| The Jeep Patriot might disappoint ardent off-roaders, | | | | less refined than some rivals. Acceleration is adequate |
| though it's more rugged than the company's Compass | | | | from a standstill, but rather feeble when you need to |
| and appears tightly made. Its capabilities on tamer | | | | pass or merge, despite the engine's immediate revving |
| surfaces are more appealing for the average driver | | | | to high rpm. Move the CVT's shift lever to the left and |
| while it is Jeep "Trail Rated." | | | | you're in Sport mode, selecting "gears" like a manual |
| External dimensions are similar to those of the Jeep | | | | transmission. Ratio changes occur instantly. Even if the |
| Cherokee, which was supplanted by the Liberty for | | | | "gears" aren't real, they make a big difference in |
| 2002, except that the Patriot is longer, and its | | | | performance. |
| windshield is more upright. Even the back window is | | | | Sometimes, at low speed, the CVT actually tries to |
| almost vertical. | | | | slow you down, as if it's clawing at the pavement. |
| Trapezoidal wheel flares help give Patriots some | | | | Now and then, when slowing, then trying to start |
| contemporary "attitude," according to marketers. So | | | | picking up speed again, the CVT may react with a |
| does the "signature" seven-slot Jeep grille. When the | | | | nasty jerk. Push the gas pedal at 40-45 mph, and you |
| Patriot debuted, Jeep executives noted its "simple, | | | | can anticipate a second's "dead spot" before much |
| rugged, but timeless design." | | | | happens. Mounted on the forward console, the |
| The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine develops 172 | | | | manual-shift lever for non-CVT Patriots is somewhat |
| horsepower, driving either a five-speed manual | | | | vague, but that gearbox yields more spirited |
| gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). | | | | responses. |
| Front-drive Patriots may instead have a milder, 158-hp | | | | Overall, the Patriot behaves and handles more like a |
| 2.0-liter engine, offered only with the CVT. That version | | | | car, but it does have a bit of truck-like sound. Telltale |
| gets a fuel-economy estimate of 23/27 mpg in city | | | | noises, slight but reminiscent of older Chrysler products, |
| highway driving, versus 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway | | | | signal that insulation could be better. There's definite |
| for a 2.4-liter Patriot with the CVT. With manual shift | | | | stiffness to the suspension, which helps a Patriot react |
| and either front- or all-wheel drive, the 2.4-liter Patriot | | | | immediately (if curtly) to bumps, while maintaining |
| gets a 23/28 mpg estimate. | | | | control. Trouble spots pass before you know it, even if |
| Because the Patriot is intended for at least moderate | | | | some jolting results. Hill Descent Control works |
| off-road chores, two full-time four-wheel-drive | | | | effectively off-road, though it can become annoyingly |
| systems are available with the 2.4-liter engine: | | | | overactive. |
| Freedom Drive I, or Freedom Drive II. The second | | | | Entry/exit is easy, front and rear; though the doorsill is |
| version uses a different gearset, to provide a lower | | | | rather tall. Reasonably long front seat bottoms and |
| simulated "first-gear" ratio in the CVT. | | | | soft seatbacks provide comfortable accommodations. |
| Jeep boasts that the Patriot's approach, departure and | | | | The far-off windshield helps make the interior seem |
| breakover angles are "best in class." Tow hooks and | | | | more spacious. Headroom is quite generous with |
| Hill Descent Control, for assistance in rougher terrain, | | | | plenty of elbow space for the driver. The backseat is |
| are available in the Freedom Drive II Off-Road option | | | | comfortable for two and passable for a third, except |
| package. Sport models ride on 16-inch steel wheels, | | | | for the need to straddle the cupholder console. |
| while the Limited gets 17-inch aluminum wheels. | | | | Hollowed-out front seatbacks help rear leg space, and |
| Five passengers fit inside the Patriot. Curtain-type | | | | toe room is huge. Wide B- and C-pillars don't impair |
| airbags with electronic roll mitigation are standard, along | | | | over-shoulder views, and the relatively tall hood is |
| with antilock braking, and an Electronic Stability | | | | welcome as a guide to the road ahead. |
| Program. Simple to drive, the Patriot maneuvers well | | | | Patriot prices start at $18,170 (destination charge |
| enough. Though quick-reacting, with a rather tight | | | | included) for a front-drive Sport model. The Limited |
| turning circle, the appropriately-assisted steering gets a | | | | stickers for $22,860. All-wheel drive adds $1,750, and |
| bit vague at times, Still, little correction is needed on the | | | | the CVT costs as much as $1,100 extra. A Rocky |
| highway. | | | | Mountain Edition option package for 2009 includes a |
| Although the CVT-equipped Patriot performs | | | | sunroof and monochrome paint. |
| acceptably, it emits quite a lot of engine noise, making it | | | | |