The
2010 Jeep Patriot is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) available in two trim levels: Sport Utility and Sport Sport Utility. Powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine paired to a five-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Jeep Patriot offers either front-wheel drive or one of two 4WD configurations, a light-duty Freedom Drive I or a off-road-ready Freedom Drive II, the latter of which has a low-range gear and is available only with the CVT. The front-wheel-drive Sport trim can also be equipped with a lower-powered 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and either transmission.
A smaller version of the Cherokee, the Jeep Patriot sports the iconic seven-slot Jeep grille, a block-styled front fascia, boxy lines, and the well-known Jeep "feel." Inside, however, the Patriot lacks many popular features found in the Grand Cherokee and is constructed of inexpensive plastics and cloth. Fuel economy ratings are in the 23 mpg city / 28 mpg highway range, while safety ratings are average overall.
New for 2010
For 2010, the Jeep Patriot gets active head restraints as standard, and a five-speed manual transmission is now available in the Jeep Patriot Sport 4x2's optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine trims.
Essentials
Engines: 2.0L I-4, 2.4L I-4
Transmissions: 5-speed manual, continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Body Style: SUV
Trims: Limited Sport Utility, Sport Sport Utility
On the Outside
The 2010 Jeep Patriot has rugged looks and some of the characteristics of the popular Jeep Grand Cherokee.
From the Inside
While the Jeep Patriot's interior contains cheap, hard plastic materials, the lift-gate mounted flip down speakers are a plus.
Driving Performance
With a choice of either a 2.0-liter I-4 or a 2.4-liter I-4 engine, the Jeep Patriot Sport trim offers a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). However, the Limited 4x2 trim offers only the 2.4-liter I-4 engine with either the five-speed transmission or the CVT. The 4x4 trims comes with the 2.4-liter engine and either the light-duty Freedom Drive I or the off-road-ready Freedom Drive II, the latter of which is available only with the CVT.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety features on the Jeep Patriot include four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) on all 4x4s, while the 4x2 Sport trims gets anti-lock front disc with rear drums, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, driveline traction control, and stability control.
Gas Mileage
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
Plusses
- Good off-road capability
- Low base price
- OK optional features
- Adequate trunk
Minuses
- Noisy engines
- Continuously variable transmission
- Subpar interior
- Restricted cargo room
Rating
Low base price car-like SUV doesn't make the grade
People Who Like the 2010 Jeep Patriot Also Like
- Subaru Forester
- Honda CR-V
- Toyota RAV4
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Ford Escape