The Jeep Patriot

2009 Jeep Patriot test drive

The Jeep Patriot, like the Compass, brings Jeep styling to the Caliber platform — but, unlike the Compass, it also brings Jeep capabilities. With styling similar to the 2008 Liberty, the Jeep Patriot is close in specs (save for the approach angle) but has far better gas mileage and a lower price. Testers have been surprised by its rock-climbing, trail-traversing, and stream-crossing abilities. The body is sized very closely to the Jeep Cherokee.

2009 and 2010 Jeep Patriot changes

Compass and Patriot share an interior; for 2009, it was improved with more padding, better materials, and more graceful lines and curves. A partial-zero-emission-vehicle version of the 2.4 liter engine became available with front wheel drive. The suspensions were also retuned for a better on-road feel.

A new instrument panel, door trim panel, and center console were accompanied by a soft-touch door armrest and center console with split lid for more storage. Chrome accents were added to the vents and shift bezel on Sport, and to those areas as well as the door and cluster rings on Limited. Floor mats replaced the vinyl load floor, and LED-illuminated cupholders were added.

An optional 30-gigabyte-hard-drive music system with the ability to show custom images (and to play movies on the screen while in Park) was added, along with a nav/traffic system, the latter standard on the Limited. Numerous changes were made to options packages, including a rather comprehensive and credible Freedom Drive II group. The liftgate appliqué was switched to mold-in-color (all Patriot, and Compass Sport; Compass Limited got a body-color appliqué).

Engine compartment and floor sound insulation and a larger resonator on front drive vehicles (and the addition of a resonator on 4WD models) slashed unwanted noise. Other changes included making a PZEV option on FWD CVT models, and making the Sport's suspension more comfortable and smooth.

For 2010, a 2.0 engine option with the five-speed stick-shift raises gas mileage slightly (by 1 mpg highway vs the 2.4 engine). Active head restraints are standard for drier and passenger. Automatic climate control is optional on Limited, and remote start is optional with the Security Group.

The vehicle: Jeep Patriot

Based on the Jeep Patriot concept (see below), the 2007 Jeep Patriot combines the packaging of an SUV with the performance, handling, fuel economy, and price of a compact car or small pickup. New Jeep technology gives Patriot more capability than any other vehicle in its class when fitted appropriately.

Most Capable Off-Road Vehicle in its Class

(All but RAV4, Patriot are 2006 models)	Toyota 4Runner	Toyota RAV4	Honda Pilot	Wrangler Rubicon	Liberty Limited	Jeep Patriot	Patriot FD II
Running ground clearance	9	7.5”	8”	10”	9.4”	8.0”	9.0”
Approach angle (degrees)	31	29	28”	44	37	27.4	29
Departure angle (degrees)	24	25.4	21”	40.4	31.5	31.4	33
Breakover angle (degrees)	28	25	21”	25.4	22	20.6	23

While the Patriot is available with front wheel drive, two optional four wheel drive packages are available: Freedom Drive I and the Freedom Drive II with an Off-Road Package.

Freedom Drive I is a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system for rough weather and low-traction conditions that is designed for daily use. Freedom Drive I features a lockable center coupling, giving the ability to put the Jeep Patriot in four-wheel-drive Lock mode to handle deeper snow, sand, and other low-traction surfaces.

The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package is needed to add the Trail Rated certification. The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package includes a second-generation continuously variable transaxle with a low range (CVT2L) that engages when the off-road mode is activated, 17-inch all-terrain tires and aluminum wheels, a full-size spare tire, air-filtration system, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps and seat height adjuster. The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package is for true off-road situations that include steep grades, wheel lift and rock or log climbing.

This new Jeep technology includes the CVT2L’s best-in-class 19:1 low ratio, which is ideal for crawling over obstacles. Off-road Brake Traction Control maintains forward mobility during heavy articulation or on split-friction surfaces where one wheel loses traction. Hill-Descent Control modulates brake hydraulic pressure without driver intervention for downhill assistance at a safe and controlled rate of speed. Three-mode ESP and off-road anti-lock brakes (ABS) also add to the Patriot’s off-road capability.

The Trail Rated Jeep Patriot sits 1 inch higher than non-Trail Rated versions and meets Jeep off-road capability requirements for traction, water fording, articulation, maneuverability and ground clearance, including 9 inches of ground clearance, a 29-degree approach angle, a 33-degree departure angle and a 23-degree breakover angle. This version of the Patriot also has additional body sealing and high-mounted drivetrain vents to support 19-inch water fording capability. In fact, the Jeep Patriot’s body and chassis were developed and tested over numerous rugged off-road terrains to meet the requirements of the enthusiast Jeep customer.

