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:

• 

  Mine broke down - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By christy - August 16 - 5:23 pm

  I read every other review & did lots of research and after an hour long test drive bought my Patriot. I loved it until 35 miles down the road it broke down. It has been towed in & dealer is repairing. I wanted a new one but..no luck. They said when they filled it up a lot of water got in tank. They are draining tank & I hope to be going soon. However, I remain concerned.

• 

  UNBELIEVABLE VALUE - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By janetjrm - August 15 - 7:54 pm

  Bought this car off the lot with 31 miles on it. Just got rid of it with 137000. Only repair was new tires. I drove this car into the ground. Terrific for small SUV. 4WD is awesome made it up my huge hill of a driveway every time. Never had a repair bill. put on more than 30000 a year and it never failed me. My favorite car!!! Only let it go as I needed larger SUV for my german shepherd. It is small, but 4 cyl gas mileage 18 in town and 25+ on Hwy. Highly recommend this vehicle, very fun to drive, easy to park. I miss it already!

• 

  cheap - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By plastic - August 11 - 7:16 am

  Find that it makes a lot of noise on the highway and the engine shakes and rattles.The Interior Design is poor, hard to get at any thing. I would not buy North American again

• 

  Its a Jeep! - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By John Ontko - August 8 - 5:58 pm

  Its no Lexis, Infinity, Audi or Mercedes SUV. It may not be as sophisticated, but it is a solid 4WD SUV with room for your stuff and sufficient power for normal driving with the 2.4 liter engine and the 6 speed transmission. I did drive the 2 liter model some months ago and found it to be inadequate. Visibility is very good. The seats are comfortable enough and the controls are conveniently located. The fit and finish is good, but the materials could be a better grade, but acceptable for the price. The dealer offered several discounts. The ride is a little stiff and breaking is good. It handles well in wet conditions and it seems to be well balanced. The gas mileage is not the best and the gas tank capacity is only 13.6 gallons. The UCONNECT SYSTEM is adequate, but the instructions for set-up are no so good. Go to UTube for good set-up instructions. The vehicle is pretty new and time will tell.

• 

  Best bet for the money - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Curt-Northern Mich - August 6 - 3:43 pm

  Was looking at Pontiac Vibe, Ford Focus, and other gas sippers when I came across the Patriot. Got a new 08 front wheel drive, fairly loaded, with a manual tranny for 15600 including taxes etc., how could I say no to that? Getting 30 mpg on highway, great ride, lots of head room and seating, nice layout. Jeep did a great job on this, and the lifetime engine is just more icing on the cake. Got $3000 total rebates, I dont know why theyre selling these so cheap.

• 

  Poor Gas Mileage on 2011 Patriot 4WD - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By 2011patriot - August 5 - 1:28 pm

  I bought my 2011 Patriot on December 20, 2010, in large part because of the advertised gas mileage. The window sticker for my 2.4L, CVTII, 4WD is 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Thus far, while driving in very light city conditions and then on a highway trip to Pittsburgh (from Erie, PA), I have been getting 17-18 mpg and 21-22 mpg, respectively. That is far below the advertised mileage, and thats with only a couple miles of 4WD driving time, and I do not let the vehicle sit idling at ATMs nor do I let it idle a long to warm up (kept in a partially heated garage). On my last vehicle (2007 Cobalt) I routinely beat the sticker mpg by 5-7 mpg, so my driving habits are not at fault.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Frank - August 5 - 10:00 am

  We traded in our 2005 Grand Cherokee. The Patriot gets much better mileage. We took it 450 miles on vacation a week after we bought it and averaged about 27 mpg with the automatic transmission. Classic Jeep styling and great handling. It has a very tight turning radius. Fun to drive. There is some noise when accelerating but it is not unpleasant and tapers off when up to speed. 2.4 engine has adequate power. Basic model doesnt come with many thrills but I consider this a plus as you can tailor this vehicle to suit your preferences with the large selection of options available. Dont listen to the so called "expert" reviews, drive one yourself and see what you think.

