Jeep Patriot Review

2008 Jeep Patriot Limited SUV Shown

The list of compact car-based SUVs with credible off-road capability is short. And there's a reason for that -- very few people want their urban runabouts to have the design trade-offs necessary to enable feverish rock-hopping. But there are certain expectations for vehicles offered by the Jeep brand, and indeed the new Jeep Patriot pins much of its distinctiveness to its class-leading off-road ability.

At first glance, the Jeep Patriot's exterior will probably remind many people of the upright, boxy Jeep Cherokee of old. And that's the way Jeep wants it. But underneath, the Patriot utilizes the same platform as the Jeep Compass and the Dodge Caliber, two vehicles that get wobbly-kneed at the first sight of a dirt road. Setting the Patriot apart are steeper approach and departure angles, a low-range gear, slightly higher ground clearance and the availability of an optional package that adds protective skid plates.

The heritage styling and extra smidge of off-pavement ability combine with a low price to make the Jeep Patriot a potentially attractive package for some buyers. However, there's not a whole lot else to the Patriot to make it a stand-out choice for the majority. Other vehicles in this segment offer roomier interiors, more cargo space, better fuel economy, available V6 engines and superior fit and finish. Overall, we think most shoppers will be best served by looking at other choices.

Current Jeep Patriot

The Jeep Patriot SUV is available in two trim levels: a base Sport and a Limited model with more standard features. Both trims come with a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque) and a five-speed manual transmission. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive are available as options. Buyers interested in front-wheel-drive Sport trims equipped with a CVT can opt for a less-expensive engine: a 158-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

Billed as the rugged entry-level Jeep, the Patriot is offered with several off-road features. The Patriot's AWD system can be enhanced with "hill-descent control," an electronic system that automatically modulates the brakes to maintain a low speed on steep declines, and an extra-low "off road" gear, which is only offered in models equipped with the CVT. There's also the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Group package that adds skid plates, front and rear tow hooks and a full-size spare tire.

Due to a slim profile and high load floor, there isn't a whole lot of space inside the Patriot. The rear seats are on the tight side and storage space is limited. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split to increase rear storage up to 54.2 cubic feet, which is still far less than the other vehicles in the class.

In reviews, we found the Jeep Patriot to offer a comfortable and quiet ride. Driven moderately, the vehicle feels well-balanced, even over bumps, and corners capably, with limited body roll. The Patriot's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is rated near the top of the class in terms of power, but the optional CVT snuffs much of the life out of this vehicle and makes it feel like one of the slowest in its class. Another major complaint about the Patriot involves the very disappointing quality of its interior materials.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.