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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  Love it! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Vixster - January 11 - 5:50 am

  Had an 05 Trailblazer that was only getting 13 mpg...went to see what Jeep had in a diesel version - test drove the Patriot and walked out with it. Live in central Oregon, most of the time didnt even have to put it into 4wd when it snowed..great handling, zippy. Very happy with this purchase..getting 22-24 mpg in town and 26-28 on road trips...have never owned a Jeep, and am impressed with this vehicle!

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  This car is amazing - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Jeeperscreepers - December 24 - 5:56 pm

  This car is beautiful. Nice to handle and has a lot of standard options. The stock stereo is nice with 6 speakers. It has a standard: Brake assist, 6 speakers, side air bags, aux. port, and so much more. Its a lot of bang for the buck. It gets great gas mileage. Its like a mini SUV... it looks small on the outside but it is just as big as as any other SUV on the inside.

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  Happy Buyer - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By rdub1983 - December 21 - 10:01 am

  I traded my 2006 Jeep Commander for the 2011 Jeep Patriot. The reason I was trading was a combo of dismal MPG and a longer commute. I saw the advertised MPG for the Patriot and thought I would give it a shot. Just as long as it had 4x4 I was willing to make the power sacrifice for the MPG. We took it for a test drive and I was pleasantly surpised. It did well merging but as other reviewers have stated the CVT is odd slow response to throttle input. This however can be negated if you have the autostick feature, although I am sure that it costs some MPG. That being said I am getting between 22-24 MPG combined city-highway. Overall if you dont expect to have V8 performance you will enjoy it.

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  Love the Patriot! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By DavidR - December 18 - 9:16 pm

  I did a lot of shopping before deciding on the Patriot. Having owned SUVs for years, it was a totally new experience shopping for an SUV based on gas mileage, and good mileage at that! Thus far, the mileage is excellent, and has given me no reason to believe that the estimated mileage on the sticker will not be accurate after break-in. The CVT was a bit different for the first few miles, but it didnt take long to not even notice it. Now I love the fact that you have no negligible shift. Acceleration is amazing for a 2.0 Liter! Driver visibility is excellent, everything seems to be just where I want it, and I like the interior. This vehicle is just what I was looking for.

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  Patriot a pleasant surprise! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Larry from Michigan - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Have had the Patriot for two weeks now, and I am so far very pleased with this vehicle. The five-speed transmission is forgiving and responsive. The ride is quiet (in fact, the first time I came to a stop sign, I thought the engine had killed). The suspension is perfect- firm but not brittle-feeling. Vinyl seats have been nice, firm and comfortable. The vehicle rolls very freely in neutral, and the resultant glide is nice if you like to coast in to stop signs for better gas mileage. My first tank of gas gave me 33 mpg in mixed suburban driving, no freeway. There is good visibility around the car. I love driving it.

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  Its okay - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By cnccot - December 16 - 12:30 am

  Im learning to live with it but been hard to leave a fully loaded Suburban. I wanted to save gas money and I have certainly done that but the loss of power and luxury has been a hard one to swallow. Nice when it only cost me $30 to fill up and Im getting 26-28 miles to the gallon

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  Northern vehicle for crappy road conditions - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Christy Oslund - December 9 - 8:48 pm

  Havent had this Jeep Patriot Latitude long enough to comment on reliability but I can say, if you live in an area with challenging road conditions and a lot of snow, this is a great choice. Bought during a winter where we regularly received 6 inches overnight and plow trucks were leaving my former car stuck in my driveway every morning. The Jeep has handled these conditions admirably; under the worst conditions the 4 wheel drive ads an element of grip and helps get up and down steep, poorly cleared streets. Ive always driven practical vs. plush vehicles, so from my point of view, this is a comfortable vehicle to drive. My first with heated, leather seats and honestly - I love them. So why not a 5 star rating? The drivers door often creaks on opening and I do have some concerns about how this will hold up long term. My need to get over rough roads and living with extreme winters though, made the clearance and 4 wheel capacity of the Jeep more important. Sure, if I was going to spend at least another ten to twenty thousand, I could buy a vehicle that was equally good on rough roads and more likely to hold up better over time. Id rather spend a lot less up front, and re-evaluate my needs in four or five years, by which time car technology will have taken a few more steps.

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  Piece of Junk - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Mike - December 5 - 8:49 am

  I purchased a new 2009 Jeep Patriot . The dealership replaced the transmission after 3 years due to overheating and noise. After I reached the 50k mileage mark, I have replaced most of the front suspension i.e. (Upper/lower control arms, etc.) a few times every 15k miles. I have heard from various mechanics that all low priced Jeeps are constantly in the shop with issues. I will NEVER purchase another JEEP or Chrysler product.

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  Fun Utility Vehicle! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By 4X4-Roxy - November 30 - 2:56 pm

  We bought our Patriot with the help of Cash for Clunkers and an additional incentive offered by the manufacturer. We jumped on the deal the day the program started and am surprised at happy I am with it. Its quiet, comfortable, good all-season driver, and is great for taking our great dane places. Our other vehicle is a performance car and makes this one feel sluggish nor is it quite as fun to drive. But, its not designed for speed. However, we have no problem driving in the hilly northwest, we dont have to floor it to go uphill.

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  30mpg SUV!!!!!!! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By jas - November 29 - 11:33 pm

  I love it. I have had my Patriot for over a year now. Almost 40k on it. Original brakes w/ lots of life left. I have the manual tranny. Did not like the cvt-the engine screams uphills. The manual is easy to control and for a 4 cylinder has plenty of paower. I haul a trailer often w/ a tractor or 4 wheeler and live in the mountains of western md. I cant believe it gets 25mpgs average. Almost always 29mpg on trips!!!! Like the other review said, the seats could be a lttle more beefy.