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:

• 

  so far so good - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By downsizinginpa - March 20 - 9:40 am

  I wanted to write a review because when I was looking for new car automatic the Edmunds reviews were very helpful. I scaled down from a minivan to a small SUV, but really the Jeep Patriot is a modern day station wagon. I wanted better gas mileage and am I getting it, averaging 25 mph and on strictly highway 31 mph. Thats what should happen with a 2.4 liter 4- cyl. engine, peppy and ride is smooth enough. Went w/out 4x4 to get better mileage. Basic sound system fine. One chip in the paint around the wheel well thats a concern. Since Ive only had it a few months Ill try to check back. Status of my extended warranty unsure now but still try to buy American.

• 

  Great - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By jmatt12 - February 11 - 1:56 am

  Just got a brand new Jeep Patriot. I was skeptical after reading some very negative reviews, but it didnt turn out that way. Very responsive and fun to drive without using too much gas. The 2.4 engine has plenty of power and gets to speed quickly. The best part is my 63" body fits comfortably in the drivers seat. If you like the jeep style but want to be conservative this is a great car.

• 

  true utility vehicle - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By ledwic - January 31 - 9:05 am

  Jeep patriot sport 4cyl 2wd. Im in agricultural sales, so I dont drive all highway. I drive pastures, dirt road, highway and city. This Jeep is my office. Its my first Jeep to ever own. Its also my first small car to ever own. I had to buy this for work. I drive a 3/4 ton truck otherwise. The fuel mileage is great (27mpg on average). Bought new for a great price. Have put over 10000 miles on in less than 3 months. It drives great over all kinds of terrain (highway, city, dirt roads, and pasture). It performs like u would hope a Jeep would. For a small SUV it has plenty of room to haul many kinds of items. I am truly surprised to be happy with this car

• 

  4th Jeep and love the Patriot - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By david - January 25 - 9:03 pm

  Love our Patriot. We owned 2 Cherokees and 1 Liberty, all 4wd. The Liberty was the best of the 3. The Patriot is great on mileage. We have 4wd sport trail rated model. Mileage so far is averaging 25+ mpg. Transmission is smooth and engine performance is good for us. Ive heard complaints about road noise but not a problem compared to our previous Jeep 4wds, like full size spare tire inside. Lots of nice new features compared to the 2002 Liberty. Almost bought another 2007 Liberty, glad we didnt. Gave up a little in off road capability but everything else considered good trade off.

• 

  Looks are Everything- Perfect Suv - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By freshee61 - January 22 - 5:06 am

  I feel in love with the cars exterior. Then the Interior. Then the sound system. Then the fuel efficiency. Then warranty. Then the price. Need i say more. The car is the best in its class. Drives great!

• 

  Great price and great mileage - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By spudboy - January 15 - 12:20 pm

  I bought my Jeep Patriot at the end of June and I love it! Since it is brand new I have not seen anything wrong with it. The Patriot is very comfortable, seems durable, and is fantastic for its price. This jeep has only a few minor problems, nothing that will cost money either. I recommend this to anyone that wants a jeep or anyone who wants an SUV that doesnt guzzle gas.

• 

  Frustrated!!! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By jstacy0320 - January 11 - 9:35 pm

  I have had my Patriot for almost two years and am extremely aggravated. After having it for three months I started to experience trouble. I would be sitting at a stoplight waiting for it to change green and the car would start to sputter and act like it was going to die. Several times it did actually die. I took it to the dealership and was told that I had trash in the gas tank and it wasnt covered under warranty. Paid close to $300 for that and continue to have the same problem. I also have problems with the sunroof leaking. Ive had it in the shop three times for that problem and continue to have issues. Probably going to file Lemon law because of all the issues.

• 

  From Wonderful to Nightmare to Wonderful - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By jeepers21 - January 5 - 10:41 pm

  It drove great until about 4 months ago & thats when things started going down hill. It started cutting out every time I would go to drive (started w/ 2-3x before it would drive & increased to 4-6x, even cut out while driving down the road). Talk about stress! Took it to a mechanic who fixed everything he could (throttle body, cam sensor) but it turned out to be a computer issue, which he could not fix it with out Chryslers permission. Jeep, who after I told them what I already had fixed, was able to replace the computer (PCM) with ease. Also, Thank God for the Federal Admissions warranty thats out there bc this turned out to be a common problem with this model & would of cost $$$$$$$$