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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  Let me just tell you... - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By SJZ123 - May 12 - 10:06 am

  Traded in a 2000 Cherokee Sport for an 08 Patriot, was unsure if I wanted to but after test driving it a few times I had to have one. The MPG is great usually runs me about $28-$33 to fill up (lot better then my gas chugging Cherokee which averaged about $50+ a fill up. The Patriot is comfortable, fun to drive, very roomy, feels like a cross between the Cherokee and the Commander. The CVT You have to wait about 1,500 miles for the electronic transmission to dial in to get the correct gear ratios but once it does the performance picks up. Ive had mine for about 2 months now and have racked up about 3,500 miles already.

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  Overall very good, despite some problems - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By DR Wilson - May 11 - 8:53 am

  We are very happy with our Patriot, overall. Have had a few problems, such as manual trans synchros (recall) as it was grinding while shifting gears. This was done before the first oil change- 2000 Miles! Otherwise, a great vehicle; great fuel economy, comfortable, peppy for a 2.4l. Also had check engine light on, dealer replaced the O2 sensor and has a rad leak when very cold; will take it in for a new rad next week. The windows are narrow, leaving for blind spots. Overall good quality for the price; small problems easily fixed under warranty. For the record, I am a Journeyman mechanic of 20+ years & a former automotive instructor at a technical school so my technical knowledge is strong.

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  Total Garbage - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Jeremy - May 4 - 10:05 pm

  I have had the vehicle 3 months and 3,300 miles. It has been in the shop 6 times for electrical system issues. The dash lights going on and off, the radio going on and off, the climate control vents not working and now the power windows not going up and down. This vehicle cost a lot of money and has been nothing but garbage. I see others have had similar issues online and in these review columns. Stay away from this vehicle. When reporting this under the lemon law they have said these issues were considered minor and not effecting the total vehicle operations and safety.

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  Does anybody else have this problem - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Krystle - May 3 - 4:13 pm

  So when i first bought this jeep, i had nothing but good things to say, but now that i am nearing the end, i do not like it anymore. I dont know if it is just the ABS, but ive had quite a few near crash situations. I think i am going with a car without ABS. If i hit a bump in the road, pothole or slippery road, my brakes appear to stop working or prevents me from braking (with a clicking noise). I may just have to deal with the workings of the ABS, but I definitely do not like it! Also, the Jeep is real noisy. Also, at 38,000+ miles, it appears my gas mileage is degrading slowly.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By KYPatriot - April 28 - 9:36 pm

  I bought my Patriot brand new in April 08 and I love it. Forget what professional reviewers say about it compared to the Escape, Rav4, etc., this is comfortable and handles great. Kentucky got hit with a terrible ice storm in early 09, and the Patriot acted like it barely noticed it! The biggest knock on it is the cheap interior materials, but seriously - how often do you touch your dashboard?

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  Cheap Jeep! Beware of Money Pit. - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By newellio - April 23 - 8:51 am

  Purchased vehicle with only 13,000 miles. Within first year needed new brakes, then when around 57,000 miles the rattling and clunking noises began. We discovered both tie rods and ball joints were bad. Estimated repairs were over $1000. Then a ringing noise in the transmission began to get louder. So we decided to trade in. Dealers were not willing to give us a decent trade because the CVT transmission was starting to go bad. Apparently this is a major issue in the Jeeps especially when it reaches around 60,000 miles. Jeep is not willing to warranty this issue. Our mechanic said newer jeeps are the most serviced vehicle he works on and encouraged us to trade it!

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  2011 Latitude 4x4 cvt - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By rogatordriver - April 18 - 7:43 am

  I bought the 2011 Patriot as a program car in the spring of 2012. I have been pretty satisfied until now, it has 83,000 miles and I am replacing the first set of tires. noticed some wear issues and have been informed that it needs left and right front control arms and rear tow links....thats around $500 dollars in parts before labor. I am told this is very common for the Patriot, NAPA says they sell lots of these parts. This is my first Jeep and it may very well be my last. It gets good mileage,24-26.5 mph, it is driven 72 miles a day and babied for mileage. If I were trading vehicles today it would be a very uphill sale for Jeep.

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  Excellent Vehicle! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By TPS - April 6 - 12:06 am

  Got my 09 Patriot 4WD and love it. The CVT transmission is peppy, and the vehicle handles my bumpy twisty back roads wonderfully. Its sure-footed in foul weather, and really well-equipped for the price ($5-7K less than comparably equipped CRV or Forester, + LIFETIME powertrain warranty!) Im happy with my Pat! If youre in the market, put it on your must drive list.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By oscar - April 1 - 7:53 am

  I wanted a FWD SUV with good price and capabilities, this Patriot was the answer. Driving is fun despite the CVT, thanks to the shiftronic. Good size and looks. 2.4L engine is capable but my wife complains it is a little bit noisy (for me it is perfect as it reminds me that I am NOT driving a car).

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  Better the the Liberty - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By DCDC - March 24 - 5:16 pm

  We picked up the Jeep in August, traded in our Liberty and have not thought twice about it. Got the Limited at a clerance price with no miles. Comfort, stero & dash are great. It drives more like a car then anything and handles great. You dont have the feeling of being top heavy as the liberty did. Gas mileage is great but could use a bigger tank. The fold flat seats come in handy. I highly reccomend this Jeep. I personally would even pay the full price for the limited for those extra options.