By David Adams
coloradodrives@comcast.net
The 2010 Jeep Patriot has a base price of $15,995.
The Jeep Patriot is a great crossover, delivering a smooth pleasant ride with handling that is reassuring, combined with reasonably flat cornering. Power delivery, while not blazing, is appropriate, especially for around town. Equipped with a CVT transmission, power transitions smoothly from the engine to the differentials without interruption; there are no traditional gears or gear changes, only a seamless, steady and silent conversion to forward motion. A CVT transmission is not unlike that found within most snow machines, but, of course, that may be over simplifying it a bit, but there are similarities of function.
Handling is nimble, especially around town, where it is very maneuverable in congested traffic and parking situations. Overall, the Patriot does a very nice job of fulfilling most anyone’s transportation needs.
The suspension seems a little soft and set more toward highway conditions with minimal designer attention toward off-road duties, leaving those duties for other members of the Jeep line-up, like the tough Jeep Rubicon, although the 4×4 Patriot is “Trail Rated.” The ride otherwise is pleasant and comfortable, and bumps are absorbed with finesse and give the impression of a more expensive 4×4.
On a trip up the Big Thompson Canyon we had the opportunity to evaluate the Patriot’s handling and suspension through the beautiful and winding mountain environment. Cornering is predictable and precise with body roll controlled to the point that it seemed flat and steady.
Starting at $15,995, for the base model equipped with a 2.0 L, 158 hp, fuel injected, 4-cylinder power plant that economically propels the Patriot nicely. However, our ride for the week, a Ltd 4×4, listing for an MSRP of $30,510, is equipped with a larger 2.4 L, DOHC, 16 valve, dual VVT engine, producing 172 hp. The limited edition engine, backed by a similar continuous variable transmission, is equipped with an off-road crawl ration for more difficult and challenging conditions. Higher performance and off-road capabilities do take a slight toll on fuel economy, however, with and EPA Fuel Economy Estimate of 20 city mpg and 22 highway mpg, although at the end of the week’s stay, we had averaged 25.5 mpg. The engine, at idle, was somewhat noisy, similar to diesel clatter, but once on the road the clatter was nowhere to be heard.
Jeep’s off-road capability is evident by the Patriot’s 9 inches of ground clearance, 29.6-degree approach angle, 23.3-degree break over angle and 34.2 degree departure angle.
Overall, time spent with this street biased Patriot was enjoyable. The ride is pleasant and comfortable; cargo space is good and quite respectable economy. The Patriot, rated a five passenger vehicle, is like so many vehicles today, sitting in the middle position of the rear seat is not what many would consider comfortable, so I would prefer to call it a comfortable and roomy four passenger Jeep. For families needing reliable weekday transportation with weekend excursions to the backcountry, the Jeep Patriot can be a great choice.
Warranty coverage is strong at 5-year or 100,000 mile limited Powertrain and 3-year or 36,000 mile basic limited. Government frontal crash safety ratings are: four stars for the driver and five stars for the passenger with four stars in the event of a rollover situation, similar to Jeep’s competitors. For more info, visit www.jeep.com.
