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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Better Than Expected - 2008 Jeep Patriot
By Tom R - November 28 - 11:13 amA pleasant surprise. After being locked into Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans for 25 years I am very happy with my Patriot. It is a Jeep so the creature comforts are prioritized a hair lower - fine by me. Love the look, the practicality and the affordabilty. Great size for commuting- rides higher than a sedan and fits in any parking space with ease. This 4 cylinder has plenty of power (see favorite features). I question anyone complaining about the power - this from a man who learned to drive in a 73 Malibu with a 350 V8. If the long term reliability is any good this will be my best new car purchase ever.
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Love This Car - Bought 2! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
By Dave - November 25 - 2:10 amBought the first one between snowstorms - was very impressed with the combination of 4WD, traction and stability control. Traded the old Wrangler for the second Patriot because we liked the first Patriot so much we were fighting over who got to drive it. Both have sunroofs, a great sound system, and 17inch Wrangler tires with alloy wheels. The bells and whistles are well worth it. The autoshift works fine for fast acceleration, but it takes a little to get used to. Put it into 6th for flat highway driving and get better gas mileage. We especially like the lower road clearance - better stability and plenty high enough if you dont go off- road, and its still higher than a car
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Highly Defective Substandard Suv - 2008 Jeep Patriot
By truth1hurts - November 24 - 2:40 amWe bought the 2008 Patriot new for $25k and within a few months endured unjustifiable anxiety for unrelenting warranty repairs on an inferior made cheap product. First and last time Jeep buyers, the 5-speed manual transmission went through 4+ major warranty repairs: clutch, transmission, defects, gear box, ball bearings, etc. It had to be towed a few times to the car lot. We lost value and money in a headache suv that was highly defective and unreliable and dismissed trips too. Very poor car, dealership, head office and managers. Stacks of warranty repair files amplifies our deserved poor rating of the car and all involved.
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RUN RUN STAY AWAY FROM SUNCOAST CHRYSLER DODGE - 2016 Jeep Patriot
By E Clouse - November 18 - 4:35 amTHE BRAKES SQUEAK EVERY DAY> I went to two dealerships and they both said its normal. Think twice before purchasing this vehicle. PLUS and this is HUGE! Never EVER buy from Suncoast Chrysler Dodge in Seminole Florida. Run from them! YOU WILL GET BAMBOOZLED!
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Jeep Patriot - 2007 Jeep Patriot
By Rynestone - November 15 - 2:33 amThe Patriot handles much better than I expected. The stability control works great on hard corning. Road noise can be heard in the cabin, but its not too bad. Stereo system sounds great.
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Super Happy with the Patriot! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
By VjaneC - November 8 - 4:50 amThe Jeep Patriot is a GREAT vehicle! I am a mom of a 6 year old, and it gives us plenty of space for friends, sport equipment, etc. Also, it handles beautifully in the Michigan winter (and this year we had some crazy high snow!) I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. Even my husband enjoys driving it, and says its a nice, smooth ride.
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She is what she is... - 2007 Jeep Patriot
By JimCno - November 7 - 9:13 pmI was looking for a car that I could strap a canoe to the top and go down some God awful roads to get to some rivers to fish. At the same time it needed to have a nice ride as we would be using it for long trips. The Patriot fits that bill perfectly! Ive had her down back roads, dirt roads, rock roads and off road. Shes got the ground clearance to handle all of them. She handles well on highways and back roads. Shes got ample cargo space. She doesnt have the greatest power or gas mileage but I have the automatic CVT. Im sure the manual transmission would improve both. It would be hard to beat her versatility. AND shes made in the good old USA!
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Snow - 2007 Jeep Patriot
By j-tripp - November 4 - 11:00 amI went form all cars to the Partiot 4WD, so the switch was major for me. (traded in an Eclipse) Took no time to get use to driving someting bigger. The ride is very nice, handles bumpy raods with ease. Almost feels car like. Everything is easy to reach even if your short, and I am 52". I dont feel like I am sitting on the wheel. I can still reach everything without pulling forward. The room in the back seat is awesome! My brother in law is 6 he said it is very comfortable and easy to get in and out of. I decided on the Partoit after shopping for a car. I am very glad I went this route. The safty features also swayed me to it. Its nice having my own 4 wheel drive.
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Got Lucky I Guess - 2008 Jeep Patriot
By dandt1 - November 3 - 8:28 pmWhy wont Edmunds let me select a Patriot Sport 4x4 CVT? After reading all the bad reviews on this car I thought Id share my experience with our 2008 Jeep Patriot Sport 4x4 CVT. My wife purchased this car by herself brand new in December of 2007 and it currently has 93,000 miles. She wanted AWD and decent gas milage and liked that the Jeep Patriot came with a lifetime power-train warrantee. When I met my future wife, the car was a little over a year old so Ive had a lot of experience driving it and dealing with the problems.
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Go Patriot! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
By urban dog - October 19 - 12:43 pmI was looking to replace my 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS and I happened upon the Patriot reviews on this site. I checked out the specs, ratings, and comparisons and really liked what i saw. I jumped on to the Jeep site, built my own, and submitted my request. Next day, a nice lady from the dealer called me and to make a long story short, Im a proud owner of an 08 Patriot sport 5sp 2x4. (w/ a few bells and whistles) What can I say..Good looking retro Cherokee looks, nice ride, peppy 4 banger w/ good mileage, roomy, great safety features, auxilary jack on the radio is awsome, and the insurance was cheaper than the Matrix. The Patriot is not Gods gift to man, but it sure make me happy.
