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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  Nice For The Price - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By ron - June 4 - 1:16 am

  What you see is what you get! Solid little runabout. I use it for work and at 62 and 200 lb with long legs, I am quite comfortable. The fold down front pass. seat allows you to haul 8 long items. The only thing a bit small is the rear cargo area width and height. But I knew that going in. I get 23 to 25 in mixed driving. I am not heavy footed and I dont see doing much better. Speeds over 70 and heavier loads drop the mpg. I think you can get 27-28 at 50-55 mph. Like the looks and convenience features of the limited. Got it for under 20k out the door with rebates. Exceeding my expectations.

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  Mostly Satisfied - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Jeep Gurl - May 22 - 12:00 pm

  I absolutely love my Jeep.Living in NE CT is great with this 4x4. I wont live without AWD again. Had issues, but that was with the dealership. Smile every time I see my vehicle. Its a little loud on the highway and not the smoothest ride, but its a JEEP, made for off roading, not luxury

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  Very Pleased! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Ringer - May 21 - 1:00 pm

  We have been very happy with our Patriot. The Manual 5 speed gets excellent gas mileage averaging 28mpg and even up to 30. It actually has sufficient power considering its size. Youre not going to break any land speed records, but it has enough power loaded down to get over both passes from western Colorado to Denver without being stuck behind the semis. The patriot is a great value for the money especially with all the options and the safety features. The only downfalls have been having to take it in to repair a the left turn signal that stopped canceling itself, as well as it being a little hesitant to engage in reverse while facing downhill. Cons are outweighed by the pros if it lasts.

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  16 months & 32,000 miles on our 2015 High Altitude - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By George - May 12 - 11:10 am

  Over all we love it, not one issue in 32,000 miles. We do tow a pop up camper with it too from time to time with no issues. I only wish that it was bigger & 7 passenger... For the money it was the "poshest" AWD wagon we could find, loaded with very nice leather seating and power goodies & a moonroof. I would certainly buy another one. I do think that a 3 year/ 36,000 mile warranty is a bit lame though, come on FCA... when Hyundai can offer a 100,000 mile warranty, it seems pretty crappy to only offer 3/36K on your cars.

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  MPG issues - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By MPG Issues - April 23 - 11:16 pm

  Bought this Jeep used with 30,000. Loved it when I first got it with the Boston stereo and the ESP and everything. I had to replace the Electronic Throttle control soon as I pulled in the drive way (warranty) 2 weeks later the driver strut (warranty) but now that I have 50,000 miles I have been getting gas mileage ranging 18-19 when I was getting 24 average. Tried replacing spark plugs, air filter and no change. Not happy, I could have a Jeep Grand Cherokee for this mileage. Also, fast acceleration is not an option without the car having to think of getting out of its own way first.

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  Like this Patriot - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By mbluefootball - April 8 - 6:57 am

  I just got a Patriot Latitude at a dealership and am really happy with it. I love that I could get a Jeep for basically less than $20,000 with a ton of equipment. 4 wheel drive is awesome and it handles really well.

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  I drink my coffee black, and now drive an American Icon - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By mr_doering - March 29 - 2:36 pm

  My first vehicle was a 1965 American Rambler station wagon with three on the tree. The Jeep Patriot is no nonsense SUV that will take me wherever I want to go; moreover, It truly is an all-purpose vehicle without all of the bells and whistles. I have lived from the Caribbean to the Hawaiian islands and every time zone between (except Alaska), and this Jeep Patriot would be an asset in every past and future home; moreover, for its on- or off-road ability. However, in my case why finance stuff that I do not need.

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  LOVE MY NEW JEEP PATRIOT - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By CINDY COTE - March 26 - 8:42 pm

  This is a great car. LOVE IT. And really had a great buying experience at Tacoma Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep.

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  Better - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Bill - March 26 - 12:56 am

  From the professional reviews I read I didnt expect a lot. But the consumer reviews were all good. I had a liberty before this put 203000 miles on it and still loved it. She still looked good ran well but was starting to have tranny problems. So I took a patriot for a test drive and fell in love. The dealer was great and wanted to really sell it to me. But I wanted to test drive some of the competition. The competition were all beautiful SUVs if you want to call them that they drove like cars. A Jeep is made for a special person once that ride gets in your system there is nothing else that can satisfy. They are great vehicles and probably will be the only vehicles I own.

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  My first Jeep - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Mark - March 25 - 5:56 pm

  I have owned several SUVs and this one is by far better than any of them. Very comfortable to drive and very quiet on the highway. I bought this Jeep for its gas mileage, so far not as good as I hoped for but it only has 600 miles on it. A few things I dont understand is why it didnt come with cruise control? 6 disk CD and Sirius satellite but no cruise. Jeep needs to rethink there power packages. Also why no aux outlet for the more expensive radio? So far I love this Jeep!