2017 Jeep Patriot

The Jeep Patriot has been around for a long time, ten years to be exact, and it is definitely looking its age as yet another year goes by with no changes made. As an overhauled version is on the horizon, it struggles, more than ever, to make a strong case for itself against far more refined and capable opponents. Its dotage is worsened by substandard safety ratings and uninspiring reliability reviews. A mediocre powertrain selection, ranging from 158 horsepower to 172 hp, is supplemented with a choice of three transmissions, but it lacks the practicality of an SUV, with below-average towing capacity and meager cargo space. Jeep has used rather transparent methods to counter the competition by offering very low prices and a modicum of off-road capability, which may still appeal to some shoppers. But, in reality, its stagnation has simply kept it from progressing in the constantly evolving automotive arena.

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The Patriot sits firmly in the rough and ready category when it comes to interior quality. Updates over the years have not been enough to disguise its age and the hard and cheap plastics are out of sync with the times. The cockpit apparatus and switchgear have aged a bit better, although the minimalist impression has more to do with a lack of specs than clever design.

More comparable to a crossover and no more spacious than a regular car, the Patriot feels nothing like a ute other than for the elevated seating position. Front seats are comfortable and provide good support, although rear passengers will become intolerable on longer trips as they drone on about the lack of legroom. At least the noisy cabin might mask some of their complaints. Trunk space is average at 23 cubic feet, but the rear bench can be folded down to increase this to 53.5 cubic feet.

Nothing is new for the 2017 Patriot, which means it is still put up for sale with either the familiar 158 horsepower 2.0-liter, or the 172-hp 2.4-liter inline-four engines. Both come standard with a five-speed manual shift stick. However, the 2.0L brings the option of a CVT, while the 2.4L offers a six-speed automatic. The off-road spec, Freedom Drive II trim, is unique in offering the 2.4-liter with the CVT thanks to a bespoke low-range setting.

As expected, the budget-friendly Patriot, as a cheap vehicle, isn't very much of a performer at all. According to independent testers, the Patriot with the Freedom Drive I guise and the six-speed auto gearbox in play crawls from 0 - 60 mph in a slow-going 9.4 seconds. While slow, this is relatively typical for the segment. For what it is worth, the FWD 2.4-liter guise is the sprightliest in the lineup.

Things only get worse with models equipped with the CVT, and fuel economy is terrible, too, especially so when compared to its rivals. Patriots with the 2.0-liter and CVT return EPA-derived gas mileage estimates of 22/26/24 mpg city/highway/combined. With the larger 2.4-liter in play and the six-speed opted in, that combined mileage figure drops to 22 mpg. It drops even further, to 21 mpg, with the CVT fitted. These subpar consumption figures aren't a result of the Patriot's size or weight, but rather a consequence of its horribly unrefined motor and gearbox selection.

With all the required apparatus, the Patriot can haul up to 2,000 pounds, which is decent, but common for the segment.

As a rudimentary SUV, the Patriot hides no dynamic driving delights under its slab-sided body panels. The ride is hard and any attempts at enthusiastic cornering will leave your heart rate elevated for all the wrong reasons. Both motors are unrefined when extended, and especially lethargic when paired with the laggy CVT. Outside noise enters the cabin on just about any surface and, while the ride quality is just about acceptable on smooth pavement, when the road turns rutted, the Patriot does its utmost to shake out your fillings.

The Patriot's taut dimensions avail it with some mild off-roading poise - it spans only 173.8 inches in length with a short 103.7 inches dedicated to the wheelbase, the source of its maneuverability benefits. Height measures in at 65.5" and ground clearance at 8.1", or 66.8" and 9.1" on trail-rated variants. Cross-country variants are also afforded a 19-inch water fording rating.

The newest iteration of the Patriot is presented in either Sport, Sport SE, Latitude, or High Altitude trim levels. All are available with a choice of either FWD or AWD, depending on powertrain. Transmission choices are either a five-speed manual, six-speed automatic or CVT, once again dependent on form and engine configurations.

The base-spec has 16-inch wheels, manually-operated windows and door locks, cloth fabric, and a four-speaker audio setup. Bluetooth functions, cruise control, and USB connectivity make up the more upmarket features included.

The SE-spec receives heated front seats, 17-inch alloys, lifted ride heights on FWD variants, upgraded upholstery, and gray exterior accents.

Individual add-ons for both Sport models include air-conditioning and the Power Value Group, which adds electric mirrors, windows and door locks, as well as keyless entry. A 6.5-inch infotainment system is also selectable and features navigation on the Latitude. There are also various wheels offered, in varying styles and colors. The 16-inch Black Steel items look the best, especially with the Bright White paint scheme.

The Latitude gets all of the above and adds air-conditioning, reclining rear seatbacks, and a 115-volt outlet. There's an upgraded sound system with speakers integrated into the flip-down tailgate up for grabs, too, along with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a cargo cover.

There are unique 17-inch alloys on the High Altitude, a sunroof, leather upholstery, an electric pilot seat, and chrome exterior accents.

There's an All-Weather Capability Group offered for those fitted with AWD and a trailer-tow prep consignment for those with the 2.4-liter unit. Notable is the Freedom Drive II Group, which is available on 2.4-liter AWD types and includes hill descent control, skid plates, tow hooks, and body sealing for greater all-terrain ability.

Pricing for the 2017 Jeep Patriot is very attractive. A brand-new Jeep Patriot can cost anywhere between $18,000 and $27,000, depending on the form, powertrain configuration, and packages one chooses. But is the Jeep Patriot, as a purposed SUV, worth even that much? We wouldn't say so, with competing utility vehicles and regular cars offering the same or a lot more at a similar price to the Patriot. The NHTSA's review of the Jeep Patriot returned a rating of four stars out of five overall, with particularly weak scores for rollover tests.

The 2017 Jeep Patriot is, simply put, an outdated design that struggles to compete with more modern alternatives. Its chunky aesthetic, affordability, and the all-terrain prowess presented by certain trim levels may still sway some shoppers. However, there are rivals, even within the Jeep Patriot's ranks and price range, that can better it in just about every department. If you're a fan of the brand, we'd suggest going for the up-to-date Jeep Compass.