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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  Small but good - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By auto - June 2 - 12:33 pm

  Like this better than compass. Doesnt have as many blind spots. Ride is Nice , seats are comfortable, transmission is smooth and lifetime on power train is great

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  my first jeep - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By mollysmommie - May 20 - 9:26 am

  I just traded my 2005 dodge neon in for my 2009 jeep patriot. I test drove it all day because I loved it so much I didnt want to give it back to the dealer!!! It isnt a huge suv for a small girl, but was still everything I need and want in a reliable vehicle. I love the bright blue color, i get a lot of compliments on the color and it drives soo smooth! all around great car for my money. my husband wants one now too!!! I love my patriot. it is ready to start a family in it. perfect for a 23 year old that travels pretty far to work everyday.

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  Loved it, but now Im over it . . . - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By dl_in_ks - May 18 - 6:04 am

  I bought it new because of the looks and the "lifetime" warrenty. It does get pretty decent gas mileage but thats about it. I had replaced only the battery and tires by the time it hit 98,000 miles - 90% of which were highway miles and 0% off road. Then the problems started happening, the whole front end had to be replaced and its still making noises. The alternator went out, the sun roof is leaking, the CVT transmission scares me enough that at times Im scared to pull out into traffic. It now has 109,000 miles on it. I just returned from a week long/2,600 mile trip - I was concerned about being able to make it back home! This is my first Jeep, this is my last Jeep!

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  Love it, but.initial build quality is ? - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By HistoryWithJeeps - May 11 - 7:30 pm

  I thought the Patriot was well-equipped for the price so I purchased one last week. I was very happy with my purchase for the first 24 hours, but I would soon discover the lift gate does not lock. Patriot lift gates only lock electronically (no keyhole).The dealership discovers the factory installed the wrong wiring and the dealer doesnt have the part. That requires a second trip. Of course, Chrysler/Jeep doesnt reimburse you for the fuel you burn or your time you spend fixing their factory mistake. They gave me a loaner car for 24 hrs (which is cool) but you have to refill the tank upon return (not cool). Seriously, Jeep(or the dealer) needs to step up more if you find a defect on day one.

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  Love It Or Leave It - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By BLUELINE 1* - May 6 - 12:50 pm

  I own (3) Jeeps including the 2007 Jeep Patriot Limited . Im trying to decide whether to cross the line and purchase a Subaru Forester or trade the Patriot on the 2010 Jeep Liberty. The CVT transmission was replaced under warranty at 24,000. I have had repeated problems with the sunroof leaking and pouring water down through the courtesy lights. That said, I am a loyal "JEEP FAN " , which makes it harder to leave a product I love . Personally, as a retired LEO , Im a bit concerned about the vehicle sway . The promise of anti-roll mitigation is listed , but I dont want to be the one that puts it to the test .

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Dave - May 2 - 7:20 am

  Was looking for a small SUV. My wife and daughter both drive Honda CR-Vs. I was looking for something a little different. I found it in the Jeep Patriot. Drives very nice and is loaded with features. Love the Satellite Radio. Drives very smoothly and feels well built. I have a little over 3000 miles on it and no rattles or noises. Getting about 25 - 26 miles per gallon. Not bad for a 4X4 automatic. I am pleased with my Jeep!

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  Disappointment - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By stud2boat - April 27 - 10:19 am

  What seemed to be a great purchase. Soon turned into quite a different thing!

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  1-year Patriot review - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By MI guy - April 22 - 2:20 am

  Just passed a year since I bought a 2008 Jeep Patriot with 2.4-l, 5-speed manual. I have put 9700 miles on it, probably 70% city driving and 30% towing my fishing boat, a 16-foot boat weighing about 900 lbs. During this time, my grand average MPG has been 28.3. I have only driven out of the city twice without the boat in tow, and both times my MPG has been over 30. My worst tank of gas was in December during near-record snowfall when I was running a lot of third gear, and got 25.9 MPG. There have been no automotive problems with the vehicle. It has good heat and good A/C. The underside of the car looks very good after one winter.

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  SAFETY & 09 INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Butterhead - April 9 - 6:50 am

  My wife was in a high speed collision totaling our 07 Patriot. She was banged up but I was very surprised how well this little truck absorbed the impact. Since she lived and we had no complaints with the 07 we bought an 09. The 09 interior is that of a normal car, the 07 (and 08) have an uncomfortable rock hard interior and very little storage room. For anyone who dislikes the cvt when braking, simply leave your foot barely on the gas and it wont bog down like that. Its a small price to pay for the amount of power you gain from always being in the power band with the cvt in addition to having great fuel mileage along with that power.

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  Cant understand the negative reviews!! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By RS - March 28 - 10:38 am

  As a rental car, I had a Jeep Patriot Sport with power windows and AC while my other car was in the shop and I fell in LOVE with it. Warm and comfortable with a solid feel and GREAT visibility. When I got my car back I drove to a jeep dealership and looked into owning one. I ended up with a 2016 Jeep Patriot High Altitude with leather seats, AC, 4WD, 2.4L 6 speed automatic, Navigation, Uconnect system, Sirius satellite radio, back-up camera, seat heaters and cargo cover in a beautiful deep cherry red with dark gray interior. Mine actually has 2 USB ports. One is in the glove box as another reviewer pointed out, but the other is right on the front of the radio itself. It also has an outlet in the center console that is easily accessible. It is a beautiful car with a much higher end feel than you would think for an SUV. The sound system in mine is great also. I have been paying attention to gas mileage and it is actually doing better than my 1.4L w/Turbo that I traded in. Maybe it has a larger tank, but my fuel costs have not increased with this car. It has everything I need/want and skips the overwhelming extras. I am not the person who needs to download the latest Android apps onto my car. This car does speak to a certain personality type I think. It is stylish and well equipped and no-nonsense. It doesnt have the Turbo feature or blind spot detection, but you dont feel like you need it because the visibility is excellent all around. I personally love the look of it - reminiscent of the older Jeeps. I hear that the Compass is essentially the same car with a different exterior - I preferred the Patriot myself. I also heard this will be that last year of production (2017) for the Patriot. Will be sad to see it go. I look forward to getting behind the wheel everyday, which is so important when most of us live our lives depending on our cars.