Jeep Patriot SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The 2011 Jeep Patriot is a compact SUV with outstanding off-road capabilities. Looking more like the Jeep Cherokee Classic with its squared-off rear end, it sports attractive 16-inch and 17-inch wheels, fog lamps, round headlights, and vertical grille slats.
There are two trim levels for the Jeep Patriot, available in either Sport or Limited models. The less expensive Sports package comes with 16-inch wheels, a steering wheel that tilts, air conditioning, a folding rear back seat that splits 60/40, and a four-speaker CD and MP3 stereo system with auxiliary audio jack. Options for the Sport model include 17-inch alloy wheels and a six-CD changer. The higher grade Limited Jeep Patriot package includes 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, privacy glass, exterior accents in chrome, keyless entry, cruise control, heated front seats, a passenger seat that can fold flat, rear seats that recline, a steering wheel wrapped in leather with audio controls, a trip computer and a six CD changer with options to play MP3 files. Roof rails, a sunroof and a nine-speaker audio system with flip down tailgate speakers are available for both the Sport and Limited versions. The Limited version also includes a high-tech package that provides Bluetooth connectivity, an interface for the iPod, satellite radio and a navigation system with real-time traffic and weather.
Specs:
The engine inside most models of the Jeep Patriot is a 2.4 liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual but two types of continuously variable transaxle transmissions are also available. One has a 19.1:1 overall first gear crawl ratio and the other provides AutoStick which allows for shifting to be fully automatic or manual with driver interaction and six stepped gear ratios.
The Jeep Patriot offers either front-wheel drive or a choice of two types of four-wheel drive configurations. The first one is more light duty in nature while the second is available only with continuously variable transaxle transmissions and is made for off-road travelling. A 2.0 liter four cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower is available on the Sport models with front-wheel drive and either the five-speed or continuously variable transaxle transmission.
Fuel economy is rated at 23 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg combined for the 2.0 liter Jeep Patriot with the manual transmission. Four-wheel drive Patriots with the off-road package get 20 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined.
Inside the Jeep Patriot the features and quality are rather impressive with large gauges, simple controls and components made of plastic. The front seats have a good, clean shape and the vehicle can accommodate up to five passengers. The optional navigation system has a touchscreen interface that is fairly easy to use and offers a great many useful high-tech functions. The cargo floor is removable and easy to clean yet cargo space for a vehicle of this size is only 53 cubic feet.
Although the 2.4 liter engine of the Jeep Patriot can be somewhat lethargic when the gas is applied, the vehicle can be rather impressive with the off-road package which makes it one of the most capable off-roaders in its class.
There are two trim levels for the Jeep Patriot, available in either Sport or Limited models. The less expensive Sports package comes with 16-inch wheels, a steering wheel that tilts, air conditioning, a folding rear back seat that splits 60/40, and a four-speaker CD and MP3 stereo system with auxiliary audio jack. Options for the Sport model include 17-inch alloy wheels and a six-CD changer. The higher grade Limited Jeep Patriot package includes 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, privacy glass, exterior accents in chrome, keyless entry, cruise control, heated front seats, a passenger seat that can fold flat, rear seats that recline, a steering wheel wrapped in leather with audio controls, a trip computer and a six CD changer with options to play MP3 files. Roof rails, a sunroof and a nine-speaker audio system with flip down tailgate speakers are available for both the Sport and Limited versions. The Limited version also includes a high-tech package that provides Bluetooth connectivity, an interface for the iPod, satellite radio and a navigation system with real-time traffic and weather.
Specs:
The engine inside most models of the Jeep Patriot is a 2.4 liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual but two types of continuously variable transaxle transmissions are also available. One has a 19.1:1 overall first gear crawl ratio and the other provides AutoStick which allows for shifting to be fully automatic or manual with driver interaction and six stepped gear ratios.
The Jeep Patriot offers either front-wheel drive or a choice of two types of four-wheel drive configurations. The first one is more light duty in nature while the second is available only with continuously variable transaxle transmissions and is made for off-road travelling. A 2.0 liter four cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower is available on the Sport models with front-wheel drive and either the five-speed or continuously variable transaxle transmission.
Fuel economy is rated at 23 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg combined for the 2.0 liter Jeep Patriot with the manual transmission. Four-wheel drive Patriots with the off-road package get 20 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined.
Inside the Jeep Patriot the features and quality are rather impressive with large gauges, simple controls and components made of plastic. The front seats have a good, clean shape and the vehicle can accommodate up to five passengers. The optional navigation system has a touchscreen interface that is fairly easy to use and offers a great many useful high-tech functions. The cargo floor is removable and easy to clean yet cargo space for a vehicle of this size is only 53 cubic feet.
Although the 2.4 liter engine of the Jeep Patriot can be somewhat lethargic when the gas is applied, the vehicle can be rather impressive with the off-road package which makes it one of the most capable off-roaders in its class.
We've had our Patriot Latitude X for 6+ months now finding ourselves enjoying it more with each passing day. This is our 7th JEEP and have to admit part of what attracted us to the Patriot was its retro Cherokee looks coupled with the prospect of decent fuel economy. It's been trouble free to-date and a joy to drive. The negative reviews referring to the 2.4 cylinder engine coupled with the CVT automatic being poor performers is pure hype, those people obviously don't live in the real world. It does what it needs to do very well with a little comfort, classic Cherokee styling and decent fuel economy tossed in for good measure. Kudos to the design team!