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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  Underpowered and lousy gas mileage. Cheap! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Brett - July 15 - 12:43 am

  Thank goodness it was only a rental. I understand that one may sacrifice performance for better mileage or vice-versa, but this car delivers neither. It was constantly hunting for the right gear ... just awful. As others have already said, the mileage is crap, especially when considering what a wheezebox the thing is. Toss in the small tank and I was shocked at how quickly the fuel gauge dropped. Seats were not very comfortable, either. Thankfully, we only had it for a day, as it was a replacement for another rental, which died near the end of our vacation. That first car (Chevy Malibu) was consistently giving us 34 MPG in mixed driving. The Patriot didnt come close, even though it was 100% highway driving. Had this been our vehicle for the whole trip, it wouldve been miserable. I cannot believe rental companies consider this at the same level as the "full size" cars. I know never to make the mistake of renting a "compact SUV", as I might get stuck with one of these again. Who knows? Maybe other compact SUVs are just as bad. These definitely belong in the sub-$18K range. Just awful.

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  Good value and functional, some issues - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By wildkard58 - July 13 - 3:00 am

  I bought a 2007 Jeep Patriot Sport model with the CVT transmission and front wheel drive. Had it for 4 years and it was good value, quite functional however it had some issues. The CVT tranny is buzzy. The Patriot is not that quiet on the highway for road trips. This SUV will get you 30-32 miles to the gallon highway driving around 70 miles an hour. There is good storage space. A known problem with the Patriot is the front end suspension system. Before the 3 year/60,000 km warranty runs out, have an independent mechanic check the control arms and tie rods. They are Jeep only parts and you will replace them at some point (I did before warranty expired). Thats why I traded it in.

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  Cheap jeep - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Dan - July 8 - 6:07 pm

  Rented this tin box. Been in it 10 minutes and cant wait to get out of it! Very cramped, loud, rough and no arm room. ONE usb port!!!! So no charging phone and using gps! Also all the windows are fogged up, cant see out of them. Defrost is on high and in the rear. Very dangerous. I would walk before I would buy this piece of crap! Does not compare to my 2005 Ford Freestyle!!!!

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  Edmunds is CraZy - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Woods n Water boys - June 22 - 2:26 am

  Ive owned my 2015 patriot since new. It currently has 45,000 miles on it and is a daily driver for me. I have had zero warranty issues and my only repair costs have been routine maintenance. My favorite thing about the vehicle is its simplicity of interior layout and controls. It certainly is not a touring vehicle youd want to jump in and drive across the county, but with the 6 speed automatic it feels zippy on city streets and is a great little bomber to boogie across town in. As an avid outdoorsman this little buggy gets me where I need to go and can haul all of my gear even for multiple day excursions. Youre not going to tackle the slick rock of Moab but I have been impressed by the capability to access my favorite camping spots as well as its ability to blast through the soft sands of the East and West coasts of Florida. Check it out for yourself.

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  Jeep Patriot for a Patriotic American - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By zulu45 - June 18 - 7:00 pm

  I bought this to replace a Ford F150, and have NOT been disappointed. I average about 27 mpg with mixed driving out in the country. The acceleration is great, although not really outstanding, it is much more than I need. Overtaking is easy with the Patriot going from 45 to 75+ in almost a blink of an eye. The CVT really does a great job of giving the power when its needed. And though I dont have the Trail-Rated version, even during a major ice storm this past Winter, the Jeep handled inclines and roads that even pickups with off-road packages couldnt handle. Its nimble, and very comfortable.

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  20,000 Mile Update - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Todd - June 16 - 11:03 am

  I am approaching 20k on my Patriot. So far I have averaged 23 mpg and have had no problems whatsoever (oil changes and tire rotations only). This has been a great vehicle so far. The Patriot could use more power, however it isnt as sluggish as some reviews make it out to be. Many fail to mention that you actually need to learn how to drive the CVT transmission. Honestly, I disliked the vehicle the first time I test drove it.

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  Issues - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By danbreslin - June 7 - 6:35 pm

  Just found out, like others, my ball joints are totally shot at 40k miles, way before they should have failed. Have had other common problems on this Patriot as well such as leaking ventalation system causing interior corrosion and musty smell.

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  Great so far - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By DAD16 - June 6 - 9:50 pm

  Purchased a new Jeep Patriot with all the bells and whistles for my wife. Its a nice ride around town and comfortable on long trips. The gas tank is small but the good gas mileage makes up for it. The price is so good I think Im going to get in for my son.

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  Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Dan - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Have had nothing but problems. Will never buy another Jeep or Chrysler product. Trans went out at 60k. Ball joints and control arms are shot at 65k. ESP module went out along with the cruise at 50k. Back window leaks slightly. Dont know what is next?

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  versitle car - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Rick - June 1 - 1:19 am

  I bought this Jeep new in 2010. It now has 76k on it. The tires lasted 60k miles. Mostly routine maintenance. I still enjoy driving this vehicle and take it on long trips in comfort. Because of the miles ,year and good resale value I will probably get a new one.. I think this car has the best bang for the buck in its class.