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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  2008 Jeep Patriot 4WD 2.4 Engine CVT - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By gbrehmer - July 2 - 8:43 pm

  I have had my Pat 2 1/2 years and have been very satisfied. I have since reached 40K miles with out any issues worth mentioning (with exception of sqeaky brakes for the first couple of brake applications, and this should be considered a minor issue). True Cost of Ownership for buying anything is very important to me and anyone on a tight budget would probably feel likewise. For all those on board since 2008 Edmunds has listed this vehicle for the least expensive SUV to own when considering Depreciation, Taxes & Fees, Financing, Fuel costs, Insurance, and associated Maintenance expenses. For those in question please go to http://www.edmunds.com/tco.html and see for you self. Please note thos

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  My first Jeep and my LAST - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Stibbetts - July 2 - 8:10 am

  I bought this car 4 months ago with just under 20k miles. I needed a new vehicle and fast, and the price was okay. I have regretted it ever since. The seats are horribly uncomfortable, especially for long trips. The gas milage, while not bad, isnt NEARLY as good as advertised, and the gas tank is so small it runs out in no time. I could take forever rattling off the little things that annoy me about it, but there isnt enough room. Finally, at 30k miles, I had to take the Jeep in to the dealership because the engine was misfiring. It as still under the 36k warranty, but seriously, if the thing is having problems this major at 30k, what do I have to look fwd to after warranty runs out?

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  Good Car! - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By lhlavenka - June 28 - 4:15 pm

  My wifes PT bit the dust & we ended up with a program 2011 Jeep Patriot. Good car. Handles well. and the fuel mileage is great. Two adults and their stuff, we got a low of 28 MPG in the hills of north Arkansas to 32.9 in the flat lands of Illinois and in Kansas. Thats with the air on. The transmission takes getting used to but is not a minus after you understand there are no real gears. Want to merge, give the shifted a swat to drop down a bit and GO! Remember its just a 2.4 not a V8. A great value . This is the the mild mannered 4WD, its ditch rated not trail rated. Plenty good enough. This is north central Arkansas, hills twisty roads and a lot of gravel.

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  2008 jeep patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Dean - June 12 - 10:13 am

  Bought new. almost 32,000 miles. no problems at all. great in all weather. gas mileage is now 30 mpg on highway and 26-29 city. The 5 spd really uses all the engines power. Heated seats are awesome, as well as the optional sound system. A very safe solid reliable vehicle. Jeep did a great job!

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  Most dependable. - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By irieco - June 4 - 12:10 pm

  Very dependable. Havent had a single thing go wrong in two years. No wonder it came with a lifetime power-train warranty. I paid way less than the sticker price so its a super value.

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  ok so far - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By gisco48 - May 30 - 9:03 am

  I have a tendency get into the gas a little. Im not sure the cvt can take it. After a few quick starts, I could smell rubber burning. Fortunately, guarantee is lifetime. Ive backed off the gas lately, afraid to kill this tranny in a few months. I would like to hear from others that hit the gas a little, and have the Patriot with the cvt.

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  Far better than expected - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Bryan - May 21 - 3:34 am

  The 2010 model has less sound deadening than later models, but more than earlier models. I put a lot of miles on a car so it doesnt have much resale value when Im done with it. After wearing out my fourth Audi, I decided to buy an inexpensive commuter car instead. I didnt want the look of an economy car. Had to have 4WD, and Ive always preferred a car with a manual transmission. A cute ute seemed like a good fit, but only Jeep had the combo of a manly disguise, stick shift and reasonable price. Being the most American of all cars you can buy hit me right as well. My Patriot has 200,000 miles on it today. In that time Ive spent less than $500 on repairs, and can burn regular gas at 28 MPG. It cost just under $25,000 with the upgrades I ordered, and retains 30% of the original value. love the way an Audi goes down the road, but numbers like this are sure a relief from what I was accustomed to. It feels like its just getting broken in.

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  Best transportation - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By thepatriot23 - May 16 - 2:48 am

  This SUV is beast! This is my 4th and favorite vehicle. I chose the older 2007 model because I like the rectangular shape of the interior better then the circular junk in the new models and it has that classic look. Mine came with leather seats, heated seats, aftermarket radio, sun/moon roof, nice rims, and dark tint. What more do you need? This car is just fun to drive. The ride quality is very smooth and can compensate for any crappy roads. Its nice to have that little extra clearance to go up a steep area which you cant do in a car without scratching the front end. Over all this car is just great and the best transportation to beat around in.

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  Im in love - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Katy - May 8 - 8:41 am

  Went to the Dodge Jeep and Chrysler dealership today not knowing what I was wanting but after test driving the 2016 Jeep Patriot Sport Im in love with this car it is everything that Ive been looking for all in one it is a great car and soon I will be going back and putting a down payment on this car never owned a jeep ever in my life always been in love with Dodge and it handles just like a Dodge acceleration is great interior is comfortable room is perfect the car is just gorgeous I recommend this car all the way especially if you have small kids the dealer today he will help me to put my 3 car seats in the back with my kids and my mother and we still have room so if youre looking to buy this car go for it!

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  Much better than the reviews - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By ttague2005 - April 24 - 6:30 am

  I purchased the 2014 manual version, because I understand that small engines and economy come at a price. With the manual transmission, this car has fine acceleration and handling. I live in NE, so the AC was no big deal to do without and I prefer manual windows and locks in the winter. Whats left then is a nice comfortable SUV that has traction control, hill assist start, fog lights, cruise control, etc. for $12,900. This is absolutely the best value for the money. In fact, I traded in my 2010 RAV4, because of the litany of problems it had. The amount I owed on the RAV was almost exactly what it cost me for the NEW Patriot with an excellent warranty.