Jeep Patriot:Review the specs, features and pros & cons

Jeep Patriot Safety

From its 2007 launch, the Jeep Patriot came standard with front-wheel drive and an anti-lock braking system (ABS) to keep the wheels from locking and skidding, as well as Hill Start Assist, which maintains the brake pressure when you need to switch to the gas. Models from 2010 feature:

• Side curtain airbags
• Active front head restraints to reduce whiplash
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which uses individual brakes to keep the car on its intended course

Jeep Patriot Interior

Step into the interior of the Jeep Patriot and find yourself in the Great Outdoors. The colour palette is very woodsy, with various shades of brown for the seats. Depending on the vehicle’s trim, the seats come in cloth, partial leather or vinyl, the latter making the Patriot’s interior easier to clean.

For an additional price, buyers could select the following:

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls
• Power sunroof
• Power six-way driver seat
• Power windows and locks

Jeep Patriot Technology

All trim levels from 2011 and onward offer a highly praised UConnect infotainment system, a touchscreen that allows you to adjust music and temperature, make calls and enjoy high-quality audio. Depending on the model year, it also features:

• AM/FM radio
• CD player and Auxiliary jack (standard on the base Sport model)
• USB
• Bluetooth connectivity (optional on later models)

A popular additional-cost option on the Patriot was the Boston Acoustics® sound system upgrade, which adds nine speakers to the car, including two that fold out of the rear tailgate.

Jeep Patriot Space

The Jeep Patriot’s boxy exterior means plenty of headroom for every seat in the house. When you don’t need room for extra passengers, you can fold the rear seats down, increasing storage space. However, some Patriot owners say the rear and cargo space doesn't match up to other crossovers.

Jeep Patriot Comfort

The Patriot is known for its relatively high fuel consumption in the compact crossover class. This is largely thanks to the buzzy continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Freedom Drive II Off-Road option package uses a modified version of the CVT, with a low-range 4x4 mode. Also available alongside Freedom Drive II is hill descent control, which automatically applies individual brakes to maintain a safe speed down steep slopes. Included in that package are tow hooks, skid plates and body sealing to let the Patriot ford deeper water. All in, the Patriot offers excellent off-roading capability.

Opting for the manual transmission model can improve fuel economy somewhat, but the Jeep Patriot will never match its more modern competition when it comes to gas mileage.