“From its approach and departure angles to every sealant and chassis component in between, Jeep Patriot is engineered to be the most capable vehicle in its class,” said Matt Liddane, Chief Engineer – Jeep Patriot. “Whether climbing rocks, stair steps, logs or steep grades, Jeep Patriot drivers will have the confidence of knowing they’re in a Jeep 4x4.”

All Jeep Patriot models available in the United States and Canada include standard Brake Traction Control, driver-controlled three-mode ESP, Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation and anti-lock brakes with rough-road detection. Patriot’s standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes provide a competitive 60–0 mph stopping distance of 134 feet on dry pavement.

Patriot produced

The first 2007 Jeep Patriot came off the assembly line of the Belvidere plant on December 20, 2006, nearly one full year after the Caliber started up and about six months after the Compass. "We are now seeing the results of our flexible manufacturing strategy that leads to a competitive advantage for the Chrysler Group," said Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President - Manufacturing. "Thanks to Belvidere's ability to build multiple models off one assembly line, we expect the production of three all-new models to cost significantly less than the initial investment we made in the plant to build one product."

Many changes are taking place within the Chrysler Group manufacturing process to accommodate the multiple models. For example, new ways to make the required amount of stamping dies are saving the company up to 60 percent on the cost of dies.

New methods of material flow are being implemented to manage the complexity of three models being built on one assembly line. The inbound parts sequencing center (operated by minority-supplier TDS/US) manages more than 1,799 different parts that are used in the Jeep Compass, Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot build process. This center provides parts metering, kitting and container management to the Belvidere Assembly Plant and delivers complete subassemblies to the manufacturing floor as they are needed.

A tunnel connects the 500,000 square-foot sequencing center to the assembly plant. TDS/US organizes parts, puts them in kits, and delivers them to the end of a connecting tunnel for Belvidere employees to transport. This process maintains in-plant stocks at optimal levels, minimizes delivery time and reduces costs an estimated 12 percent a year compared with the previous process. By carefully managing the material flow at the plant, the sequencing center helps workers focus on manufacturing quality (delivery of the parts this way also provides a poka-yoke system).

A new workplace organizational model, coined Smart manufacturing, is increasing the flexibility of the Belvidere workforce, while fostering greater creativity and innovation from plant employees. In addition to extensive training, the new workplace model lets employees design their own work stations. These changes provide a better work environment for employees and give increased support to assembly line team members.

Jeep Patriot Styling

Patriot is designed to appeal to compact SUV buyers who want traditional Jeep styling with best-in-class off-road capability. “Simple yet distinctive geometric forms and planar surfaces define Jeep Patriot’s timeless proportions” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design. “Combined, these features give Jeep Patriot its robust, strong, capable off-road image.”

Jeep Patriot was built for maximum cargo volume, rugged driving conditions and excellent utility. Patriot’s face is classic Jeep, featuring the brand’s signature seven-slot grille, a robust bumper and round headlamps. A stiffer windshield and upright backlight combine to create Patriot’s easily identifiable side view. Classic Jeep design cues include available 17-inch aluminum wheels and all-terrain tires housed inside signature Jeep trapezoidal wheel openings. Jeep Patriot’s high beltline completes the vehicle’s protective side profile.

The rear of the vehicle features an upright backlight and a bold bumper that further illustrate the Jeep Patriot’s interior spaciousness and add to its rugged appearance and capability. Four doors and a rear liftgate provide easy access to Jeep Patriot’s spacious and functional interior.

Jeep Patriot utility and features

Jeep Patriot’s flexible interior gives buyers the capability to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear. A command-of-the-road seating position gives drivers an added feeling of control. Jeep Patriot has 39.6 inches of rear seat leg room, 54.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat and 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the front passenger seat back and rear seats folded flat, giving plenty of room for an 8-foot ladder, skis or two-by-fours from the lumber yard.

In addition to interior spaciousness and flexibility, Jeep Patriot has many clever and unique available interior features that add functionality not typically found in a compact SUV, including:

• Standard side-curtain air bags
• Available nine-speaker Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group that includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate; when the liftgate is open, the speakers swing down to face rearward for tailgating and other activities
• Auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 connectivity on standard radio
• Available dual purpose, self-recharging removable cargo lamp, which is mounted in the headliner above the cargo area and can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight
• A sliding center armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player
• Available 115-volt outlet in the center console that powers small electronics
• Available fold-flat front passenger seat that creates a table-like surface for versatility
• Standard 60/40 rear seats that fold flat and have an available recline feature
• Ultra Floor™—a washable and removable vinyl load floor in the rear cargo area with a 250-lb. load capacity
• YES Essentials™ Fabric—an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration
• Available Navigation System

Powertrain - Jeep Patriot

The 2007 Jeep Patriot’s powertrain is designed to deliver world-class performance, fuel economy and refinement, all at an affordable, entry-level price.

