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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  2015 Patriot - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By S. McElwain - July 25 - 10:03 pm

  I bought my 4WD Patriot to have after my knee replacement surgery. It was easy to get in and out of and this is true for when my back goes out. I don’t “fall into” the drivers seat because it isn’t low and I don’t have to pull myself out of it. I love my Patriot

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  Wonderful buy - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By benandnet - July 9 - 7:53 pm

  This Jeep is wonderful - I traded in a honda accord for it because of the extra room but I still needed great gas mileage. I am getting 25 miles to the gallon in this jeep. Interior room is great and the exterior looks really nice. Great buy for my money. I will be holding on to this one for a while. I like the fact that it came in a 4 cylinder - that really helps with the high price of gas today.

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  Beware of interior LEAKS - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By spy178 - July 8 - 12:26 pm

  We just picked up our new patriot 09 limited, sun and sound package on 8/5/09 and noticed our 1st leak (water pouring out of the front Dome Light) about 2 weeks later (1st rain storm). Come to find a Recall was issued by Chrysler on 8/7/09 for the same issue. Everything else is great about the jeep, but ive already had to take it in to have the leak issue looked at. Dealer claims to have resolved the issue by clearing a drain in the sun room. Judging by the many online posts on this issue, the same leak or a new one is likely to return. I would suggest that if you are in the market for a new patriot, to at the very least take it through the car wash a couple times on the test drive.

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  Little Jeep that could - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By ffcat128@aol.com - July 6 - 9:06 pm

  I have had my Patriot for a year now I love it. We have 26 inches of snow this past winter. My husbands Silverado got stuck and he used my jeep to get to work. He said he had no issues and the thing drove through the snow like nothing. I live in Pittsburgh so this thing is tested on pot holes and 12 inches of water on the ground. It has never given me a problem.

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  Wear a raincoat. - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By cwing54 - June 28 - 4:00 am

  I originally bought the vehicle because of the interior space. It had more backseat leg room than even the Commander. Like everything about the vehicle except the leaking sunroof. Had it to the dealer 8 times and they have not been able to provide a permanent fix. Dealers been fair but cant get anywhere with Chrysler

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  Poor Quality, Worse Company - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By amricnsoldr - June 27 - 12:36 pm

  Bought the 2008 Patriot Sport 4x4 2.4L CVT automatic brand new. About a month into owning it we noticed water coming in and collecting in the front courtesy light lens after it had rained the night before. We realized this when we hit the brakes to stop and water poured out onto dash and soaked us both. Took it to the dealer and of course the dealer could not duplicate the problem. This was the first of 4 trips to the dealer for this problem. The 2nd time they said it was the sunroof leaking so they replaced it. The 3rd time it had to go back they FINALLY dropped the headliner and let a hose run on it all day to find the leak. still leaks to this day and now its out of warranty..

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  Nice car for the money - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Petrified_2014@Yahoo.com - June 23 - 4:37 pm

  I paid $18,500 for the manual 4wd sport version. I opted for the all weather capability package and the 3 tow hooks look great on the bumper. I also got A/C . Nice car for the money. The cheapest Patriot is only $3000 more than the cheapest car in America ( Nissan Versa) . I got the Patriot in Eco Green and it really stands out. All I ever see is black,white red or blue Patriots . Eco Green looks really nice. The Patriot has a silky smooth manual transmission and shifts really well. The critics say the Patriot is underpowered. I get more power with manual. The manual version cost $6000 less than the automatic version. Glad I learned how to drive manual ! I would never pay $6000 extra to get the automatic version. Its not worth it. The interior is really nice. Nothing fancy. Lots of plastic and thats good. Itll last. The seats are comfortable and adjust well . The windows are kind of small and visability is reduced somewhat. Ill get use to that. The version I got has crank windows and manual locks. I hate automatic windows because you have to turn the key to make them work when the engine is off. With AC , how many times do you open windows ? Just another thing that might break down. The instrument panel looks really nice and the steering is great . The car drives really well and theres no rattles when you drive on rough roads. I got all weather mats with the All weather capability option. The mats are so so . I thought the mats would cover the whole floor area . These mats are cheap. The tow hooks are definatly worth it. It looks really Jeep . Every Jeep should come with tow hooks. Plenty of headroom ! Im 6 foot six and the roof is 3 inchs above my head. Leg room is good in the front. If the front seats are all the way back I can still squeeze into the back seat if I spread my legs to each side of the seat. A shorter family will do just fine. My only complaint , Chrysler changed the powertrain warranty . The 2015 model had 5 years/100,000, the 2016 model has 5 years/60,000 . That change irritated me. I expected 5 years /100,000 miles. Glad I bought the Jeep Patriot.

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  Love My New Patriot! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Monte - June 20 - 9:45 pm

  Wow this small sized suv is comfortable to drive and handles well. Quick accelerating I purchased the 2.4 liter 16 valve and so far its an amazing suv. I really recommend taking a test drive for yourself I was so glad I did. Plenty of room seats are comfortable the warranty is amazing jeep did well on this one.

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  Rain Rain go away - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Teresa Severson - June 15 - 6:01 am

  I got a 2015 Patriot Latitude. I think its great in all aspects except when it rains, it pours in the back dome light. Have had it in the dealership 4 times, fixing to be the fifth because of this. Its sooo frustrating because they say they cant narrow it down. So if you intend to buy one please go straight to car wash to make sure it doesnt happen to you!!!

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  Sweet little Jeep - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By J A Frith - June 2 - 7:40 pm

  I own a 2002 Grand Cherokee with 200K miles. We thought it time to upgrade due to to the high miles. The Patriot caught my eye. After a strenuous mountain test drive I found it drove and handled great. I love the paddle-shift 6-speed for coming down mountains. Handling, traction and control are great. We live deep in the Appalachians and going anywhere is "over the mountain". So far, we havent driven on snow but I expect it will do very well with the front-wheel, four-wheel combination. My old Crown Vic got better highway mileage, but for a mid-size SUV it isnt bad. The 13-gal tank could be bigger for longer road trips. This car has no power seats but we are now used to it. Visibility is excellent. The 2.4 L engine has plenty of power and good acceleration. And the down-shifting when you let off the gas is excellent saving the brakes. For that matter, people ride their brakes excessively, anyway, and are annoying to follow up and down the hills and around tight curves. Though I have reservations about its durability it is, so far, an excellent 4X4 SUV. With winter just around the corner I will update you all on its snow and ice performance. As an auto and aircraft mechanic I find the Patriot well-engineered and solid. The reviews compare it to Japanese and European cars which are built for soft city folk who are tech-obsessed. If you want a practical, American 4X4, test drive the Patriot where there are steep terrain and sharp curves.