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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  nothappy - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By nothppy - January 13 - 2:30 pm

  I got my used 08 Patriot W/48k back in early Sep.09. For the first 3 months I did not have any problems with it and overall is nice to drive and gets good mpg. Then one day I was driving and a light came on and my jeep was slowing down and lost a lot of its power. So I looked it up and it was the (ETC)electronic throttle control. I kept having problems with it so i brought it in and found out that the electronic throttle body needed to be replaced. From my understanding this is something that a few newer jeeps have been having some problems with. overall I am happy with my Patriot but I,m uncomfortable with the ETC cause the mechanics said w/ ECT the accelerator has a good chance of sticking

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  Love my JEEP - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Courtney - January 7 - 11:26 am

  This Patriot is a replacement for an Oldsmobile Intrigue. The ride is much more smoother than my car ever was. You cannot beat the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty. I am still in the break in period so I cannot give accurate mileage as of yet. The Leather seat are really comfortable.Cannot wait until winter to try the heat in the seats. It is one sharp car. I get a lot of compliments on it. I have no complaints as of yet.

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  Love my little Jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Daniel - January 3 - 1:03 am

  We bought this new back in June 08 (barebones model) due to needing a new car and money being kinda tight. Ours has no frills except the "pleather" seats. Mostly the wife drives it/took it from me.. LOL.. As she likes the view and having a slightly higher view of the road. Its our first "new" vehicle ever and the lifetime powertrain warranty sold us as did the chassis Jeep look. Ours has the 2.0 and CVT and although its a bit slow its just fine for commuting and all the errands we run. We get 27-30 mpg 50/50 driving. We could not be happier with our purchase to be quite honest. Its very comfortable and has all the room we need, the mp3 stereo is a Nice touch and so is the great mileage.

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  Great SUV for the PRICE - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By dan_k1 - December 25 - 3:26 am

  Its only been a week since my purchase but Im loving it all the way. Looked into Nissan Rogue, Kia, Suzuki but after test driving Patriot - I made up my mind right then.

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  jeep patriot rocks - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By joe knight - December 20 - 10:54 am

  this jeep high 55 I got 36 mpg , no problems on the road , it holds it tight , under 20,000 new 60,000 bumper to bumper , just happy with it. ,,, like an car you get , get in drive it , dont go be what anyone else likes its your new car not theres

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  Very Happy So Far - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By NewJeepGirl - December 16 - 9:53 am

  I traded in my 05 Xterra for this Patriot. Wanted better gas mileage and better quality-Xterra leaked oil at 23K and ABS computer quit at 400miles. Just had our first snow fall-Patriot is sure footed and secure. Like the 5 star crash rating and side curtain airbags. 5spd manual shifts very smoothly. My family can get in and out of the car much easier than the X. I like driving it much more than I anticipated. Get a lot of bang for the buck-Lifetime powertrain warrenty, plus moonroof, outside thermometer, power windows, ABS, Stability control,etc. Glad Jeep still makes 5spd trannys. Milage 22 city 28 hwy plus roomy trunk & legroom made me choose this over Suzuki SX4. Like it more every day

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  2015 patriot in Myrtle Beach SC - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By kellyking22 - December 15 - 8:34 pm

  I only payed 18000 out the door for this jeep! I love everything about this jeep,great for the beach/camping/ fishing/towing...cant say anything bad about it.Got the Altitude w/ black wheels/badges......its a looker for low cash. Kelly King sc

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  Read this if you want the truth - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By arlo - December 11 - 10:00 am

  My Jeep is a year and a half old and I wish I never bought. I thought I was buying a well made American vehicle but I was wrong. I am now getting my tie rods replaced my front interior light leaks water my driver side window was stuck down and my antifreeze hose was leaking. I am very dissatisfied with my purchase. I will be contacting corporate.

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  Jeep Patriot - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Papillon - December 3 - 11:30 am

  This Jeep handles like a much heavier SUV. Quality is so so and the engine noise when accelerating is maddening. We have owned the Patriot for over a month and have a little over 1,000 miles on it. The gas mileage is dissapointing. 21.3 all around and with a small 13 gallon tank it seem like we are always at the gas station. Will swap it out next year for a foreign model. I guess I should have listened to my gut feeling on this one.

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  2008 Patriot Sport 25E - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By dan - November 20 - 11:53 am

  After a quick 2k miles in less than 2 weeks we love it.Turned in an 05 Grand Cherokee lease. Bought Sport E25 5spd,17" rims heated seats. Great Great Mileage (27+,compared to 17-18 mpg)). Very comfortable, as nice if not better than the grand, little smaller, nicer handling and driving, found the 5 speed to have plenty of power. True 4x4 will be nice for upstate NY. Front seat folds flat for super storage if needed (great option) patriot really is impressive. I like the interior (despite what the big boys say) this is the 6th Jeep we have owned. We highly recommend the patriot. Shop at least 2 dealers. We stepped down in price but gained every way imaginable. Gas gas gas