot comment on that. But Ive put on almost 1,000 miles, and have enjoyed a combined city/highway mileage of j27 mpg on regular gas. I couldnt be more pleased. I was prepared to settle for less. *** Update 30 Jan 2017 *** I have been driving my Jeep Patriot for 20 months now. I love it as much as the day I bought it. Still very comfortable, decent mileage, plenty of power, quiet, no complaints whatsoever.

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  When it rains, it pours - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Christina - March 26 - 11:46 am

  We bought our brand new 2009 Jeep Patriot in July of 09. A month later we had a horrible rain storm. The rear dome light proceeded to fill up with water and leak into the cargo area. In total we have had it back in the shop 4 times-Jeep cannot fix this problem. I will never buy a Jeep again. Dont get me wrong I love this little SUV and would drive it into the ground if it wasnt for this leak. Jeep just cannot pinpoint the area of the leak and has tried everything. Needless to say we are using the Lemon Law and will not ever buy another Jeep product.