The 2011 Jeep Patriot Compact SUVs. The Jeep Patriot is an affordable off-road SUV. Reviewers say that the Jeep Patriot is just the opposite: a capable off-road SUV with a touch of practicality and comfort. The 2011 Kia Sportage is an affordable small SUV that trumps the Patriot when it comes to interior comfort and standard features. It starts at about $500 more than the Patriot, and while it lacks the Patriots classically-Jeep styling, reviewers say it’s a more well-rounded SUV.
Reviewers like the Forester’s practical interior and great safety scores.
Details: Jeep Patriot
For 2011, the Patriot gets some changes.
The 2011 Jeep Patriot gets updated exterior styling and a few better-quality interior trim pieces, plus standard cruise control. All models also get reworked steering and suspension hardware, while four-wheel-drive versions benefit from increased ride height. New options include 17-inch alloy wheels and a voice-control system for audio functions.
The 2011 Jeep Patriot is a compact SUV that's offered in three trim levels. The entry-level base model comes with 16-inch steel wheels, foglamps, rear privacy glass, roof rails, cruise control, outside temperature display, a tilt-only steering wheel with audio controls, 60/40-split-folding rear seatbacks and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio input jack. The midrange Latitude model includes the Power Value Group and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning (available on base), heated front seats, a fold-flat front passenger seat, 60/40-split-folding rear seats with recline, keyless entry, remote ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a 115-volt AC power outlet, a trip computer and an upgraded sound system with a six-CD changer and satellite radio (available on base). The Latitude trims are available with a number of option packages. This sound system is available separately. Available on all 4x4 models is the Freedom-Drive Off-Road Group, which includes a more advanced four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing, skid plates, hill descent control, hill start assist, all-terrain tires and tow hooks. On the base model, this Group includes 17-inch alloy wheels and a height-adjustable driver seat.
The 2011 Jeep Patriot is offered with one of two four-cylinder engines. The 2.0-liter version, which is standard on two-wheel-drive Sport and Latitude models, puts out 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, but there are two different four-wheel-drive systems offered. The Freedom Drive I system is intended for light-duty conditions like snowy roads, whereas the Freedom Drive II is a more traditional 4WD system with a low-range transfer case that makes it much more capable off-road.
Patriots with the smaller 2.0-liter will be slower still.
EPA fuel economy estimates are 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined for the 2.0-liter FWD Patriot with the manual transmission and 23/27/24 with the CVT. The 2.4-liter engine gets almost the same fuel economy with front drive and CVT (21/27/24), and 21/26/23 with all-wheel drive. All 2011 Jeep Patriots comes standard with stability control with rollover mitigation, traction control, whiplash-reducing active front head restraints, and side curtain airbags. Front-seat side impact airbags are optional on all models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Jeep Patriot its top "Good" rating in its frontal-offset crash test. The Patriot was deemed "Good" in side impact testing when equipped with the optional side impact airbags, but without those bags, it was rated a second-to-worst "Marginal."
Driving Impressions
Even when fitted with the 172-hp 2.4-liter engine, the 2011 Jeep Patriot feels sluggish under hard acceleration. Fitted with the available Off-Road package, which provides a healthy 9.0 inches of ground clearance, skid plates and a low-range transfer case, the Patriot is certainly better in the dirt than most compact crossovers.
If you’re looking for an SUV that can actually perform in off-road situations, the 2011 Jeep Patriot should be high on your list of vehicles to check out. This moderately-priced SUV is better equipped for off-road use than many other comparable vehicles. Jeep has added higher ground clearance, a low-range gear, and steeper approach and departure angles to improve the Patriot’s off-road capabilities. The basic appearance will remind you of the older Jeep Cherokee, and that’s exactly what Jeep intended with the Patriot’s design. If you’re serious about taking your new Patriot off-road, make sure that you add the optional hill-descent control system that will control the brakes to ensure a low-speed on steep declines. New for 2011, the Jeep Patriot Extreme also adds a two-inch Rocky Road suspension lift, custom rock rails, and an upgraded wheel and tire package.
Engine: 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine, 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, or a Pentastar V6 engine
Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission or the optional continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Drive: front wheel drive or 4-wheel drive
On The Road
The 2011 Jeep Patriot offers a smooth, comfortable ride. It corners well with minimal roll and feels well-balanced even over bumpy roads. The handling of the 2011 Jeep Patriot is comfortable, and turns are stable with little body roll. It is reported that Jeep will offer their Pentastar V6 engine as an optional feature for the 2011 Jeep Patriot. The 2011 Jeep Patriot’s interior has been upgraded for 2011 and will feature additional sound insulation. Choose from manual windows and doors in the base model or upgrade to powered windows and doors, cruise control, air conditioning, and cloth seats with the Patriot Limited. This Jeep Patriot’s interior is a far cry from the stripped-down older Jeeps.
Safety Features
Optional keyless entry, anti-theft devices, and engine immobilizers will deter vehicle theft.
Exterior
The 2011 Jeep Patriot continues to feature the classic seven-slot grille, round headlights, angular lines, and trapezoidal wheel openings. From the outside, this model of the Jeep Patriot looks much the same as older models.
The 2011 Jeep Patriot Extreme was featured in the March 2010 New York Auto Show.
The pros of choosing a 2011 Jeep Patriot are its low entry price, many standard safety features, and its classic styling. The 2011 Jeep Patriot will remind you of the very popular Jeep Cherokee of years past.
Cons
Overall, the 2011 Jeep Patriot is a good entry-level vehicle that is capable of some off-roading.