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:

• 

  Junk Jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Chris - December 12 - 11:40 pm

  This Jeep is alright at best it drives well enough however they leak very badly and this is a common problem if you go on any forum. Jeep doesnt seem to know how to solve the problem. Having said this it does drive well and has decent power, the interior is comfortable but the dash is very cheap looking plastic which jeep is changing in 2009. The console also heats up quite a lot where the heat adjustment knobs are. This has potential to be a very good vehicle however Jeep has to look at it and fix the design flaws first.

• 

  Nice vehicle - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Tad - December 7 - 2:56 pm

  Just bought the Freedom Drive II off- road version a week ago and took it on a camping trip near Moab, Utah. Didnt do any offroading, just rough dirt roads, and the Patriot did great. It got 25-26 mpg on the highways and had no problems cruising at 75 and handling the hills on I-70. We had been using a minivan for these camping trips and were pleasantly surprised that we could pack all that stuff into the Patriot as its a smaller vehicle. We have no complaints about the Patriot and that is saying something for us as we tend to be rather picky about vehicles. So this is now our camping mobile and were very happy with the purchase.

• 

  Latitude with Attitude - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Patriot Lover - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 2009 Sentra SR on this great Jeep. So far, I have been very pleased. It feels big and safe, It is quiet and smooth, the engine is a tad noisy when cold, but when up to operating temperature, its fine. This is my first Jeep and the quality of the interior, paint, and fit/finish is FAR better than the Sentra. The CVT is much better too, the Sentra moaned. I love the ride, ride height, adjustable seat, interior color and wheels. It is a very good-looking vehicle. I think of it more as a wagon than an SUV, MPG was 26 on last trip. I would hope it gets better as the motor breaks in. I enjoy the heated seats, Satellite radio, and Remote start! I hope to have this one a long time!

• 

  Piece of Junk - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By kangrapes - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have never been so sorry I purchased a vehicle before. Ive owned dozens of vehicles but this is the worst. I test drove it warmed up and in the summer. When it is cold the CVT transmission jerks, and the engine sounds like my lawn tractor. Interior is cheap and is starting to makes numerous squeaks. Chrysler basically told me,(paraphrasing) that "we know that we cut some corners but we will fix it in future model years". My recommendation get something else.

• 

  My first Jeep - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By wallywow - November 13 - 10:46 am

  I bought this Jeep for the 4X4 capability. In MI, I burned up the trans in my 2000 Grand Marquis because I kept getting stuck in the snow, over 9 years (only 92,000). I have to say that I will probably never own another vehicle, other than a JEEP 4X4. Vehicle paid for itself in the first month I had it. We had one of the snowiest Dec on record, and I was able to go where others got stuck. I have nothing bad to say about my JEEP. I love her. I named her SYDNEY. :-) My next JEEP will be the Limited (maxed out).

• 

  I Loooove my 2016 Jeep Patriot - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Yolanda - October 29 - 12:55 pm

  I owned a Jeep years ago and loved the space and the feel of a jeep. And now here I am again! I have exactly what I wanted with space, entertainment and look all in one beautiful Jeep. It handles the road great and if I would have read the reviews first I may have changed my mind but Im VERY pleased I purchased and then read them. I am one satisfied owner :-)

• 

  whats not to like for $17K - $28K ? - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Tom Wood - October 27 - 8:52 pm

  Look, youre not buying a top of the line Lexus or Acura. If youve got 21K to spend on a comfortable, modern ride with the classic Jeep styling, THIS IS IT! This is the most economical SUV on the market. For 21K (Latitude 6 speed) its far superior to my previous purchase of a 25K bottom of the line KIA Sorrento. It is more comfortable, more head room and doesnt flop all over the road like the KIA.

• 

  Lil Jeepster - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By willy d - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I went looking for a small, 4wd SUV. On line shopping and reviews are quite helpful, unless they are strongly opinionated, then I just gloss over the review. When comparing equipment on others in this class, nothing comes close for cost verses content. The sport model with the $5000 latitude package stickered at $23,500. Less rebates etc. (and this gives you everything from heated seats to remote start. Overall very satisfied, 2.4 with the CVT trans is getting 20 mpg in town/27 highway. Buld quality/ paint and all seem very good. Engine can sound noisy, not at cruising speed tho, so it does not annoy me. Fast, nope, not bought for speed, but tap shift to highway speeds are no problem.

• 

  2014 Jeep Patriot 2.4L Latitude - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By perfectsound - October 13 - 4:03 pm

  First off, dont listen to the harsh reviews. They arent reasonable. Secondly, this is NOT a Grand Cherokee. The Patriot is a cute little SUV (my first). It has all the comforts that a reasonable person would need, minus the elbow room of a larger vehicle. Secondly...it IS a Jeep...not a Lincoln. If you want a cute little SUV that rides and handles like a Jeep...then this is your car. I, for one, love it. The Latitude has all of the nice bells and whistles such as a nice stereo, hidden USB port for your iPOD, Blue Tooth for your phone, electric windows and door locks, heated seats, etc.

• 

  Transmission / Leaks / 60K Buying a Patriot Read this... - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By lipjunkiee - October 2 - 8:06 am

  I own a 2008 Jeep Patriot Limited 4x4. I bought it two years ago with only 5K miles. One month after I bought the car the back light dome and flash light filled up with water. They stripped my interior out and gave me new interior and had to weld the problem. Two months ago 200 miles after my warranty expired the leak came back - but worse! I took it in for a diagnostic. They told me a stick had plugged my drainage tube for my sunroof. WOW! I never use my sunroof. THEN after I get my transmission serviced - fluid changed etc 500.00 dollars later... and two months later my TRANSMISSION goes out.... Its going to cost me $ 5,150.00 dollars to replace it. CVT TRANSMISSIONS ARE NOT RELIABLE!