Jeep Patriot Car Review

The Jeep Patriot is an impressive model from the Americans that offers genuine off-road ability with decent on-road manners. It looks suitably rugged and will appeal to fans of the American icon as well as those who have never considered buying a Jeep before.

Practicality

The Jeep Patriot has been cleverly designed with useful ideas including reclining and folding rear seats, plus a front passenger seat that can be folded flat when long loads need to be carried. The cabin is littered with cubby holes so all the family’s odds and sods can be neatly tucked away.
The Jeep Patriot easily accommodates four occupants, but a large transmission tunnel can make life uncomfortable for a central rear passenger.
The boot is shallower than some rivals but is still able to take a decent amount of luggage or shopping.
The interior plastics are hard-wearing, if lacking in a bit of quality, and should survive repeated contact with the kids.
Running costs are competitive compared to others in its class. The diesel averages 40mpg-plus while carbon dioxide emissions are pegged at 180g/km.
It is reasonably easy to attain a comfortable driving position as the seat can be cranked up and down and the steering wheel adjusts for height.
Visibility is good from the high driving position and headroom is good – although shallow windows and thick pillars make the Patriot feel a bit closed in. All the dials and controls are large and simply laid out, making them easy to see and use.

Jeep Patriot

Life Style

Modern motoring rarely calls for four-wheel drive capability, but hey the Patriot is a Jeep so it has proper off-road credentials rather than the ‘soft road’ set up of many rivals.
Thus muddy fields at school sports days or winter slush and snow are no problem for the Patriot which, in addition to all-wheel drive, also offers hill descent control as standard plus special ABS braking and traction systems that allow for slides. Extreme terrain though will catch the Patriot out as it lacks the ground clearance and low ratio gearbox for serious mud wrestling.
If you are looking for a car with road presence but not so rugged as to frighten little children then the Patriot ticks all the boxes.
It is reassuringly chunky and drives well for an SUV. Body roll is kept in check and the Patriot takes on twisty country lanes with confidence.
The seats are comfortable and the ride compliant on virtually all surfaces ensuring long journeys pass pleasantly. Yes the diesel engine is a bit noisy when you start up but it does settle down when you reach cruising speeds and little wind noise is allowed into the cabin.

Security and Safety

The Jeep Patriot is fitted with an alarm and an immobiliser to deter the criminal element and ensure its security.
The Patriot offers a lot of safety equipment with every model including front, side and head airbags – the front airbags varying their deployment depending on the severity of a crash.
Jeep also throw in stability control and brake assist systems for emergencies, as well as a clever system that helps prevent the Patriot rolling over.

The Finishing Touches

The Jeep Patriot comes in two trim levels – Sport and Limited – with even the cheaper Sport models coming reasonably kitted out.
The entry-level Patriot comes with front and rear electric windows, electric folding door mirrors, air conditioning and alloy wheels. Limited specification adds cruise control, front fog lights, leather seats, plus stereo controls on the steering wheel and more body-coloured exterior trim. Satellite navigation is an aftermarket unit fitted at extra expense rather than one fitted on the production line – the standard CD stereo system is excellent though.

 

Summary

The Jeep Patriot has a lot going for it – chunky good looks and a budget price-tag being just two. It manages to combine good levels of comfort for a Sport Utility Vehicle with competent handling characteristics.
Whether in a field or on the highway the Patriot manages the neat trick of being fun to drive. Its in-your-face Jeep styling ensures it attracts attention wherever it goes.
Two engines are offered on the Patriot but the only viable power unit is the VW-sourced 2.0-litre CRD diesel which offers 138bhp and lots of pulling power. It also offers reasonable fuel consumption, relatively low carbon dioxide emissions and is pretty smooth for an oil burner.
The Patriot is good value for money boasting an extremely competitive price combined with generous equipment levels.

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