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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  Made it through "Snowmeggedan" - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By LP - August 25 - 5:21 pm

  My husband and I just bought our Patriot on Tuesday 01/19/16. We live in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Our purpose for purchasing a 4x4 was for me to be able to get off our mountain ridge to make it to work. Our Jeep Cherokee is a freaking mountain goat so we decided to look at the Jeep product line again. We chose the Patriot. Less than 24 hours after purchase I had to challenge this vehicle with the ice/snow obstacle course of our three switchbacks and it handled it with ease. I love the stability and especially love the Hill Start Assist. Looking forward to the next snow storm.

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  Happy Camper - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Deb - August 25 - 1:56 am

  Purchased this Patriot in December 2007 after owning a Liberty for 4 years. Love the looks of the vehicle, spaciousness inside, and the gas mileage. Gas mileage is much better than what we were getting with our Liberty. Gets around in the snow fine without using the 4-wheel drive. Great vehicle for the price.

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  Fun and handles light offroading - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By ryry2 - August 24 - 12:41 pm

  I have a 2015 Patriot Sport with the Altitude package. The dealership was great and my patriot looks amazing all blacked out with the factory tinted windows and 17" all black wheels. Even though it is only FWD it can handle dirt/gravel roads no problem. That includes offroading as long as there isnt any deep mud or large boulders. So far I have had no build or mechanical issues whatsoever. Some people complain about the CVT but I love it, especially paired with the autoshifter. You can get better than listed mpg with proper driving and shifting with the autoshifter.

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  Great CARS Deal (-8000) - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Rick - August 17 - 2:10 pm

  My (Not) Clunker was a 1989 Jeep Cherokee Laredo that I hated to part with. A Dealer found a 4X4 Patriot Sport D with CVT1 two weeks into the program and I was able to get $8000 of the price. A no brainer. They had 55 before, but were all gone. It is not trail rated and my first 1000 miles has seen 5% on dirt roads in the hills. Does the ESP eat up gas mileage? Since it is a Sport D I had to install skid plates, hitch package, roof rack for kayaks/bikes. Planing next year for lift kit, 17" wheels and AT tires, front bumper with winch. It is a Jeep and will be treated as one. It has been a Jeep so far, but more off road tests yet to come. I expect good performance from this Patriot.

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  I mostly love my Patriot! - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By S - August 16 - 2:54 pm

  I really like this car. First off I will say I traded in a 4 door Wrangler Sahara with WAY more options and I am still satisfied. I have a 50 mile commute (one way) to work and the Patriot really is just a great value. I get decent gas mileage for the size of the car, the front seats are comfy, the AC/heat works great. It is a noisy rough ride, but it is also a budget car. The biggest complaint I have would be the sound quality from the base stereo, absolutely horrible ad the plasticy feeling of the interior panels. I popped some aftermarket speakers in and it is like a different car. The best thing about this car is the storage and how easy it is to drive, especially around the city. The seating position is great and it is very very easy to know the dimensions of this car, it is one of the only small suvs that still has a hood in sight when sitting in the drivers seat. I think the critics reviews of this car are very harsh but when you start to compare it to other cars in its price range, it really is the best you can buy.

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  Good Deal For The Price - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Wilfredo - August 15 - 3:16 am

  I bought this car after many months considering the various options. I can truly say that for the money it has been a very good car. It serves its purpose very well for a couple. However, a family will find it tight to fit. My wife and I absolutely love this car. We have done 2 long trips with it and have been very pleased with the gas mileage, it has been exactly as described. It is my first Jeep and all I have to say is "Well Done Jeep".

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  Better Than Expected - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By tfiks - July 31 - 8:33 am

  I wanted an economical SUV that was still comfortable for a 63" guy with hip and back problems. The "Clunker" program w/the Chrysler rebate made picking the Patriot a no-brainer. The published reviews made me think I was "settling" for this car; but, after three tanks full, Im very happy with my choice. I drove all day with three passengers yesterday and the guys in the backseat were comfortable. Im satisfied with the engine performance and the CV auto too. I attached a small fish-eye mirror to the corner of the passenger side mirror and that helps w/the blind spot. Im not crazy about the poor angle of upward visibility for a tall driver with the seat up and back.

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  Do Not Buy A Jeep - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By Liz Hamby - July 28 - 1:28 pm

  Bought 2 2014 Jeep Patriots last year. Within the first 2000 miles the brakes on both Jeeps starting squealing. The pads were replaced and then the drums. The squealing continued. After multiple service trips, Chrysler basically told me they could not do anything about it. The squealing was "normal" So I now have 2 new cars that squeal every time we put them in reverse and apply the brakes. I will tell everyone I know to not buy a Jeep. They do not stand behind their product and know nothing about customer service.

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  "little tank" - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Northern - July 19 - 12:03 pm

  I was sort of stuck with the purchase of the Patriot because of credit and wasnt sure if it was the "One for me" but it turns out its the best thing that I have ever bought. While the interior needs a bit of work (on the base model at least), I havent had any complaints. I live in the northern part of BC where we get massive amounts of snow every year and havent got stuck or spun out once. We have nicknamed it the little tank! We can literally go anywhere. I do agree with others that there is a lot of road noise but with 2 kids and a dog we hardly notice. When its time to trade her in I will be looking at Jeep again!

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  Does the Job - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Loadtoad24 - July 15 - 9:50 am

  Well had the jeep about 89,000 miles now, never taken under warranty, except for a recall on the ABS, no trans problems yet, replaced all front control arms, tie rod ends and sway bar links, shocks and all the rear control arms, at 88,000 Illinois roads are so wonderful!, i to have had degradation in my fuel economy, good vehicle, no real complaints, oh and seems if you have sunroof they just leak!