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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  afraid to drive because its always cost me money in breakdowns - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By gary86 - February 4 - 7:09 pm

  my 2008 jeep patriot I thought was going to be a great car at a great price but oh boy was I WRONG.we only drive it when going to dinner or someplace nice. the car only has 15000 miles on it and we have had the tie rods replaced the transmissionm replaced and now the ball joint assembly replaced. it also leaked until they figured out how to fix it. trying to get them to fix it now is a problem it only had a 3 year 36000 mile warranty whichever came first. if we would had driven it more during the first 3 years these problems would had been discovered but we were trying to keep the vechile like new what a mistake. I"m also a toledo jeep retiree but that makes 0 difference to them.

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  Read customer reviews only! This vehicle is Great! - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By patriot13 - January 13 - 4:42 pm

  After researching many other SUVs, I discovered the Jeep Patriot. I was looking for something that would fit my family of 4 and provide off road capability for outdoor adventures. This SUV is awesome. We took it off road and were able to go pretty much wherever we wanted. Outside of the off road package, the size is perfect for our small family. The vehicle has plenty of room and seats us all comfortably. The gas mileage is great and even though Edmonds complained about the performance of this vehicle, I have not had any problems with performance and do not agree with this part of their review. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  57,500 miles, 0 Problems - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By JMo - January 13 - 7:10 am

  Maybe Im just lucky but I have never had a problem with my Patriot. I traded in my 05 Wrangler (cause THAT got terrible MPG) for this Patriot that had 16000 when I got it. Drove it from LA to San Fran and then to Boston a few months later, packed to the brink and not a single problem, even going over the Rockies. Drove from Boston to Tennessee and back last summer, and again, never a problem. I personally love the Jeep seats, back felt fine the whole trip and yet every time I drive my gfs 10 Rogue it just aches! Pretty powerful for a 4cyl, but of course it has the aerodynamics of a brick. Only have the 2WD and have done fine in two New England winters. Usually average 26 MPG

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  2016 first time owner of a JEEP - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Brandi - December 16 - 6:54 pm

  I love My Jeep. I purchased a 2016 Fully loaded Jeep Patriot for a great affordable price. I am a single mom with 2 daughters. Lugging around all of there dance, cheer, Snowboards, Friends etc has been hassle free. Plenty of room for everything & still not cramped. Love the Lumbar support & Heated seats. Moon Roof, Sirius XM radio, Remote Start & 4 wheel drive are all pluses. The only thing I wish it had was a back up camera. Easy to drive.

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  New 2014 Patriot and problems already - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By frankie57 - December 14 - 2:47 pm

  My husband went golfing today in his NEW Jeep Patriot and when he started to come back home (less than 200 miles total on the car) the Jeep would not shift into first or second gears! Already we have had it into the dealership for repairs! Not at all what we expected when we bought a NEW vehicle from Jeep! It appears that the clutch cable came loose and had to be reattached! HOW can that happen??? I hope this is NOT a pattern or we will be extremely unhappy - and since we are Jeep lovers, this would NOT be good! My son has 2 Grand Cherokees - VERY happy with them, and we also have a Jeep Liberty - which I drive and dearly love! PLEASE JEEP - keep our faith in your company! FIX IT!

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  Get Your Jeep On - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By geargroy - December 11 - 11:49 am

  What does get your Jeep on mean? It means get into a vehicle full of fun and adventure. Fill the Patriot with a ton of fun things and fun people and go on an adventure. Get Your Jeep On and have fun with great fuel economy and on/off road safety and a smooth ride.

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  COMFORTABLE SUV - FUEL ECONOMY NOT SO GREAT - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Dunesmama - December 7 - 5:55 pm

  Youll have lots of room but the gas will get expensive.

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  Im a Jeep fan now - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By will4everownajeep - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I went to purchase a 2008 use Jeep Pat (drove 2 and a half hours because I found a good deal through a dealership online) but got there only to find out they had sold it 10 minutes before I got there. Ended up buying the 2009 Pat, it little bit more than I was wanting to spend but Im so glad I did. The interior is much nicer on the 2009. The great gas mileage and size were what attracted me to the Patriot. I wanted a small SUV with 4 wheel drive that wasnt a gas sucker. My whole family is GMC all the way, always has been, but I believe I will never own anything but a Jeep again. I love my Patriot!

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  Fuel Efficient SUV? - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By VAbaby - November 28 - 12:33 am

  Ive owned my Patriot now for a month and a half and have 2500 miles on it. I love it so far and have taken one summer trip to the beach. This is a great SUV for fuel economy and price! I only wish they had given me cruise and a smarter VIC. I got a good amount of features and it makes for a great car. Love the headroom being 6 tall and the dash is great! Lots of little storage places and I love the solid rear storage floor rather than a stain-possible cloth. A must have for compact SUVs.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By MI driver - November 22 - 11:40 pm

  I purchased my Patriot Sport 5 days ago and in that time have tested it in brutal cold, icy roads, and blizzard conditions, as well as a 400 mile road trip. This is the best-handling vehicle Ive ever owned (I traded in an Envoy to get this car). It holds the road remarkably well, even on icy roads, the ESF is fantastic, 4X4 is great, interior is comfortable, MP3 jack is a nice touch. The cargo area is sufficient, safety features are great. I love this car!