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 allows you to pay for what you value - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Greg - May 31 - 2:45 pm

  The 2016 Patriot is a decent value. Dont rely solely on professional reviews, drive one yourself. What you get: 4WD, air conditioning, satellite radio,roof rack, auto dimming rear view mirror and Bluetooth for $17,000. For that price it comes with steel wheels, manual locks, windows, side view mirrors and a manual 5-spd transmission. I chose Jeep because it let me pay for features I value instead of having to pay for automatic conveniences that I dont need. The seats are comfortable, the heat and A/C work great, the transmission shifts just fine for a non-performance application and highway mileage tops 30 mpg. The sound system is more than adequate (for a middle aged man). Seriously , how much volume does one need for Fox Business? Jeep lowered its powertrain warranty to 3 years/36,000 miles. Resale value is soft for the manual trans models. Crash test scores arent impressive. I like driving the 5-spd manual and appreciate the hill assist feature. A decent vehicle for the money.

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  Jeep rocks - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Patti - May 18 - 9:10 am

  Makes me feel safe. Love the 4x4 in the snow. Turns bad weather into fun. Rear hatch makes it easy to load my stuff. Can store all my songs on the radio.

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  Good deal - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By adam garcia - May 17 - 9:15 am

  I like the jeep!

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  a predicatable 4 Cylinder Jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Matt K - April 26 - 8:00 pm

  Overall a very nice car. I enjoy driving it around places and it is very rugged. Gone over some medians in some midnight runs and it handles them like a jeep should. (haha) Gas mileage is around 19MPG for me in the city with the AC always on frozen. I really hate the small 13.5 gallon tank for gas, the Honda CRVs tank is 2 gallons bigger! The CVT makes some noise during hard acceleration but overall fairly quiet. The car pulls pretty well around 4K RPMs (torque curve). I dont drive like a grandma which could also point to the less than standard gas mileage.

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  I love my jeep, for the most part.... - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By aurora182011 - April 26 - 6:36 pm

  I love my jeep and I plan on keeping I will say it runs great and its comfortable, and good on gas but this water leak thing has got to be fixed i was on my way to work today and water started pouring out of my map light and all over my stereo and into my shifter housing......not happy, dealer ship said its not their problem..... not happy, auto body shop said they had no clue but pressure tested it for 50 dollars and found out nothing.....not happy. I still dont know how to fix it without spending all my money....not happy

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  Bang for the buck - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Mark - April 24 - 5:52 pm

  I bought my jeep one year ago and put 12000 Miles on it. I was looking for a 4x4 vehicle under $20,000, the jeep patriot was the only new 4wd or awd vehicle I could find. With automatic and air I paid 19K out the door. I live in northern California and dive on dirt roads and in the snow. The jeep has excellent road feel for off road not the feel of a car made for the road with awd. I see the pro reviewers give the patriot low to average score but compare it to a cars that cost 10k more. I give the patriot 5 stars because it just gives the most bang for the buck, sure an awd car that cost 5K more has extra comfort on the road but the Patriot has adequate road comfort and is far superior off road. I have had no problems with the Patriot and my only complaint is the gas tank could be larger. I average about 21mpg and get 26mpg on long trips. If you drive an SUV in a big city the patriot is easy to park in small spaces and has an outstanding turn radius.

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  Not bad for the buck - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By 1eyedjack - April 23 - 2:50 pm

  Owned the Patriot for over 2 years now. Gas millage wasnt very good till about 15,000 miles. Ran it through the mountains west of Denver Co. and that broke in that tight little engine. If I try I can get 27 to 28 MPG around town and oddly enough about the same on the road at 75 MPH. 32 MPG at 55 MPH. There are a lot of little things I would like different but you get used to how things are. To date I have had no issues with this unit. Everything seems to be working well. It even made the 11,003 foot climb on Interstate 70 west of Denver Co. with no problem. I reset the millage calculator on the down side of the mountain and got 437 MPG coasting. Beat that.

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  jeep is good! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By chipper - April 22 - 2:03 pm

  Once upon a time, I was anti-SUV. I drove cars (sport, muscle, compact) & borrowed trucks. No more! I LOVE this Jeep - I decided I wouldnt buy it unless I did. I researched many cars, trucks & SUVs - this one won me over before I even drove it. The drive sold me - the manual tranny & the car-based chassis help it to handle like a sports car (vroom!), but with great gas mileage. Im more confident in the snow, can see better in the dark, & have plenty of room for myself, my dogs, whatever. Ive had fun seeing what I can haul; I even transported two giant spotlights & other equipment with ease. It looks great & I like the plain-jane interior...its a Jeep! Happily ever so far! :)

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  Love Love Love - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By anny13 - April 20 - 8:29 pm

  I love this vehicle! I was driving a 98 Sable for several years, so nearly anything would be an upgrade. However, I was planning on the Nissan Rogue, once I drove the Patriot, I was sold! It was much roomier for the same price and with 4x4 instead of AWD. I average about 24 mpg, however on the interstate if is not windy, have gotten 29 mpg. I have only been driving it for 6 weeks, but so far I am impressed!

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  High cabin noise - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Dissatisfied - April 18 - 12:53 pm

  I purchased this vehicle two weeks ago. I was drawn to it by the exterior design. The price also seemed like a bargain. I went on a long trip this weekend and I noticed that the cabin noise was high at 60-65 miles/hr. The vehicle has poor insulation from road noise. I can hear the sound of my tires on the pavement. It also drowns out the the stereo system and ones conversation. Dont try using your cell phone either. You wont hear a thing. Also, a high RPM at speeds of 65 miles adds to the noise. The high cabin noise is such a major nuisance that I cant see myself driving it for another month. On Monday, I am going back to the dealership for a trade, or better yet go with another make.