Patriot features a standard 2.4-liter World Engine that produces 172-horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. This 2.4-liter World Engine has dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, which helps optimize the torque curve at all speeds and produces more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without dual VVT. Dual VVT is a technology typically not available on vehicles sold in the United States in the Jeep Patriot’s price class.

Jeep Patriot also features a standard five-speed manual transaxle and an available CVT. The Patriot’s CVT2 is a second-generation CVT that Chrysler Group engineers calibrated for pleasing engine response and precise ratio control. CVT2 contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6–8 percent compared with a traditional four-speed automatic. Patriot’s CVT2 also improves vehicle performance compared with a traditional automatic transaxle because of optimized gear ratios, especially in the 30–60 mph range during passing maneuvers.

A 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine, paired with a six-speed manual transaxle, will be available for Jeep Patriot in key diesel markets outside North America.

Jeep Patriot Line-up

The newest Jeep will be available in both Patriot and Patriot Limited models. Both are available in the United States and Canada with front-wheel drive, the Freedom Drive I full-time, active 4x4 system and the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package full-time, active 4x4 system with low-range capability.

The Jeep Patriot includes a standard 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine coupled with a five-speed manual transaxle. Other standard equipment includes standard side-curtain air bags, ESP, Brake Traction Control, electronic roll mitigation, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, Sentry Key theft-deterrent system, Vinyl Tech seats, rear 60/40 fold-flat seats, an Ultra Floor vinyl load floor, AM/FM single-disc CD radio with an auxiliary audio input jack, outdoor temperature display, 12-volt power outlet, manual windows, locks and foldaway mirrors, tilt steering wheel, dome and cargo lights, rear window defroster and a center console sliding armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid features a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player. On the exterior, the Jeep Patriot features a standard body-color grille and fascias, accent-color bodyside molding, black door handles, accent-color liftgate appliqué, black side roof rails, 16-inch styled steel wheels and all-season tires.

Optional features on Jeep Patriot include four-wheel-drive capability through either the Freedom Drive I or the Freedom Drive II 4x4 system, seat-mounted side air bags, flexible 60/40 rear seats that both fold flat and recline, fold-flat passenger seat, premium cloth low-back bucket seats with YES Essentials Fabric, air conditioning, power windows, including driver one-touch down feature, speed-sensitive power locks, power foldaway mirrors, Remote Keyless Entry, engine block heater, 115-volt outlet in the center console, a removable/rechargeable interior cargo lamp, map lights, passenger assist handles and illuminated entry, speed control, AM/FM radio with six-disc CD player and MP3 CD play capability, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, UConnect™ hands-free communication system, deep-tinted sunscreen glass, trailer tow prep package, Off-Road Group (which includes CVT2 with low range, 17-inch all-terrain OWL tires and aluminum wheels, a full-size spare tire, air-filtration system, skid plates with tow hooks, fog lamps and seat height adjuster), a Security Group (which includes a soft tonneau cover, security alarm and daytime running lamps) and a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group (which features two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate; when the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down from the trim panel to face rearward for tailgating and other activities).

The Jeep Patriot Limited features a standard 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine coupled with a standard five-speed manual transaxle, an optional CVT2 or an optional CVT2L.

In addition to the standard equipment on the Jeep Patriot model, the Limited model features standard air conditioning, power windows with driver one-touch down feature, speed-sensitive power locks, Remote Keyless Entry, power fold-away mirrors, deep-tinted sunscreen glass, all-season floor mats, a standard fold-flat, reclining rear seat, fold-flat front passenger seat, driver height adjuster, passenger assist handles, 115-volt auxiliary power outlet, removable/rechargeable cargo lamp, speed control, premium cloth low-back bucket seats with YES Essentials fabric, fog lamps, rear-view automatic dimming mirrors, temperature and compass gauge, universal garage door opener and tire pressure monitoring system. On the exterior, the Jeep Patriot Limited model has body-color fascias with bright silver appliqués, body-color bodyside moldings, 17-inch aluminum wheels and all-season touring tires.

Beyond the options offered on the Jeep Patriot, additional options on the Limited model include 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, a power express open/close sunroof, heated cloth seats and a Leather Interior Group (which includes leather-trimmed bucket seats, manual lumbar adjuster, carpeted front and rear floor mats, heated front seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls).

Full model details and specifications for markets outside the United States will be confirmed ahead of the vehicle’s introduction in each respective market.

All 2007 Jeep Patriot models will be available in Jeep Green Metallic Clear Coat, Light Khaki Metallic Clear Coat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Marine Blue Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Black Clear Coat and Stone White Clear Coat.

