2007 Jeep Patriot Review
The Patriot is a brand-new compact crossover SUV. As opposed to its sibling the Jeep Compass, the Patriot is geared toward off-road performance. Think of it as the macho counterpart of the Compass.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Jeep Patriot is like a mirror image of the more uptown Jeep Compass. While the Compass is designed strictly for the road, the Patriot is a tough-looking off-road machine. Overall, it offers a good price to feature ratio, and it’s hard to argue with the price. The interior and handling could use some work, but if you want an inexpensive 4×4, the Patriot is hard to beat.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power data is not yet available. Jeep reliability has been about average in the past. Problems have already been reported with the automatic transmission. It has been recalled once due to out- of-spec brakes. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Patriot earned 5-star government crash test ratings on all but the front driver side, which earned 4 stars. IIHS data is not yet available. Anti-lock brakes, side-curtain airbags, and stability and traction control come standard. Front side airbags are optional. Tire-pressure monitoring is available as an option on the Limited.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Traditional Jeep styling
+ Off-road capable
+ Good value
Cons
– AC not standard
– Weak engine
– Lousy interior
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Patriot costs $1,500 less than the Chevrolet HHR, and while it doesn’t have its standard AC, it adds ABS, traction control, side airbags, and 23 more horsepower. The Patriot costs $4,000 less than the 2008 Ford Escape XLS, though the Escape has AC. It costs $2,500 less than the Hyundai Tucson GLS, and offers 32 more horsepower.
What Others Are Saying:
“If Jeep is aiming the Patriot at the CR-V, RAV4 and Escape, they’re in big trouble. With its Playmobil interior, gutless engine and questionable handling, the Patriot is far better off road than on.” – The Truth About Cars
“But like its platform siblings, the Patriot is stuck with the DaimlerChrysler/Hyundai/Mitsubishi ‘global’ 2.4-liter VVT four. It’s not a bad engine, but not stellar, and in most versions it’s mated to the CVT, which saps its off-the-line punch and sounds like a blender under heavy acceleration, especially when bouncing around an off-road course.” – Motor Trend
“The Patriot uses the same platform as the Dodge Caliber. Despite its four-cylinder foundation, it has a more traditional shipping-box SUV shape along the lines of the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson. All-wheel drive and an off-road package are available.” – Car and Driver
Read more about the 2007 Jeep Patriot at the Jeep manufacturer web site.