• 

  Best Buy Small SUV, No Question! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Jimmy d - August 1 - 10:36 pm

  I needed a solid 4 wheel drive small SUV. I did an extensive comparison with Rav 4 / CR-V / and all the others in this class. no one could touch it for price vs. features. Plus it still has a little German influence, i.e. Pwr assist brakes and anti-roll mitigation. Very solid, quiet and I think, with the leather seats (Ltd) a luxurious interior. I covered the Grey dash surfaces with fake burl wood and it just popped. A very surprising value for the money. Very pleased. I would only like to see the milage improve, and after 1st oil change and a few thou miles, Im sure it will. You cannot beat this buy anywhere at any price! This is a home run! Toyota and Honda - better go run and hide.

• 

  Annoying little issues... - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By Celso Dela Cruz - July 26 - 6:30 pm

  I purchased a 13 Patriot 2.4 sport 4x4 5m/t in February of 2013 it has been a love-hate relationship with the vehicle. This being my third ever car and coming from Toyotas, 91 Mr2 and 04 matrix xrs, I see and feel the lack of quality of this Chrysler Product. I have put 26,000 MI on this. First, alignment has been off since day one. After the first winter, i noticed rust on the door hinges, all of them. It causes the doors to kind of catch, or creak, like 90s and early millenial GMs. At the same time it developed a nice squeak or creek sound in the rear suspension when going over the tiniest bumps. It first wasnt very noticeable but now is quite audible. Just rock the car when its parked. It currently is at the dealer for rhis problem and has been there all weekend. I hope they can fix it. After after winter 2013 I noticed a lot of water pooled behind the driver seat. Took into the dealer. Turns out the windshield cowl got blocked up and water started entering through the flooboard. 1st gear has popped out on me a few times. Reverse has done it too, I understand its not synchronized, but still annoying. What else? The tires wail and scream when turning small radii in parking lots at very low speeds. Cruise control is pointless, as 5th gear has no torque below 2700rpm so if you want to cruise anywhere above 70 you need to be wasting gas in 4th to still be able to use the cruise buttons for acceleration. The painted steelies are rusting and it hasnt been three years. The things I actually like are that its manual and 4x4. It returns decent mpgs, no different from my previous car. Acceleration is adequate in city only. I am happy with the fact that it is very basic, power windows doors, a/c. Single disc basic stereo, creature comforts, thats it. All in all, I have more hate than love for this jeep, and if it werent for the fact that its paid off and I enjoy no car note. Whether I will keep this long term or not depends on how this suspension creak pans out. Otherwise I will just get my moneys worth out of it and move on before it will need new tires...

• 

  Annoying little issues... - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By Celso Dela Cruz - July 26 - 6:30 pm

  I purchased a 13 Patriot 2.4 sport 4x4 5m/t in February of 2013 it has been a love-hate relationship with the vehicle. This being my third ever car and coming from Toyotas, 91 Mr2 and 04 matrix xrs, I see and feel the lack of quality of this Chrysler Product. I have put 26,000 MI on this. First, alignment has been off since day one. After the first winter, i noticed rust on the door hinges, all of them. It causes the doors to kind of catch, or creak, like 90s and early millenial GMs. At the same time it developed a nice squeak or creek sound in the rear suspension when going over the tiniest bumps. It first wasnt very noticeable but now is quite audible. Just rock the car when its parked. It currently is at the dealer for rhis problem and has been there all weekend. I hope they can fix it. After after winter 2013 I noticed a lot of water pooled behind the driver seat. Took into the dealer. Turns out the windshield cowl got blocked up and water started entering through the flooboard. 1st gear has popped out on me a few times. Reverse has done it too, I understand its not synchronized, but still annoying. What else? The tires wail and scream when turning small radii in parking lots at very low speeds. Cruise control is pointless, as 5th gear has no torque below 2700rpm so if you want to cruise anywhere above 70 you need to be wasting gas in 4th to still be able to use the cruise buttons for acceleration. The painted steelies are rusting and it hasnt been three years. The things I actually like are that its manual and 4x4. It returns decent mpgs, no different from my previous car. Acceleration is adequate in city only. I am happy with the fact that it is very basic, power windows doors, a/c. Single disc basic stereo, creature comforts, thats it. All in all, I have more hate than love for this jeep, and if it werent for the fact that its paid off and I enjoy no car note. Whether I will keep this long term or not depends on how this suspension creak pans out. Otherwise I will just get my moneys worth out of it and move on before it will need new tires...