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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  WORST JEEP EVER - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By iichukid - September 20 - 4:46 am

  Worst car EVER.. I traded in my 2007 Sonata Limited V6 bought it brand new(which never gave me any type of problems @ 130,981miles besides oil/filter change and 4 new tires) for the 2009 Patriot needed a 4WD vehicle and it SUCKS. I got the Jeep a month ago and due to CVT trans problems I had to take it back to dealer and it been in the dealer since then only had for a week and gotta take it back this week cause now is the CVT trans plus shocks absorbers, axels, and struts....... Im going to make the last 5 payments in August just to get read of it...... Worst Jeep EVER....... And BTW the Jeep only have 60,451 miles.....

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  Great ride. 2017 - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By 2017 Jeep Patriot. - September 10 - 1:25 pm

  2017 Last year build.

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  Awesome car! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By ryanapem - September 9 - 10:33 am

  This car has been wonderful! Ive owned it now for 6 months and put about 10,000 miles on it. Ive had no mechanical issues with it and it has performed better than expected. I consistently get 25.5 MPG in the city and 26.5 MPH highway. Ive never seen less than 24.5 MPH. It is comfortable, easy to reconfigure (fold seats and such), capable and cheap to own and operate. Ive got no real drawbacks to this car. It really has met and exceeded all my expectations.

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  More fun than a barrel of monkeys - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By tr1741 - September 7 - 7:49 pm

  For the money, I just don’t think anything can compete with the new 2011 Patriot. I purchased a sport 2WD model with the 2.4l upgrade and power package with a manual 5spd for under $18 grand. Now I understand that I am not going to be off-roading or rock crawling with this vehicle, but as a very nice small hauler and weekend fun machine it fits the bill perfectly. Now I would definitely recommend the manual, because the CVT transmissions really suck the fun out of the vehicle. However the 5spd with the 2.4l is peppy and can easily handle highway merges and quick maneuvers. The vehicle feels competent at speed and never seems to want for power even when overtaking.

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  Great Little 4x4 - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Sara - September 6 - 8:03 am

  I brought the Patriot home about 2 weeks ago. Came off a Grand Cherokee and a Cherokee Sport before that. The ride is smooth and gas mileage has been what I hoped for so far 28-29 mpg with 5 speed manual transmission. Seems like it is going to be a great little 4x4. Jeep makes a solid product.

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  After 70k Problems! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By md59 - August 31 - 8:12 pm

  Ive enjoyed driving our 2007 Jeep Patriot 4x4 and have driven it carefully. Now after 70k miles I have two major repairs: 1) every pulley (alternator, two tensioners, air compressor) have bearings that have failed (and you cannot purchase just the part of the part - its all or nothing, baby!). 2)Also the front end is failing with the left ball joint out and the right not far behind. $2,200 after 70k miles is a little premature. Outside of that it has been a good vehicle except it has too much road noise.

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  Best bang for what you get out of the patriot - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By scortia22 - August 31 - 9:13 am

  I have was looking for a good car that was good on gas and wasnt expensive. I ecstatic about my 2.4L Latitude FWD because this model standard comes with heated front premium cloth seats, fog lamps, heated outside mirrors. The soft touch interior panels door, dashboard, steering wheel, etc. I traded in my 2008 Mercury Mariner for this because my car insurance and my monthly gas bill went right down OMG I was surprised. Performance wise it hugs the road, especially when I was on the freeway I had to swerve really fast and it was as if I bought an expensive suv with that much handeling awesome job on the 2011 patriot.

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  A nice go anywhere Jeep Patriot - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By springbranch - August 22 - 10:28 pm

  My 2.4 L 5-speed manual 4x4 Jeep Patriot is the most fun that I have had with any vehicle. Mine has 25,000 miles on it now, and they have been very fun miles. I had it up to its floorboards in both mud and sand, and it pulled itself out every time. I haul a 16.5 foot Lowe bass boat with it, and the four wheel drive does such a nice job on boat ramps. It is funny to see larger vehicles having trouble pulling up the ramps when my little jeep does it right now! This is a best buy vehicle, you cannot get a 4x4 with the capabilty of the Patriot unless you pay many thousands of dollars more. The Patriot is easy on the environment with its impressive gasoline mileage, I get 25 to 30 mpg.

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  My first SUV - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Erin - July 5 - 1:10 am

  This is my first SUV and was kind of worried about the insurance and the gas, but after calling and found out that the insurance was half the price of my other car bad up for the 3mpg difference of what I was getting in my car. I drive 80 miles round trip to work and find it very comfortable. I bought this suv for myself, but my husband drives it more then me. I think it is time to buy him one now.

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  Big bang for the buck - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Stu - June 19 - 3:50 pm

  My wife drives a Toyota Rav 4 which cost $10,000 more and this is a better vehicle---Nothing fancy-- Jeep more comfortable --Jeep faster acelleration ---better air conditioning-- We love this Jeep--Its the best value out there---Sure its Old school and it looks like a station wagon--Its like my old cherokee that they quit making in 2001--- after an 11 year run its been perfected---