One look at the Jeep Patriot and the consumer will notice that it is a smaller version of the Cherokee. The Jeep Patriot is almost as capable in terms of offering capabilities as the Cherokee is, and it still sports the iconic seven-slot-Jeep grille, a block-styled front fascia, squarish contours, and the well-known Jeep feel. When examining the interior however, the consumer will long for improvements because the Patriot lacks many of the stylish amenities found in alternative Jeeps.
The Grand Cherokee has a well-executed cabin crafted with quality materials and components. The interior offers up leather seating. In contrast, the Jeep Patriot lacks all of the latter mentioned attributes found in the Cherokee. Instead, the Jeep Patriot is made with inexpensive plastics and the upholstery is made of cloth.
For the Jeep enthusiast, the Jeep Patriot still delivers what one would expect from the carmaker, but few amenities are offered. This, of course, makes the vehicle affordably priced. If you want a good looking ute you will definitely have to be willing to pay more money to get it.
The Range
Bodystyles: SUV
Engines: 2.0L I-4, 2.4L I-4
Transmissions: 5-speed manual, continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Models: Limited 4x2, Limited 4x2, Latitude 4x2, Latitude 4x4, Sport 4x2, Sport 4x4
What's New
There are few changes to the Jeep Patriot for 2010. There are more available options now as well as driver and front passenger seats get active head restraints standard.
Exterior
The 2010 Jeep Patriot, like the Liberty, has the rugged looks of what you expect from a Jeep and definitely has some of the characteristics of the ultra popular Jeep Grand Cherokee from the past.
Interior
The Jeep Patriot's interior, like Compass and Liberty, consists mostly of cheap, hard plastic materials, but you do have the liftgate mounted flip down speakers for enjoying some tunes while out camping in the outback.
Performance & Handling
With the Patriot Sport 4x2 you have your choice of either the 2.0-liter I-4 or the 2.4-liter I-4 and either the 5-speed manual transmission or the standard CVT, where the Limited and Latitude 4x2 only offers the 2.4-liter I-4 with either the 5-speed or the CVT. The 4x4 variants offer only the 2.4-liter but you can't get the 5-speed manual, CVT or the CVT with the crawl ratio.
Safety
The Patriot features four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) on all 4x4s, 4x2 Sport and Latitude get anti-lock front disc with rear drums, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, driveline traction control, four-wheel drive, and a stability control.
EPA Fuel Economy
Limited 4x2: 23 mpg city/28mpg highway
Limited 4x4: 23 mpg city/28mpg highway
Latitude 4x2: 23mpg city/28mpg highway
Latitude 4x4: 23mpg city/28mpg highway
Sport 4x2: 23mpg city/28mpg highway
Sport 4x2: 23mpg city/29mpg highway
You'll Like
- Decent off-road capabilities
- Low base price
- Decent options
- Nice-sized trunk
You Won't Like
- Noisy drivetrain
- CVT transmission
- Cheep interior
- Limited cargo room
Sum Up
Better styling and options than Compass or Liberty
If You Like This Vehicle
- Subaru Forester
- Honda CR-V
- Toyota RAV4
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Ford Escape