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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  So far I love it. - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Darren - March 25 - 3:16 pm

  We bought the FDII 4x4. We wanted a 4x4 that was good on fuel. The Toyota FJ was the only other that looked like it could handle off road but it was way too expensive.

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  Thrilled with Patriot - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By hbto - March 21 - 8:23 am

  I read the "professional" reviews but still fell in love with this SUV at the dealership. I do not understand all of the negative vibe from the pros. Reminds me of my old Nissan Pathfinder from the early 90s. Test drove CRV and Rav4 and cannot see how these would compare.

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  A good purchase - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By ScorpioDude - March 5 - 2:00 am

  when I needed a new car 3 years ago I spent weeks online looking over reviews of the Jeep, the Nitro, the Xterra and a few others. Then I test drove a few and settled on the Jeep Patriot Limited and Ive never been happier. There was one issue with the sunroof leaking but that is all, nothing else has ever gone wrong with this car in 3.5 years. As others have mentioned, this car comes packed with features at a price thousands of dollars less than competitors. The interior styling in Black, gray, and silver is basic but very nicely done. All of the features, from the 4 wheel drive to the heated seats perform beautifully time and time again.

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  MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH WATER LEAKS - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By rbeasley - March 4 - 6:10 am

  Owned this vehicle 1 1/2 years now, 17,000, miles. No issue except water leaks. Sunroof leaked and Rear Dome Light still leaks. My 08 Patriot is at the dealers now and has been there for two weeks. Water leak at rear dome light. This is the fifth time at the dealers. Dealer has no idea where it leaks. They even took it to a body shop. I filed a complaint with Chrysler they been putting me off. Still waiting and trying to get them to buy it back since it is still under warranty. I am passed the lemon law date in VA. Anything older than 18 months is to late to file a lemon law claim. I would think twice before buying a Patriot. This vehicle has major issues with water leaks.

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  Happy after 17 months w/automatic transmission Lattitude - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By johnred - February 24 - 4:33 am

  Lattitude w/attitude. Have 22,000 on the odometer. Biggest gripes are small. Interior: Bigger door pockets as in my 02 Liberty would be great Exterior: A swing gate hatch instead of the overhead one. Again, as in the Liberty. I miss having a separate rear widow that opens. Hood has prop rather than struts to hold it up. Guess these result in lower cost. Many, more pluses...Great pep in the four cyl and the constant variable trans is great but noticeable in sound. Very happpy w/the MPG of approx 27 in mixed driving. My 02 Liberty six only 17!. This Jeep moves when I ask it! Passing power with ease. Four speaker sound is fine for the non-audiophile.

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By kuhilee721 - February 22 - 5:23 am

  I got my Jeep for Christmas!! So far has been a wonderful experience! Very fun to drive and extremely comfortable. When I started car shopping, I test drove a 2010 Ford Escape and the 2010 Patriot. The Patriot blew the Escape out of the water!! More giddy up and A LOT more comfortable. Also had a nicer interior and even better, a couple thousand dollars cheaper!!

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  Jeep Patriot not what I expected - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Cragzop - February 16 - 8:16 pm

  My 5 speed tranny began to grind at 400 miles. There was a TSB by Jeep and as per, my dealer changed the synchronizers in the tranny. At 7200 miles, no more problems. Squeaking in the passenger seat also covered by a TSB. The dealer performed the "fix" but there is still a squeak. I tracked it down to a seat belt anchor rubbing on a large bolt. My gas mileage around town is about 16mpg. This from a 4 cylinder 5 speed manual! My first foray into an American car since I gave up my 61 Impala. Never again. The quality control just aint there

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By patriotAZ - February 5 - 4:40 am

  Ive been driving the Patriot for 3 months and 5000 miles and so far have been very pleased. Gas mileage is around 25 mpg combined which is amazing compared to the 16 mpg I was previously getting from an old pathfinder. Very good vehicle for the price. There are a few areas for Chrysler to improve this car but for a vehicle that has only been on the market for a couple years, its fantastic. Would recommend to anyone who wants an affordable SUV that is fun to drive good on gas.

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  Safety - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Larry - February 4 - 10:43 am

  Good small family SUV . Was in a major accident in this vehicle. Totaled the Jeep But everyone walked away with only minor injuries.

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  Reliable...thats it - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By TC - January 31 - 1:36 pm

  If your looking for a car with no power and no flash than here ya go. I have the bare bones model because of the price, but wish I would have spent the couple K more for 4WD and added features. The car would be a great commuter and thats it. Far from trail rated (its a Dodge Caliber with a Jeep logo stamped on it).