2009 Jeep Patriot

Off-Road Trail-Rated

Jeep has claimed that the Patriot's approach, departure and breakover angles are "best in class." Tow hooks and Hill Descent Control, for assistance in rougher terrain, are available in the Freedom Drive II Off-Road option package. Sport models ride on 16-inch steel wheels, while the Limited gets 17-inch aluminum wheels.


Five passengers fit inside the Patriot. Curtain-type airbags with electronic roll mitigation are standard, along with antilock braking, and an Electronic Stability Program.


Ardent off-roaders might be disappointed by the Patriot, though it's more rugged than the company's Compass and appears tightly made. Capabilities on tamer surfaces are more appealing. Though it's "Trail Rated," not much traditional Jeep feel is evident.


Easy to drive, the Patriot maneuvers well enough. Though quick-reacting, with a rather tight turning circle, the appropriately-assisted steering gets a bit vague at times, Still, little correction is needed on the highway.

Comfort and Handling

Although the CVT-equipped Patriot performs acceptably, it emits quite a lot of engine noise, making it less refined than some rivals. Acceleration is adequate from a standstill, but rather feeble when you need to pass or merge, despite the engine's immediate revving to high rpm. Move the CVT's shift lever to the left and you're in Sport mode, selecting "gears" like a manual transmission. Ratio changes occur instantly. Even if the "gears" aren't real, they make a significant difference in performance.


Sometimes, at low speed, the CVT actually tries to slow you down, as if it's clawing at the pavement. Now and then, when slowing, then trying to start picking up speed again, the CVT may react with a nasty jerk. Push the gas pedal at 40-45 mph, and you can expect a second's "dead spot" before much happens. Mounted on the forward console, the manual-shift lever for non-CVT Patriots is somewhat vague, but that gearbox yields more spirited responses.