All models feature a two-tone interior color theme of dark and light shades of Pastel Slate Gray or Pastel Pebble Beige.

2007 Jeep Patriot Production

Production of the 2007 Jeep Patriot begins in the third quarter of 2006 at the newly refurbished Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant. The engine is built in Dundee, Michigan.

Jeep Patriot concept car design cues

Trevor Creed said, "Simple, geometric forms and planar surfaces define Jeep Patriot's timeless, purpose-built design. Patriot's face features Jeep's signature seven-slot grille, a robust bumper, round headlamps, raised, free-standing fog lamps and a visible skid plate. All of this gives Jeep Patriot its robust, strong, capable off-road image."

The concept car was painted Armour Green with black door handles, body-side moldings, black accents, dark tinted windows and a stiffer windshield, Jeep Patriot would be built for maximum cargo volume, rugged driving conditions and excellent utility. Four doors and a rear liftgate provide easy access to the Jeep Patriot concept's spacious and functional interior.

Classic Jeep design cues include aggressive 17-inch off-road wheels and tires housed inside signature Jeep trapezoidal wheel openings. These combine with a raised roof rack that can hold additional gear to provide a no-nonsense, functional statement. Jeep Patriot's higher beltline completes the vehicle's protective profile.

The rear of the vehicle features an upright backlight and a bold bumper that further illustrate the Jeep Patriot concept's interior spaciousness and add to its rugged appearance and capability.

Jeep Patriot not only looks like a Jeep, but all-new Jeep off-road technology would ensure Jeep Patriot could be a Trail Rated 4x4, which would make it the most capable vehicle in its class.

The Jeep Patriot concept debuted at the 2005 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. With the potential for the powerful yet fuel-efficient 2.4-liter World Engine and a state-of-the-art 2.0-liter diesel (for international markets), the Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass concepts could be coupled with a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Design dimensions

	Concept	Final
Wheelbase	103.7 inches (2635 mm)	Same
Overall length	173.7 inches (4411 mm)	Same
Overall width	69.1 inches (1756 mm)	Same
Overall height	65.6 inches (1667 mm)	64.4 inches
Front overhang	34.7 inches (883 mm)	43.8 inches
Rear overhang	35.1 inches (893 mm)	Same
Front track	59.8 inches (1520 mm)	Same
Rear track	59.8 inches (1520 mm)	Same
Couple (1-2)	32.5 inches (825 mm)	What is this?
Tire/wheel sizes	235/65R17 (17 x 6.5 inches)	215/60R17, 215/65R17
Aero (CdA)		10.6 (2WD)

Note: ground clearance is 9 inches with the P215/65/R17 tire and off-road package, and 8 inches with the P215/60/R17 tires.

Other Jeep Patriot specifications

Front
Headroom without Sunroof	41.0 (1040.3)
Leg Room	40.6 (1032.1)
Shoulder Room	54.6 (1387.0)
Hip Room	52.3 (1328.8)
Driver Seat Travel	10.2 (260)
Passenger Seat Travel	10.2 (260)
Driver Recliner Angle Range, degrees	Up to 88
Passenger Recliner Angle–	76 fold flat/88 non-fold flat
SAE Front Seat Volume Index, cu. ft. (cu. m)	52.6 (1.489)
Rear
Headroom without Sunroof	39.3 (998.2)
Leg Room	39.6 (1005.8)
Knee Clearance	1.8 (44.9)
Shoulder Room	54.0 (1371.9)
Hip Room	51.0 (1294.5)
SAE Rear Seat Volume Index, cu. ft. (cu. m)	49.1 (1.391)
Other
SAE Interior Volume, cu. ft. (cu. m)	101.7 (2.880)
Cargo Volume, Rear Seats Up, cu. ft. (cu. m)	23.0 (0.652)
Cargo Volume, Rear Seats Folded, cu. ft. (cu. m)	54.2 (1.535)
EPA Interior Volume Index, cu. ft. (cu. m)	124.7 (3.532)
Liftover Height	30.5 (773.8)
Cargo Volume (3 seats folded)	62.7 (1.777)
Minimum Cargo Width at Liftgate Opening	38.9 (959)
Minimum Cargo Height at Liftgate Opening	25.9 (656)
Maximum Cargo Width at Liftgate Opening	45.1 (1146)
Maximum Cargo Height at Liftgate Opening	27.4 (696)
Distance between Wheelhouse Interior Trim	38.0 (966)

 

History

Once upon a time, there was a Jeep internal concept car designed on the K platform. While it could have been made — it was off-road capable, albeit not to the extent of the Wrangler — many are glad it was not, given the corporation’s rather severe cost-cutting at the time.

2009 Jeep Patriot test drive results / car review

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