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:

• 

  Great Car - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Kelthebold - November 13 - 1:40 pm

  The 2.4L 4 cyl. is a nice motor if underpowered. I am 6 foot 5 inches tall and fit very nicely in my Patriot with the height adjustable seat. While the wind noise is disturbing, the car does travel well and get pretty good fuel mileage for an AWD car. Overall on of the most entertaining cars I have owned.

• 

  Does everything I could ask - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Joe - November 10 - 9:00 am

  35,000 miles total, car still sounds and drives great. Pull small bass boat with a 4 cyl and still get over 20 mpg. No mechanical problems at all. Tires replaced at 32,000 (Firestones 17") just no tread left. Good traveling car for three people with plenty of room for baggage. Did I mention avg over 26 mpg on long trips driving over 70 mph (interstate).

• 

  Good Jeep - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Great Car - November 2 - 10:53 pm

  I like my Jeep Patriot. It is a very good vehicle. When bad weather hits I never have to worry about getting to where I want to go. It gets decent gas mileage for an SUV, and I havent had any mechanical problems. I wish it had an automatic transmission instead of a manual transmission. All-in-all, its a good car that I would recommend to Jeep lovers.

• 

  My First Jeep - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Bryan in Akron - October 30 - 3:43 pm

  The Patriot is the first jeep I have ever owned and I have to say it is surprisingly good at everything. The first weekend after I brought it home there was a snow storm and most of the town was shut down. I went out anyhow. It performed very well in the snow and on unplowed streets with and without the 4x4 turned on. The electronic stability control does its job. The interior of the Patriot is spacious considering its overall size. The interior could be of a higher quality, even in the limited, however it is acceptable for its price. Overall, I have no major complaints about the Patriot. The price point is phenomenal and the quality is great.

• 

  Piece of Junk - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Centa - October 27 - 6:46 pm

  Bad on gas, windows/doors/automatic starter does not work often with remote, dash board blinks off/on, clock resets everytime its started, acceleration is slow, brakes squeak since 200 miles sometimes and watranty is only for 1 year.....Everytime vehicle is taken in for service, they say everything is good, we cant find anything wrong. Its at dealership for service again and rep notice all of complaints. The truck is a lemon, no doubt.

• 

  Love It - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Mike - October 22 - 12:00 am

  I have been dreaming about owning a fuel efficient trail rated Jeep and along came the Patriot Freedom Dive II. I have prior tested the VW Tiguan, Subaru Forester, Outback and Impreza, Honda CRV as well as Toyota Highlander, RAV4. I own a Nissan Pathfinder LE 2001 and wanted something smaller. The Patriot fits the bill. It is fun to drive, easy to handle and well built inside and out. The materials are great. The navigation system and uConnect phone are fantastic, the satellite radio and iPod controls are amazing. I love the permanent AWD system which can be locked into 4x4 and 4x4 low. I cant wait for winter to update my review. I bought Jeep despite the crisis - Jeep will likely live.

• 

  Love It! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By cladygray - October 21 - 3:20 pm

  Have owned the 07 Patriot since April. Was the last one on the lot for 07s. Got good deal. Did a lot of reading before test driving. Was looking for a more economical vehicle- still have Dodge Dakota Quad V8 but it sits in the driveway most of the time. Kept it to haul trailer & boat. Got the fully loaded version. Seats are very comfortable-both my husband and I have bad backs and have yet experienced any problems. Drive city & highway-have just got to 3000 miles and am getting 22-26 mpg. CVT took some time getting use to-really like the fact that you cant feel the gears change.

• 

  Why Buy A Small Compact? - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Ted - October 20 - 11:10 pm

  Here are the facts. I am a Jeep Patriot owner. I do not represent Chrysler or any other car company. I am a retired independent sales rep. I have owned this Patriot for two months. I bought the Sport 5-speed manual transmission. MSRP 18,800, purchase price 15,300. This is by far the best vehicle for the money anywhere on the planet. I consistently get 31.5 MPG on the highway and 26 MPG city and all around driving. It has plenty of power, plenty of comfort and the E-package gives plenty of options for an unbelievable price of 2,200 bucks. I cant believe Jeep and Chrysler arent pushing this car more than they are. Beats any other SUV or import compact by a long shot.

• 

  CVT Surprised Me - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Doug - October 16 - 7:13 pm

  I had misgivings about the CVT based on what I had read, however could not find a limited with 5 speed manual so went ahead with 2.4 CVT. First weekend after break in took the family from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon. The hill up to Sunset point is notorious for slow downs given its grade. Set the cruise at 75 mph, the CVT was smooth and able to maintain 70 mph. My old 4.0 Cherokee had trouble maintaining 70 up this hill so I am now a believer in the CVT. By the way I also managed 29 mpg on the trip. This is my fourth jeep (2 Cherokees, 1 Wrangler), and so far this jeep is living up to my expectations

• 

  Good bang for your buck - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By jeeplover - October 3 - 2:43 am

  I recently traded my fully loaded 06 Ford Fusion for this bare bones 09 Jeep Patriot with the 5sp manual. I am very pleased with my purchase. I am very impressed with the fuel mileage of this SUV. I have been averaging 30mpg with mixed city and highway driving. This is a fun to drive vehicle with the manual transmission and the traction control is a nice standard feature as well. I am a first time jeep buyer and will definitely be buying another one.