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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  Jeep Got it Right - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By New Patriot Owner - March 16 - 10:56 pm

  Ive always been loyal to Jeep and have owned two Wranglers, so when I say the Patriot feels like a luxury SUV keep in mind I dont have much to compare it to. But after just a few days zipping around in this wonderful SUV, I cant believe that some owners are giving it only so-so reviews. I bought the Limited Patriot because I was looking for several things: 4-cylinder, comfortable ride with lots of cool stuff (leather, sunroof, heated seats) and of course it has to be a "real" Jeep. Give the folks at Jeep credit - if they didnt create the Patriot they would have lost me as a long-time customer. I was looking at other small, gas-sipping SUVs like the RAV 4 and the CRV. Not now!

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  I love it, Chrysler has never let us down. - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By chryslerfan12 - March 12 - 3:48 pm

  Going from a v8 Durango to the Patriot, I was sure I was going to hate it. Im very surprised, I love the Patriot! It hasnt let me down yet, it never fails to start even on the coldest mornings. It has made it up my steep driveway with ice and snow everytime. The CVT is so smooth, after you get used to it. We are averaging 28.5 MPG with it, which is saving us a fortune. I love the remote start! The 2.4 isnt a race winner but it is certainly adequate even on very steep inclines. So far we have had a Durango, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Town and Country, and a Pacifica. We still have the Pacifica and the Patriot and both have been trouble free and reliable.

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  The Jeepster - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By THOR - March 11 - 7:56 pm

  I recently purchased this jeep that was repossessed and sold at auction to the dealer. I wanted to buy a new 2008 Limited in full. My local dealer could not fine one that i wanted. Limited, Loaded and Green. It is a Jeep all the way. Fun, stylish and can attack any obstacle in its way. Its my third Jeep and this one takes the cake. It is good on gas. I do A LOT of driving in this American icon and its a dream. Road noise is more suppressed than any other jeep. I have to dispute all the gas tank size complaints. The average range for a car is 300 miles. Remember the tank is in par with the range. If it was bigger it would hang lower and weigh more. Hence less gas MPG rating.

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  Great first car - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By matt142 - March 11 - 7:28 am

  My patriot was my first car, buying it after graduating college. I bought it after the car was only on the market for a few months. I love the look of it, reminds me of the old Cherokee, which I hope they bring back. It gets great gas mileage on the highway and around town. Ive taken my Patriot from the deserts of Arizona to the snow of the midwest to the beaches and it has never let me down. With 90K on it, I have had no major problems, excluding replacing the ball joints, but that could be due to my spirited driving.

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  Bad transmission - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Sharon - March 8 - 5:16 pm

  I purchased this vehicle with only 18,000 miles on it a year ago. I was really happy with it until it started chugging every so often while driving in reverse and also while driving at very slow speeds. I have been told that it has transmission problems and will need a new one. It only has 29,000 miles on it, the 3 yr dealership warranty has expired and I have been told a new transmission on this vehicle runs $7,000.

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  What a Jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By ShadowRider - March 7 - 6:13 am

  I bought the Patriot after much research starting at the time of its intro at the Frankfurt auto show. I have driven Jeeps since 85 and this is the best one yet. I love the handling and spaciousness. The ride is much smoother than many of the midsized and fullsized suvs I have riden in. The 4WD is easy to use and efficient. Bottom line is that I would recommend this vehicle to any of my friends. I love it, and have no intention of driving anything else, except my motorcycle.

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  Nice car nomatter what anyone says - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Henry Colonna - February 22 - 10:41 pm

  Had the liberty but they stop making it, so we bought the Patriot. At first didnt think I would like it but the 2.4L engine is really a great performer. The car has a solid ride and we like the window configuration that gives you an all around view. The interesting thing is that people who own the car give it a great review, but the professionals who review it give it a thumb down. The traction control really gives it a hugging the road drive, this is a great car for the money, I bought it because I didnt want car payments and bought it in cash. Car has everything I need, leather, heated seats, sun roof, remote start and electric driver seat.

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  Happy so far! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Steve - February 22 - 6:03 am

  I couldnt be happier with my purchase as of today. I was looking for a rig that was fuel efficient, as new as possible, well priced, and could handle a bit of off road adventure as I love to hike and fish. This one fit the bill perfectly! I have taken it down some rather rugged, muddy trails with no complaints. Roomier than others in the category and a comfortable ride. CVT can be noisy at first, but it is responsible for amazing milege for a 4x4 jeep, so I got used to it quick.

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  Patriot 2007 - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By bombshellfromhell - February 18 - 5:10 am

  This is my first brand new car purchase. We checked out a lot of SUVs and for the price you couldnt beat the Jeep Patriot.

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  Cant get out of its own way! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Jazz - January 29 - 2:29 am

  When driving on highway it feels like it needs to shift into another gear. Acceleration is horrible. Very noisy. Will update after having it checked out.