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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  1st time Jeep owner - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Connie - April 10 - 3:46 am

  I have always driven a sub-compact vehicle and was reluctant to look at SUVs for environmental reasons. However, after living in MI for 9 years and going through one of the worst winters ever, I decided I needed to look at an AWD-type vehicle. I have had Chrysler products my entire life and had heard good things about the Patriot. I was not disappointed when I purchased the car. It rides well, not at all like an SUV to me, and it is environmentally friendly based on the MPG it gets. As long as I live in the upper Midwest, I will be driving a Jeep.

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  The best bang for you buck! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By sME - April 10 - 1:06 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Ive owned cars, suvs and this really fits me perfectly at 6. I cant believe Edmunds gave it bad reviews. There is no engine noise, rides smoothly, extremely comfortable. The best your money will buy. I cant stress enough to go drive one and listen to consumer reviews instead of professional reviews. They dont get the budget and are constantly driving all types of vehicles: expensive ones too. They say its all relative - well it is. For the money, this is an amazing vehicle. Dont listen to me, drive one. Im a real consumer. I just got my sport 4x4 with sun and sound package and all the accessories. You will truly love it - go American!

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  I like it!!! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By stump59 - April 7 - 3:06 am

  Well, you wont win any races with this Jeep. But it is a solid little SUV. In the Texas hill country yesterday and it did very well in the hills with the auto shift. First tank I got 23 mpg. Not bad on the open road. Very smooth at 75.

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  Like my Cherokee, but Better Mileage - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Doug - April 2 - 11:36 pm

  Totaled my beloved 99 Cherokee in a crash that could have killed me, but I walked away from. Wanted another Cherokee, but with better mileage. After reading about everyones complaints regarding power, I test drove a 5-speed manual Patriot. It seems whatever issues people have with lack of acceleration can be blamed on the CV-tranny, not the engine. "But how can I talk on the phone and sip my latte and drive a manual transmission?" You cant. Go buy a Kia. After two months, I am extremely pleased with this car. One of my initial reservations about buying it (it had everything I was looking for for less $) was that I wasnt seeing any on the roads. Seems I am seeing more and more each week.

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  Great Jeep! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By afmcronnie - April 2 - 2:13 pm

  This Jeep has performed flawlessly. The FD1 4x4 package is more than adequate for driving in moderate snow or for use on primitive roads. The ride is great, a little stiff, but it IS an SUV. The interior is well thought out, with the exception of the cup holders, which are invisible at night. The 110 volt outlet is especially handy. The cargo area is good sized, as long as you are only hauling groceries or light cargo, like camping equipment. You can fit 2 lawnmowers in it and still close the hatch. The engine is responsive and economical, as long as you leave the CVT in Auto mode. The ESP program allows you to ignore the 4-Lock option and concentrate on driving in foul weather.

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  Binding Sound - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By stm - March 5 - 3:30 am

  We took the Patriot back the first week because of a strange sound from under the front of the car. Service said it did not do this for them but other buyers had experienced the problem on a national level. One month later the sound got louder, including a vibration on the floorboard. We are waiting to hear what can be done. We loved the car at first but we never got the good gas mileage and believe it has something to do with that intermittent sound. It happens in all types of driving situations, stepping on the gas, breaking, turning. You might drive a few miles before hearing it or just out the driveway. We wonder if anyone else has had this happen?

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  Its a Jeep - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By mpearson - March 1 - 8:48 am

  The main criticism I see from professional reviews is the outdated styling and recommend the more updated Jeep Renegade. If you dont like the more old-school boxy Jeep look and you prefer something that looks like a high top gym shoe, then get the Renegade ;-) . Otherwise, I love the straight-forward basic look, function, and feel. As much as I love having all the fancy bells and whistles on a SUV, I just see as more stuff to break further down the road. I havent had the vehicle for that long so I cant comment on its reliability just yet. I do recommend the 2.4L engine over the 2.0L for a that little extra oomph. Patriots/Compasses dont have the greatest acceleration. Not bad but not great. This is supposed to be the last year for the Patriot. If thats true, dealerships will probably be offering nice discounts to clear out their remaining stock.

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  Love it - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Mike - February 26 - 10:40 pm

  The Patriot is the ideal 4x4 with good MPG. I got the Freedom Drive II and still get 22-25 MPG depending on driving habits - the car is roomy, the leather is great and the uConnect Navigation radio fantastic. I could not be happier with the car, the interior design and the looks. The car inspires me. I tested the Subaru Forester, Imreza and Legacy as well as the VW Tiguan. My Patriot is American made, handles as well, does not require premium gas and is as "luxurious". The attention to detail is apparent in the 2009 model. I love the 110 Volt outlet - for Kids and charging stuff. I upgraded to the hitch for bike accessories. Hopefully Ill never need the extra safety features or the Jeep.

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  Chrysler ruins what had so much potential ... - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By kingtj - February 16 - 5:19 pm

  I bought a 2007 Jeep Patriot Sport 4x4 with the CVT transmission, used, just over a year ago as a "certified used vehicle". Thankfully, I also bought an extended warranty. The vehicle is ideal in concept; small fuel-efficient SUV that seats 5, can haul a lot of cargo for its size (including a full length ladder if you fold down the passenger front seat and back seats), and great snow/ice handling too, at a reasonable price. In reality? Chryslers cutting corners everywhere ruins things. My CVT transmission is shot, after less than 70K miles, and had bad ball joints/tie rod ends at 37K miles. Interior is full of cheap plastic everywhere, too. Even the factory battery wore out in 40K miles.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By 1992viper - January 26 - 9:26 am

  I traded an 06 Dakota 4X4 for the Patriot base model 4X4 CVT to gain gas mileage at a bargain price. I was leery at first of the CVT but find that it is very satisfying (can shift manually as well). The engine is the 2.4L and I have achieved over 32 mpg driving around 67 mph on the hiway. The full sticker was $23,575 including heated seats and mirrors, remote start, Sirius, and all the rest. It says Latitude on the tailgate but it is not the Latitude X. Very functional, fun to drive, good Jeep looks, comfortable, quiet, roomy for its compact size-just a great value! I honestly cant say anything bad about it. Only owned it a month but have over 5000 miles. Very enjoyable miles.