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:

• 

  Several Problems - Water and Automatic Transmission - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By ondago - December 24 - 9:03 pm

  Bought this vehicle brand new in the summer of 2007. The first ice storm that winter, I got water leaking in through the sun roof to the interior lights which then went all over the dashboard through the radio and electronics. Dealer took care of the problem under warranty. At only 125,000 kms (less than 3 years old) I had to replace the transmission. Dealer also took care of this even though the car wasnt under warranty - I paid the value of labor. Still the transmission slips on acceleration, not sure how long this one will last. Dealership has been fantastic but will admit the vehicle itself is a bit of a lemon but I love the brand Jeep. So very disappointed in this vehicle.

• 

  Please review nhtsa.gov website...this vechile stalls without warning - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By jeeppatriot1 - December 22 - 10:36 am

  I own a 2011 Jeep Patriot and it stalled on HWY. I have in 30 years never replaced a transmission at 123K miles (HWY miles) I have already replaced my transmission. In addition, each time I have taken it in to get tires rotated and new tires I am told the treads are not "wearing down consistantly" this cause load noise with each rotation, even with new tires the same problem happened. I have replaced sway arm, ball joints, wheel bearing. I live in WI, its cold, but never had I had a window crack from the cold and Ive lived her my whole life. Please if you are looking to purchase this vechile I beg for your saftey go to:nhtsa.gov web site to see saftey problems with this Jeep!

• 

  Stay Away from the 2008 Jeep Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By autumnrose - December 20 - 10:52 am

  I have replaced everything in the front end of this vehicle. I have owned it 6 months and in that 6 months, stab links, barrings, ball joints, inner and outer tie rods, struts (twice), the spark plugs and it needs coils but there 40$ a piece have not got there yet. Now after the front end problems it still creaks and squeaks it makes crazy sounds. it likes to hesitate when you push the gas. It just wont go and it stutters like it wants to stall but it does not YET. i dont get it and no garages do either. One said it was a misfire in the piston. GREAT! i would not recommend this vehicle to anyone. it makes so many sounds and even after it is all "fixed" it still remains making unknown sounds

• 

  JUNK CAR JUNK COMPANY - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By kh0864 - December 7 - 11:39 pm

  I would like to add to my previous review... We went to the dealership and got our transmission looked at, and they confirmed at 100,000Km on a FIVE yr old car the transmission needs to be replaced... The best part.. the factory warranty is expired by TWO MONTHS and Jeep/Chrysler head office will NOT warranty it.. 2 [non-permissible content removed] MONTHS!!!!! Oh and the BEST part... They tell us it will be $5300.00 to replace...What a joke!!!! First and LAST time we ever buy an American car. Very disappointed, I really loved the looks of this car, too bad they cant get the CVT right.

• 

  2008 Patriot Automatic - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By highlander25 - September 1 - 8:33 am

  I bought new in 2008, 25 miles on it. Since then, 77K miles and I have gone had 2 transmission replacements and it sounds like a third is coming soon. I cant get the car to stop whining. The car overheats 30 minutes into a family trip, have to stop to cool down before going on. Any slight incline and the tranny overheats. This is a problem since we like in Colorado now. Dealerships here had the car once for a month fighting with Corporate over who will pay to replace the tranny. Will never own a jeep again. My eight year old makes fun of jeeps we see parked.

• 

  Underpowered and lousy gas mileage. Cheap! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Brett - July 15 - 12:43 am

  Thank goodness it was only a rental. I understand that one may sacrifice performance for better mileage or vice-versa, but this car delivers neither. It was constantly hunting for the right gear ... just awful. As others have already said, the mileage is crap, especially when considering what a wheezebox the thing is. Toss in the small tank and I was shocked at how quickly the fuel gauge dropped. Seats were not very comfortable, either. Thankfully, we only had it for a day, as it was a replacement for another rental, which died near the end of our vacation. That first car (Chevy Malibu) was consistently giving us 34 MPG in mixed driving. The Patriot didnt come close, even though it was 100% highway driving. Had this been our vehicle for the whole trip, it wouldve been miserable. I cannot believe rental companies consider this at the same level as the "full size" cars. I know never to make the mistake of renting a "compact SUV", as I might get stuck with one of these again. Who knows? Maybe other compact SUVs are just as bad. These definitely belong in the sub-$18K range. Just awful.

• 

  Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Dan - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Have had nothing but problems. Will never buy another Jeep or Chrysler product. Trans went out at 60k. Ball joints and control arms are shot at 65k. ESP module went out along with the cruise at 50k. Back window leaks slightly. Dont know what is next?

• 

  I am done with Jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By suzib1 - January 7 - 2:51 pm

  I have replaced too many things on this vehicle to keep track. Ball joints (and I think they are bad again), transmission, tie rods, calipers, and assortment of belts, etc. I was hoping to have this vehicle for many years but it is becoming such an expense to upkeep that I may end up trading it in and dealing with a car payment again. I was looking for better gas mileage with 4-wheel drive than my Jeep Liberty, but the Patriot feels very cheap and apparently is made to break bit by bit. Even the dealership is stumped by the myriad of warning lights that turn on and wont turn off or simply stop working all together. Piece of garbage and dont waste your money and patience.

• 

  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.

• 

  Another Bad Transmission - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By kwijibur - September 17 - 9:55 am

  I bought this new in 2007 3 weeks before they offered the lifetime powertrain warranty. Now, at 56k miles, it needs a new transmission. This is after the control arm and tie rod failures that were covered (thankfully) under the 3/36 warranty. I understand that its out of warranty now. But, a new transmission on a 3 y/o car with only 56k miles? Really? Chrysler customer service have also been real jerks. I called them for payment assistance at the recommendation of the dealer and theyve promised me a response by the end of the day for five days straight.