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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  Almost perfect - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Jim - March 21 - 10:26 pm

  If the front seats were built better, this would be the perfect vehicle. It is the perfect size, gets about 25 mpg which is good for a 4wd, has great visibility, and well designed flexibility in loading the interior. It is a real blast to drive, and getting used to the CVT transmission didnt take as long as I expected. So far, I have not discovered any factory defects and this Jeep really seems tight - no squeaks or rattles. This is built much better than other Chrysler products that I have owned. However, the front seats are thinly padded over a hard shell. There are no springs and, consequently, no give in the seats. Bumps telescope directly to your spine through your tail bone.

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  Good concept, poor followthrough - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Rob - March 18 - 8:00 pm

  If engineering is to automotive as pitching is to baseball, Chrysler has no bullpen... still. Ive owned more than 30 automobiles in my life and only 2 other Chryslers before this, now I remember why. As a lifelong mechanic I have a very strong love of good engineering. It makes working on things much easier, less frequent, and should make the usefulness/usability much more enjoyable. It is in this area that my Jeep falls way short. First Ill start with what I actually appreciate about my little Patriot. The leather seats are visually appealing and hold up quite well to standard use. Steering is tight, feels good with less body roll than I anticipated. Braking is smooth, provided by all wheel disks, and doesnt have any quirks to it, something I love since I live in an area that frequently gets snow. I appreciate the storage spaces seemingly stuffed into nearly every place they can put one (more on one of these particularly later), especially the large cubby above the glove box. Steering wheel audio controls are well located and easy to utilize. The 6sp automatic transmission shift well, not great, but well; perhaps a reprogram of the TCM would keep it from shifting too soon and bogging, this is better than many of these types of transmissions but since it is sourced from Hyundai I suppose it makes sense. The manual shift mode and location of that is far superior in my mind than the thumb button my wifes Focus had, and for this type of vehicle, better in my mind than even paddle shifters. Cargo room is plenty for the size and easily accessible and the back seat is plenty for my kids. Sadly, this is where the good ends and the limp arm of the pentagons pitching team starts throwing wild balls. First, the little 4 squirrel engine is under-powered, noisy at anything above an idle, and considering the lackadaisical acceleration, falls short even in the economy range. I would have happily exchanged some MPG for enough power to get out of its own way without having to rap 5K on the tach. My 2008 V6 Mustang has much more acceleration, far better performance, far less engine noise, weighs more and nearly matches the Jeep at the pump. Considering the Jeep has almost 10 years of "innovation" on the mustang, and even more when you consider how old the for 4.0l V6 design is, I guess I expected more. I know what youre all saying, comparing a mustang to a Jeep is unfair, but its what Ive got. The automatic transmission seems to shift a little early for my taste, causing some bogging and slippage, but not a major deal breaker. And this is where the mediocrity ends and the downright poor comes in, the day to day usefulness. Driving the Jeep is downright one of the most uncomfortable and unusable space Ive ever had the displeasure of occupying. The side bolstered seats are too narrow and dig into my outer thighs and glutes. I know I need a diet, but cmon here, it hurts. As mentioned before, the little storage spots are great, except the phone/cigarette pack one below the park brake handle, making it not only useless but a lesson in ignorance of design. The cup holders... ugh the cup holders. The front cup holders are both impeded by something. You cant pull a cup of coffee out of the front without hitting the shifter that is located directly above it, and the rear is covered by the center arm rest. Every car Ive driven and used the sun visors pull to detach from the hook, these you push which is oddly clumsy feeling. The visors dont cover enough of anything to be useful, when moved to the side dont extend nearly far enough out, and are clumsy putting back. The A-pillar is seeming enormous and the B-pillar is right next to my head if I dont want my knees in my chest making this one of the most view obstructed vehicles Ive been in. Lack of some very basic features like a telescopic steering wheel even when equipped with tilt, blind spot door mirrors, a fuel calculator on even a mid-level equipped package make this seem overly stripped down. There are enough of these little things adding up to the point that there is no indication that the cruise control has been set just gets me irritated. My Jeep has the jack-off drivers seat height adjustment and Im just going to say it "TO THE ENGINEERING WORLD, THIS IS TRASH, QUIT PRODUCING THEM." But, if they will continue, at least leave enough room for a mans arm to access it since I have to open my door to adjust mine.

