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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  Great Bang For Your Bank - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By JeepChicago - November 10 - 10:50 am

  All in all a great vehicle. Bought in July 07. I dont know what some people expect for under $25k these days but this is as good as youre going to find. You are going to buy this car for the following reasons: 1 - best mpg for non-hybird suv 2 - great style for a compact suv 3 - made in USA FYI - There is a "break in" period for the CVT transmision. Maybe 2000 miles before the acceleration becomes smooth.

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  Mountain Driver - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By cav - November 5 - 8:00 pm

  I bought this Jeep in Golden, co and drove it to my house in the mountains. I was very surprised how well it climbed the hills for a 4 Cyl. The interior of the limited was very nice. I upgraded at the last minute and was glade I did. I think it handles very well for a 4x4 and look forward to the next 4 months of snow, just so I can put it to the real test.

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  Love it! - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By imatthew - October 28 - 9:50 am

  I have logged just over 1,000 miles on my Patriot, and I am in love with it. I am pleased with the fuel economy so far: First 4 fill-ups averaged 25.92, 27, 24.9, and 28.24 MPG (60/40 Hwy/cty). Seats are comfortable, as is the driving position. I think it has fairly good acceleration for an SUV. There is a bad blind spot at the drivers side rear. You cannot see through the rear side window from the drivers seat. Its not a problem though, if you use your mirrors and check over your shoulder before you change lanes.

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  Jeep Patriot, Utility at a Great Price - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By RI Patriot Owner - October 27 - 2:03 pm

  The Jeep Patriot has classic Jeep looks. The engine performance is quite fine, the downshift when floored, provides for adequate acceleration onto the highway. The CVT reduces jarring shifting to 0. The Patriot offers 4 wheel-drive in a dependable vehicle. The pricing does not allow for a super quiet cabin. The interior is basic, but also quite functional and roomy. The front head and shoulder room is 2nd to none. The cargo area is rated small, but is quite large when one adjusts the backs of the rear seats all the way forward. The rear cargo area is also great for pets as the rear of the vehicle is square and not sloped like others in its class. No luxury here, but best in price and in snow

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  Just mine? - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By special k - October 11 - 12:30 am

  Well - Im a die-hard jeep fan....of Wranglers!! Had a Sahara and then a Rubicon...but the mileage was killing me - so I downgraded to a better MPG model. This car is no fun and I had the engine REPLACED at 13,000 miles and as of today - the entire A/C unit is being replaced as I key. As soon as this lease is up - Im going back to the Wrangler!

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  Nothing like the Wrangler - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By jagnag - October 9 - 1:43 pm

  Bought the Patriot because we loved the Wrangler, but have had many problems: Overheats at 65 MPH so we dont take it on many family trips which is why we bought it in the first place. We have taken it to dealers and they cant figure out why...........Currently A/C isnt working well and the back passenger window will not close. Issues with Ball Bearings and just the ways it slurps gas gives this a failing grade.

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  Great for the price....BUT - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Murph - October 8 - 2:23 am

  Look for the price that you pay, this vehicle is great but there are some drawbacks that you should know about. The first is that the CVT has a serious lag when accelerating from being stopped. The car has great pep when punching it in the 50-70 mph range. I actually like the interior design but I upgraded the seat material etc. The tailgate is low and I crack my head on it like others. The mileage I get is about 24mpg. Even on a full highway trip, I get this b/c the RPS get a little high. Four wheel drive handles great in the snow. All in all a good little car. It isnt great but I would say you get more than what you pay for. The CVT is clearly the thing that needs to be improved.

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  patriot lover - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By val smith - September 18 - 4:56 am

  Ive got over 30000 miles on my patriot already and am very pleased. I live in the N Ga mountains and drive 65 miles one way to work. Im getting 26 mpg which I am pleased with considering the terrain. The brakes are holding up well as as are the Goodyear tires. I bought the base model but wish I had spent the extra money for the 4wd. I thought the front wheel drive would be adequate enough and it basically is but I do miss the 4wd. This vehicle will see well over 200k miles before I trade it for a new one. Love the lifetime powertrain warranty and will definitely consider another patriot.

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  08 Patriot FWD AUTO-CVT - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By gwapo-gorilla - September 13 - 12:46 am

  I bought my patriot used. I wanted a fwd thinking it would get better gas mileage and I needed an automatic for the wife. I am getting about 23 mpg..and the cvt feels weird. When I let off the gas, the trans mission slips into a lower gear slowing the car down. I suppose it helps save on brake pads, but I really dont care for the feel of it. Other than that, its great car. Plenty of pep for a 4 cyl. but I really wish the wife could drive a stick!

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  good bang for the buck - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By LARRY908 - September 7 - 11:13 am

  I bought my wife the 09 limited in oct 08. We drove it to Florida and back and I fell in love with the car..... So I bought one for myself.