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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  nice jeep - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By jeeplover - December 15 - 10:50 am

  This jeep has a smooth ride. If you enjoy a small 4wd truck this is the answer.

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  Love it - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By lainee guffey - December 1 - 2:33 pm

  We love our Patriot...we own 2 other Jeeps (Wrangler and Commache) and although I love my Wrangler i would have to say the Patriot is a very close second. We love the comfort for road trips and the mileage is not bad either. Will always purchase Jeep products in the future for their reliabily (99 Wrangler has 180,000 miles on it and have only had to replace the water pump). The styling on the Patriot gets a lot of good comments from stangers while out. We are totally satisfied with our purchase have recommended the Jeep Patriot to others.

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  Practical and fun jeep - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Andy - November 27 - 7:36 am

  This is a great jeep product. I have manual transmission, 4X4 FDI drive model. It drives great, engine is very responsive (manual transmission), 4X4 is great just like i would expect from jeep. Hwy fuel economy is 29-30 and in town 23-25, of course it will be different for automatic. freedom drive I an Awd/4wd drive system which detects traction loss under normal driving conditions and transfers torque to where it is needed and 4wd system is 50-50 system for light offroading , if you are a serious off-roader then consider FDII or even better wrangler.

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  Love it - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Guillermo - November 19 - 6:53 pm

  I just bought my jeep patriot with the C.A.R.S. incentive and the 3500 rebate from the dealer. I had it for 12000 and I cant be happier. It feels very young and fresh. Its exactly was I was looking for. I have the black exterior color with tan color interior. DRIVING IT CANT BE MORE FUN. If you are looking for a small SUV with a sporty design and roomy interior this is the car for you. Mine has a soonroof and power locks and windows. Even my friends that has Hondas and Nissans are very impressed with my car. The seats are very comfortable and the distance between you and the steering wheel and the instruments is perfect. I wish my English was better to tell all the joy that this car gives

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  Sorry I purchased a Patriot - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Amber - November 18 - 5:36 am

  I decided to purchase the car because of the style and Jeep name. I received a 3K rebate and was so happy. I had ignored the first Edmunds review re: cheap interior. Car drove fine first few days when I noticed I was low on gas. This continued where I was filling up twice weekly and barely getting 20mpg. My tank would only hold 10 gallons. No one believes this and now I have to go to the dealer to check this out. After reading another review, I now believe this is a malfunctioning fuel gauge. After my purchase I see that Edmunds has updated with a more scathing review of the Patriot. I wish I had read that one prior to purchase. Buyers remorse? You betcha!

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  Yes! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By MountainWoman - October 24 - 9:16 am

  This baby hugs the curves well on my mountain highway, with a little boost from the CVT on steep side roads. Its quiet and comfortable; the heater clears all the windows well, and air circulation keeps it all fresh. Theres plenty of room (and little nooks) to stash gear, tools, shopping bags. My neighbors all complimented the appearance, too!

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  Awesome Little SUV - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By JDA - October 10 - 3:20 am

  My wife and I just had a baby and realized that my car just wasnt big enough anymore. I didnt want a gas guzzler, so we test drove this Patriot. Chryslers current incentives (employee price, cash back 0% APR) couldnt be beat. I really enjoyed the test drive and after about a month it has performed great. Ive gotten about 24 MPG in mixed driving with the CVT. It just takes a little getting used to. It handles great and is so much easier to park than my sedan did. The new interior looks much better than the previous models did. The soft plastics feel good and dont shock me the way having cloth everyone tends to.

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  No Problems So far - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Whizzer - October 2 - 10:50 am

  I have had My Patriot for 2 months now and have had no complaints. Handling is a little vague at times and I am still getting used to the blind spot. However it is reliable, comfortable to drive and easy to maneuver. I am averaging about 25 mpg in combination city highway driving. The 4WD does handle well in the snow and I like the stability, traction control and airbag safety features. It is a basic SUV but it serves its purpose and makes a good second car. I would buy another one

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  I love my Patriot - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Michael in MT - September 26 - 1:26 pm

  I traded in my 2002 Grand Cherokee Overland on this Patriot. I love the old Jeep but, the gas mileage was killing me so I was looking for a smaller SUV. I get 27mpg reliably on the highway and I occasionally get as high as 30mpg on the highway. My Patriot is fun to drive and feels solid on and off road. Wintery drivng is a pleasure with this Jeep - it actually is more effective in snow than my Grand Cherokee. I love the looks of my Jeep, I feel like I am driving a Jeep and not a minivan - like some of the other smaller SUVs in the same class. I only with that the interior was a bit more refined, though, it is a Jeep afterall and the interior suits the vehicles heritage and purpose.

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  To The Head ... - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Angie T. - September 20 - 3:16 pm

  Recently purchased Pat 4X4 and so far so good... I dont get the folks that wrote disparaging remarks referencing this units 4X4 capabilities! I took our Pat 4x4 straight out on to Oregon Inlet @ N.C. Outer Banks and drove through the thick sand like spreading butter without taking a pound of pressure out of any tires (Its recommended to lower tire PSI to 20 before attempting to traverse through the thick sandy beaches). In my opinion all I can say regarding the Jeep Patriot 4X4 off roading capability is that all 4X4s are limited by physics; however, the Pats 4X4 off roading capability is up to Jeep standards and is limited by the drivers capability/expertise. See ya at the Head!