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  Good Value SUV--Needs Bigger Fuel Tank! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By deercroft - March 11 - 5:16 am

  Overall I am quite happy with my purchase. The Patriot with Freedom Drive II rides well and, despite comments about noise from the CVT I have no problems in that area. With seat height adjusted up, you also get good visibility (contrary to other views). Not as good as my old Jeep Cherokee overall but more comfortable/functional (except for driving range-see bigger fuel tank below), easier rear passenger access and nice fold flat seat system on passenger side. Hope someone designs aftermarket fuel tank fix. Even 10 l (2.5 US gal) more would be a huge improvement! I bought the vehicle knowing fuel tank would be a problem--still great value!

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  No repairs until 97,000.00 - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By trustyourgut - March 8 - 12:03 pm

  Not a peep from my jeep! No dummy lights were on, no noises, no warning. But, suddenly, one day, it was unable to climb the hilly road. Just stopped, right there, in front of a farm, where a lonely adolescent cow greeted me. Transmission is currently being replaced. Thank God the 2011 has a 100,000 miles trans warranty. I no longer trust my jeep.

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  Not a bad first vehicle but still on the fence... - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By nick_b - March 3 - 4:43 am

  I purchased the 2.0 lt automatic with CVT and had similar complaints when driving a slow speeds. The transmission does seem to kick when decelerating and re-accelerating around 10-15 MPH. Also, I have less than 10k on it and occasionally have a hesitation when trying to start it up. Cold days around 30-40 degrees seem worst and when parked on any type of hill... The stereo is awesome for the money and the aux input is great to have. Would have appreciated another power outlet but one is alright. Rear suspension is beginning to squeak. The controls for temp are cheap dont always seem to get in the right spot for the setting. For the money, not a bad SUV but feels cheap.

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  I got a Lemon - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Albert - February 26 - 11:03 pm

  While driving on the freeway it moves, I think its out of alignment; it almost wants to fish tail. As I start to press on the bake it makes a noise, not only that it makes a clank sound underneath. I took it back to have it serviced, but it still moves, suddenly it pulls to the right. This is not a safety car.

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  Great Small SUV - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Naten53 - February 16 - 5:06 am

  I purchased mine 18 months ago. For a compact suv it performs exactly as expected. The best feature by far is the size compared to the fuel economy. Only complaints are because it is a small suv you do not have the storage capacity of large suvs however it is great for someone that does not need the large suv everyday. I have had it through two Pittsburgh winters and 4wd on farm roads and it has never had trouble (driving with caution in bad conditions of course).

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  Great Car! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By MAG - February 3 - 7:06 am

  I bought my Patriot because I wanted an SUV for the space and 4WD, but didnt want to get anything too big. I went with the Limited - completely maxed out (nav., DVD, 30Gb mp3 storage, uconnect). Its been wonderful to have such a practical car with all the bonuses as well. I do find the CVT a little tough to get used to, and wish it came in turbo or 6cyl. as it seems like the pick-up is very slow. But, I still cant believe all that I got in this car for the price!

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  4 Cylinder Jeep Cherokee -- Great - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By BarristerMiami - January 30 - 5:33 pm

  Its about time Jeep came out with a 4 cylinder Cherokee! Always have loved Jeep products, but the gas guzzling 4.0 and 3.7 liter 6 cylinder engines are old hat given todays gas prices. Compass is too girly; Patriot is for all. Now Im waiting for a 4 cylinder Wrangler! That would make life sweet.

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  The best Vehicle for your money - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By craigvet - January 29 - 4:15 am

  I was looking for a RAV4 bought couldnt touch one for less than 16,000 and that was with 45,000 miles. I have found that Toyota run for ever, but their bodies dent easly. I have always viewed Chrystler Products as junk. Hell I got a brand new Patriot for 16K, its a base line automatic (becouse I will not buy a front wheel drive stick). It has a lot of room. I hope its reliable. The last new vehicle I bought was 02 Ranger and it was junk. After owning 7 Fords I ditched them and went Toyota. But Damm I dont want to pay 25k for a new RAV4. I have manual windows and door locks but it came with cruise, radio, and AC that is all the accerories I want. Less stuff to break