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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  I Made The Switch from Honda to Jeep - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Kenn - June 9 - 4:06 am

  So I had a 2003 Honda Element which was extremely reliable. It never died stalled or stuttered during its 4 years of service. I made the move to the Jeep Patriot because they were giving them away and my Honda was not attractive anymore. The interior had been trashed by me and my 5 year old. I am a Realtor so I do a ton of driving. I needed a car that was reliable and better on gas than the Honda. I read nothing but positive reviews from owners of the 2009 Jeep Patriot. I have driven mine for 2000 miles and I love it! It is a great car. It gets amazing gas mileage. It is spacious on the inside. The storage is just okay but the interior looks ago. I love the exterior style for this car.

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  2008 Jeep Patriot - Fail! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By disappointed71 - June 8 - 3:38 pm

  Bought new in 2008. Within the first year, dome light would fill with water during a hard rain and would dump all over dash and me! Three years in, the lower ball joints/control arm had to be replaced with under 60,000 mi. Brakes and tires also had to be replace around the same time due to extra strain from the bad control arm. One year later, the ball joints are going bad again! Transmission is also acting up - anytime I travel on the highway for 2 hours or so, the transmission temperature light goes on and the car compensates by slowing me down to 45 mph, forcing me to pull over. Dealership says nothing is wrong with the tranny. I beg to differ!! Hate this car and will trade ASAP!!!

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  Towed more than its driven - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Hiedi Poulson - June 5 - 7:24 pm

  Bought brand new with 5 miles on it. Left my family stranded 7 times, the first 2 times were at 260 and 550 miles due to a fuel leak. Then the cruise control started taking off and accelerating on its own. And the electrical issues are off the charts! The jeeps entire electrical system shuts off while driving,starts back up and the radio chants a ham radio signal, over and over again. No matter what you do, turn it off, open the doors, it wont stop. The jeeps radio turns on in the middle of the night, completely draining the battery. Even the tow truck cant charge it, the doors will not unlock, tires locked abs has to be dragged onto the wrecker, forcefully! This electrical problem has been going on well over a year! The radio has been replaced twice for freeing up and refusing to answer calls, screen freezes ect. The brakes now squee and the front end clunks off and on. Headlights dim randomly and has a terrible vibration while in drive. I have a lawyer, its that bad. Everyone Ive met with a Patriot has endless problems! Never, ever again!

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  Squeaks, Rattles, Creaks at 4 000 Miles! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By jeepinoakland - June 5 - 3:30 am

  I was so excited with my new car, but at 4000 miles the front seat squeaks terribly, the clutch pedal creaks and it has a terrible shudder/rattle by the front wheel. I really wish Id never bought it.

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  Second Jeep Patriot - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By sonipsok1 - May 30 - 5:35 pm

  My first Jeep Patriot was a 2007, 2.4L Sport. I thought it was great compared to its replacement, a 2000 Jeep Cherokee. After a few years, no longer impressed with its ride. No problems anywhere else. Once the redesign came out for 2011, I had to go see it. The ride is so much better! The 2007 is like riding in a truck where the 2011 is like driving in a car that handles well, quite, and great features! I bought the Latitude with the 2.0L engine for 20K. I have 21K miles on it now after 1 year, and Im still impressed with the comfort and value and quality of this Jeep.

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  Dont listen to auto writer snobs - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Chris - May 29 - 11:00 am

  Im so sick of the professional auto writers who are not able to review an economy car with realistic expectations. We almost wrote off the Patriot thinking the engine had no power. Bought the 5 speed manual with 2.4L and love it. Very comfortable highway ride and 25MPG on the very first tank of gas! Traded my 15MPG Wrangler for this and am so very happy with the trade. Vinyl seats look like leather and clean up easy - what a novel concept huh? Im 61" 250lbs and was completely comfortable for a 240 mile trip yesteday. Super features at a great price. Plenty of zip for getting into traffic too.

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  Excellent Value, Safe, and Reliable - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Frank - May 22 - 2:00 am

  GREAT buy. Very safe, great MPG (28 Hwy with the stick), good looking, very inexpensive. Have had for 3 years, 35K miles, absolutely no issues. Even the tires are still in great shape!

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  HIGHLY recommended!!! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Warren - May 21 - 11:23 pm

  A pleasure to own and drive. Appears well-built, have experienced no faults or issues and no minor irritations. I really like the CVT transmission but only with the autostick (manual override) which allows you to use the engine as a downhill brake and provides for smoother engine operation on a long uphill ride (plus a fun component if you are getting bored). Everything being considered, I cant think of a better vehicle.

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  Jeep Patriot Sport 4x4 manual transmission - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By R.L.Faverty - May 20 - 10:13 am

  Our family has owned and driven jeeps since 1970 starting with the Grand Wagoneer, we love them. All have had a complete low range gearing. My previous jeep was a Cherokee bought in 1984. As I consulted to the minerals exploration industry and mining it got heavy use and the low range came in handy as it did in the previous models. I have drive manual vehicles since 1964 and was dismayed with the Jeep choices. I wanted a full Jeep transmission like the Cherokee had, but my choice there was a glitzy model or a Wrangler. At my age the Patriot was the best fit and all I could get was 4x4 Sport model as I like crank windows and no central lock, The 4x4 drive lack a true low range, but when you lock the four wheel in it seems to drop to a lower range as describe by the technicians at the Jeep dealer. The anti sway feature is remarkable on muddy wash board roads and where hydroplaning is occurring, I live in western Colorado and the afore mentioned features combined with the 2.4L engine is remarkable. Also, I bought the Patriot for its plane jeep look. I like to scramble old mining roads etc and the glitzy just would not fit as I would not want to scratch and dent such a fancy vehicle. I am a large, very large man, and this vehicle is roomy front and rear for me. On the freeway gas mileage is about 30-31mpg using cruise control at 65mph. Lots of power to spare and shifting is smooth and easy, and the stick is well positioned.

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  loyal jeep owner - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By tracy - May 19 - 2:06 am

  I got my jeep in march 2008, and it is FWD 2.0. I love it and it is good on gas. I have to get used to the autostick, and I really dont use it. But overall I am a jeep fanatic and I really like the fuel efficiency.