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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  Worth it! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By MC - January 23 - 12:43 am

  I bought a silver Latitude Edition with CVT. Came with Sun and Sound group, Alloys with Firestone tires, foglights, heated seats, and touch screen multimedia display. The SUV gets good mpg, excellent ride/handling, extremely cold A/C, and has enough cargo space for vacations. Overall, this is a quality, well priced vehicle that you should consider when in the market for an SUV.

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  Please with the Patriot - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By detroiter313 - January 21 - 1:37 am

  I bought one of these a week ago. My package is known as the Oscar Mike, which is a sub-package of the Latitude. My main goal was to replace my current vehicle with one that my increasingly aged parents can get in and out of better. The previous car was a 2003 Merc Sable. My parents can hop in and out of the car without too much difficulty and for when mom needs a wheelchair, that fits in the back without too much effort.

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  Loved my Jeep Patriot! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Todd - January 20 - 1:10 am

  Purchased brand new and drove it for 45,000 trouble free miles. I changed the oil every 3,000 and replaced a set of tires around 35,000 miles. I changed the spark plugs at 30,000 miles. Other than those standard maintenance items, the Jeeper was great. It is a great looking vehicle, got decent gas mileage (Avg 21 MPG), and was comfortable to drive. This is a great vehicle if you love the Jeep brand but dislike the normal gas mileage you get from a Jeep.

• 

  Awesome ride. - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Ted M. - January 19 - 1:13 pm

  Love my new Patriot. Getting very good gas mileage and it is very comfortable. The Limited has many great features. Getting alot of compliments on its looks and the leather interior.

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  So glad I didnt buy this - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Gary - January 7 - 7:48 pm

  To be direct about this, I looked at the sticker price. I rented one for a week and now can honestly say, even with a low sticker price, it is very much over priced. It reminds me of the one time I drove a Yugo, which was 5 minutes I will never forget.

• 

  Great Buy!!! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Nick - January 4 - 10:07 am

  The Jeep Patriot is a great purchase - a great combination of all factors we needed to take into account. Mileage is okay; room is quite spacious. The big key for us was to have a second vehicle that handles the snow pretty well. We had a Jeep Wrangler for years. We live in the hills in Kentucky and when it snows heavily the roads are not well kept so we need something that can handle deep snow, slippery conditions, and can handle peaks/valleys/curves in heavy snow. The Patriot FDII WIth Low Gear is just like owning a manual transmission in the snow in the hills. The low gear reduces speed (you can shift from D to L as you go down a hill) and never go higher than 3-4 mph without touching the brakes. And when going up hills in the snow, it doesnt even slip. And now we have a vehicle that can pull our trailer, get decent gas mileage and have a vehicle that is easy to drive in all conditions. Its been a great purchase! The expert reviews are not high on the Patriot (doesnt have a lot of fancy bells/whistles - technology) but the owner reviews are usually pretty positive. Very reliable/dependable and good purchase for its price.

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  Tight fit for infant seats - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Justin - December 31 - 2:20 pm

  I have driven this car for 18 months. I have had no problems to date. It handles very well in snow, rain, and muddy dirt roads. Fuel economy is around 24-25, but decreases significantly with anything on the roof. I just installed two infant seats and barely fit them in. I am 510" and had to pull the seat 1 click forward from my usual position to fit them in. If you have long legs and plan on adding a car seat, buy different car.

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  I got a deal - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Augusta Harvey - December 27 - 6:48 pm

  The price was well worth it ! Im very happy with my decision! Alot of room for a car seat and 2 booster seat . In the rear seat!

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  Dies while driving no warning - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Catherine zeunges - December 24 - 8:00 pm

  Today, may 26 2016,I just pulled out onto the road during rush hour and suddenly with no warning the brake felt funny beneath my foot. The steering wheel seemed like it wasnt on or working. The car then completely dies. The car had no indication lights of a possible issue. The car was not over heated. I ended up blocking two lanes because I was in mid turn of getting into the far left lane. I was shaken by this and had to call the police for help. The key would not allow me to turn it in the off position. I was literally stuck. After waiting five minutes I tried to turn the car on and it came on luckily! I am a new driver, this is my first car and I have never been so scared in my life hat someone was going to hit me from the side or behind. I took the car into the dealership to get looked at. I am without a car while they look at it. I since saw many reviews saying their heels in various models and years have done this too. I hope the issue is fixed by the end of the weekend but it was scary. Overall I love my car but wow that was horrible.

• 

  Ball joints - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By jt - December 15 - 11:23 am

  At the mechanic right now. They say the ball joints have play. The stabilizer was loose, makes rattle noise on bumps. $250 repair bill, only two years old and 45k miles.