2008 Jeep Patriot Review

The Jeep Patriot lacks the updated World-War-II-style Jeep Wrangler's roughneck personalty. It's a more comfortable compact SUV with a compact auto's performance and handling -- and good off-road abilities with the right options.

The made-in-Illinois Patriot is easily recognizable as a Jeep, with signature round headlights, seven-slot grille and square-line styling. It's built at Chrysler's Belvidere plant and arrived last year with Jeep's new model blitz. It doesn't have the rugged body-on-frame construction of the Wrangler, but shares the unibody platform with the Jeep Compass.

Such construction makes the four-door Patriot more carlike and comfortable on roads, although a "Trail-Rated" Freedom Drive II Off-Road option includes low-range gearing and hill-descent control makes it capable for off-road use that includes grades, wheel lift and moderate rock or log climbing. That option didn't much affect my test Patriot's on-road ride.

New for 2008 are standard air conditioning and interior chrome door handles for all models. Engine and transaxle calibrations are refined for smoother operation and improved driveability. There's also trim and equipment updates and revised suspension tuning for improved ride and handling.

The reasonably priced Patriot comes with front-drive and all-wheel drive without low-range gearing but with a lockable center coupling for improved grip in deep snow, sand or other low-traction surfaces.

The entry front-drive Sport costs $15,475, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version is $17,225. The top-line front-drive Limited lists at $20,195 with front-drive and at $21,945 with AWD.

The Sport is pretty well-equipped, with such items as the above-mentioned air conditioning, tilt wheel, front console, AM/FM/CD player, split-folding rear seat, rear wiper-washer and 16-inch wheels. The AWD version adds anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes.

The Limited adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes for both front-drive and AWD versions, leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls, 17-inch alloy wheels with wider tires and power foldaway mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.

Those power accessories come in a rather pricey $2,225 Quick Order option for the Sport, and it's hard to imagine a Jeep dealer ordering a Patriot without them.

Standard safety items include curtain side air bags and an anti-skid system with rollover sensors. Front-side air bags cost $250.

Key options include an $800 power sunroof and $1,395 navigation system for the Limited.

Standard is 2.4-liter dual-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine with 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. It's the Michigan-built product of a joint venture between the old DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai and Mitsubishi.

A 2-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque is offered for the Sport with a $200 credit, but it can be had only for the front-drive Sport and an extra-cost continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Performance with the smaller four-cylinder is marginal, and the 2.4-liter engine with the CVT in my test Patriot was no fireball on highways, with so-so 65-75 mph passing ability. Both engines are moderately noisy during brisk acceleration.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard and the smooth CVT is optional at $1,100 with a new manual-shift capability and at $1,050 with an off-road "crawl" ratio. Jeep says the CVT contributes to a fuel economy improvement of up to 8 percent, compared to a conventional four-speed automatic transmission.

Steering is nicely geared for quick moves, and the carlike handling should make former auto owners feel right at home. The ride is firm but supple, although it gets a little bouncy on rough side streets. The brake pedal has a nice linear action for consistently smooth stops.

EPA-estimated fuel economy is pretty good. It's best with the 2-liter four, at 23 mpg in the city and 27 on highways. Figures with the 2.4 engine and manual gearbox are 23 and 28 with front-drive and 22/27 with all-wheel drive. With the CVT, they're 21/25 with front-drive and 21/24 with AWD. Only regular-grade fuel is needed for either engine.

The Patriot calls for only a little extra effort to get in and out, and occupants sit fairly high. This Jeep is roomy for four to five tall occupants, with an especially spacious rear-seat area. Outside door handles are oversized and inside handles are easily grasped, but narrow rear door openings complicate entry and exit.

The hatch opening is wide but rather high. Cargo room is good and becomes very good when rear seatbacks are flipped forward. A fold-flat front passenger seat is available to handle extra-long objects.

Front seats provide good side and thigh support, and gauges can be easily read. The automatic transmission shifter conveniently juts from the console area. Climate controls are large, and there's a mixture of large and small audio system controls. All are within easy reach. Front cupholders are handy, but rear ones are placed at floor level behind the front console. Interior storage is marginal.

The heavy hood should be held open by hydraulic struts, but instead is kept up with an awkward prop rod. Fluid filler areas are easily reached in the neat engine compartment.

The Patriot has a solid feel, as if it easily could serve two to three owners before being put out to pasture. It should appeal to those who want Jeep styling and utility, even if they never venture off road.

2008 JEEP PATRIOT

Prices: $15,475-$21,945

Likes: Retro Jeep styling. Carlike roadability. Roomy. Good fuel economy.

Dislikes: So-so highway performance. Moderately noisy acceleration. Narrow rear door openings.