2009 Jeep Patriot Review

PROS  Maneuverable package, Reasonable fuel economy, Off-road capable

CONS  Too much engine noise, Sloppy transmission

When Jeep introduced the Patriot in 2007, many observers likened its boxy silhouette to the 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee. However, the Patriot was a completely fresh design that actually shared underpinnings and engines with stable mates Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber.

The Patriot is a four-door compact SUV with a one-piece rear liftgate. It seats five-passengers on two front buckets and a split-folding three-place rear bench seat. Patriot competes with vehicles like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4.

This year, Jeep gives the Patriot a revised interior that designed to be more user-friendly. Interior upgrades include freshened instrument panel, door trim panels, and center console, chrome accents, a removable carpeted load floor, and illuminated cupholders. Also new for 2009 is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia system, which includes a Bluetooth cell-phone link, 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music and picture files, and a navigation system with real-time traffic information.

Two models are offered, Sport and Limited. Both are available with front- or all-wheel drive. A 172-horsepower 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine is standard. It teams with either a five-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. Available as a credit option on the front-drive Sport is a 158-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It is available only with the CVT automatic.

Front-drive models come standard with traction control. All-wheel-drive models get a locking center differential.

Standard safety features include antilock four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist, stability control with rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor, and dual-front and curtain-side airbags. Front-side air bags are optional. Neither park assist nor a rear-view camera is offered.

The Sport model starts at $16,790 and includes air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with digital-media player connection, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, theft-deterrent system, roof rails, and 205/70R16 tires. The Limited lists for $21,480 and adds leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver-seat height and lumbar adjustment, fold-flat passenger seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, 115-volt power outlet, floormats, rear privacy glass, fog lights, 215/60R17 tires, and alloy wheels,

Optional on all-wheel-drive models is the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Group. It includes a brake-lock differential, two-speed transfer case, hill-descent control, heavy-duty alternator and engine cooling, interior air filter, fog lights, skid plates, full-size spare tire, and 215/65R17 all-terrain white-letter tires. Also optional is the Sun and Sound Group, which adds sunroof, Boston Acoustics sound system, and liftgate speakers.

All models have a $580 destination charge and are assembled in Chrysler Belvidere, Illinois, manufacturing facility.

Get Up and Go  When teamed with the CVT automatic, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine provides adequate acceleration for most driving needs. Though there's no official zero to 60 mph time from Jeep, it's likely about 10 seconds.

It takes a while to get used to the unique power-delivery of the CVT. Unlike a conventional automatic with fixed gears, the CVT has a no set ratios and constantly adjusts the gearing based on throttle input. This leads to mushy throttle response in stop-and-start commuting.

Jeep says that Patriot is an off-road-ready vehicle and, when equipped with the Freedom Drive II package, it has that potential. However, front-drive and base all-wheel-drive models without that package are best suited for on-pavement driving.

The all-wheel-drive Patriot with the CVT nets EPA ratings of 20 mpg city and 22 mpg highway and runs fine on regular-grade fuel. Most people will average between 20-22 mpg in routine commuting, but it is easy to average 22 mpg-plus in straight highway driving.

On the Road  Patriot sports a surprisingly comfortable and complaint ride. There's a slight bit of bouncing on bumpy roads and a little bit of SUV jiggle over expansion joints, but otherwise it rides very much like a traditional midsize car.

Patriot is no slouch when the road grows twisty. The accurate steering has a nice heft, body lean is kept in check, brakes are reassuring, and the tires have reasonable grip. It's not a sports car by any means, but it is considerably more buttoned down than Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.

Thanks to the upright stance, there's a little more wind noise than you might expect and the engine complains loudly when accelerating. Road noise is well muted and the Patriot cruises quietly.

Behind the Wheel  The new-for-'09 interior is a big improvement compared to the 2007-08 model and helps Patriot say competitive in the class. Not only is the design more user-friendly but the materials are nicely upgraded while still remaining traditional Jeep sturdy.

Gauges are easy to read and most controls are logically placed and well marked. Patriot's three-dial climate control setup is particularly refreshing in this age of gadgetry.

Front seats are reasonably supportive and offer good long-haul comfort. Head room is generous and leg room adequate. Outward visibility is good thanks to a tall driving position, thin roof pillars, and a large rear window.

Rear seats offer adult-size head and leg room but the cushion is too flat. Three-across seating is possible if you don't mind squeezing a bit. Entry and exit are hampered by narrow door openings.

Cargo space is generous and the rear seats fold flat in a snap. The tailgate is large and the load floor is lower than in many other SUVs. Interior storage is good, highlighted by a large open bin above the glove box.

Bottom Line  After nearly 20 years of driving and evaluating vehicles, it's rare that I'm surprised. Patriot caught me completely off guard. I expected a run-of-the-mill compact SUV and that's not the case.

Though traditional Jeep outside, Patriot is quite modern and refined inside. The ride is composed, passenger and cargo room is good, and there are plenty of nice features. Yes, CR-V and RAV4 offer more refinement, but neither of those vehicles is off-road ready.

With prices ranging from $16,000 - $23,000 Patriot slots in at a few thousand below most mainstream competitors. That alone makes it worth cross shopping. Why not take one for a test drive? You might be surprised as well.