2010 Jeep Patriot Review

The Jeep Patriot continues on for 2010 as compact car-based SUVs with credible off-road capability, which is a rare standard in its class. The Patriot may be in an extremely over-crowded class, but the fact that the Patriot offers class-leading off-road ability gives it a much need distinction from the rest in the pack. The heritage styling and extra smidge of off-pavement ability combine with a low price to make the Jeep Patriot a potentially attractive package for buyers. The Jeep Patriot SUV is available in two trim levels: a base Sport and a Limited model with more standard features. The 2010 Patriot is carried over from 2009.

Powering the Patriot

Both 2010 trims come with a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque) and a five-speed manual transmission. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive are available as options. Buyers interested in front-wheel-drive Sport trims equipped with a CVT can opt for a less-expensive engine: a 158-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The suspension works well in all conditions and the Patriot is stable and confident.

2010 Jeep Patriot Design

 The Jeep Patriot's exterior is upright and boxy, reminding many of the Jeep Cherokee of old. In another word, the Patriot remains true to traditional Jeep style that consumers love. Underneath, however, the Patriot utilizes the same platform as the Jeep Compass and the Dodge Caliber, two vehicles that get wobbly-kneed at the first sight of a dirt road. Setting the Patriot apart are steeper approach and departure angles, a low-range gear, slightly higher ground clearance and the availability of an optional package that adds protective skid plates. The Patriot is unmistakably a Jeep. The windshield and backlight are relatively vertical. The tailgate does not have separate opening glass. Up front, the iconic seven-slot grille is flanked by round headlights. The bumpers are defined and not molded into the fascia. They're silver on the Limited and body color on the Sport. The Jeep Patriot is considered a compact. It is built on the platform of the Dodge Caliber, but you'd never know it, because it doesn't look that small. It's almost exactly the same size as the new Jeep Compass but it looks more rugged, lacking the rounded edges of the gentrified Compass. It looks more like a Liberty, or maybe like a baby Commander. The 2010 Patriot is simply classic, the way a Jeep should be.

Cabin of the Patriot

The Patriot is slightly smaller than competitors, such as the Honda CR-V, but it has a decent amount of rear leg room. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split to increase rear storage up. The standard rear seat is a 60/40 split and with them folded flat, there's a spacious 54.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity. With all the seats in use there's 23 cubic feet in the back, comparable with any compact SUV. Overall, the Patriot cabin is comfortable and has enough room for a small family.

Patriot Off Road Abilities

 The Patriot has become to be known as a rugged, entry level Jeep. Basically, its an affordable vehicle that can still tackle some tuff terrain. The Patriot's AWD system can be enhanced with "hill-descent control," an electronic system that automatically modulates the brakes to maintain a low speed on steep declines, and an extra-low "off road" gear, which is only offered in models equipped with the CVT. There's also the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Group package that adds skid plates, front and rear tow hooks and a full-size spare tire. The Patriot shares its small-SUV platform with the Jeep Compass but offers off-road capability its sibling does not. It is available in front-wheel drive or with a four-wheel-drive system that features a "lock" mode to enhance traction in inclement weather. The optional Freedom Drive Off-Road Group includes a continuously variable transaxle with a low range that engages when the off-road mode is activated. The package also features hill-descent control, brake lock differential, and an extra inch of ground clearance. Patriot with the trail-rated Freedom Drive II off-road package adds one inch to the ground clearance for a total of 9 inches, allowing a 29-degree approach angle, a 33-degree departure angle, a 23-degree breakover angle, and enabling the Patriot to ford 19 inches of water, that last part thanks to more body sealing and higher drivetrain vents.

Jeep Patriot Trims

Patriot Sport has cloth upholstery, air conditioning, outside-temperature indicator, AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary audio jack and four speakers, 60/40 split rear seat, tilt steering column, roof rails, and P205/70R16 all-season tires on steel wheels. AWD models also have a locking center differential and four-wheel antilock disc brakes.

Patriot Limited adds cruise control; leather upholstery; heated front seats; height-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar adjustment; fold-flat front passenger seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; a 6-disc CD changer; Sirius satellite radio; power windows, mirrors and locks; remote keyless entry; rear privacy glass; fog lamps; four-wheel disc brakes; and P215/60R17 tires on alloy wheels. The AWD model also gets a locking center differential.

Conclusions

The Patriot is a compact sport utility vehicle that features classic Jeep styling in an affordable package. While it will spend most of its life on city streets, the Patriot includes components that provide it with off-road capability unparalleled by other vehicles in its class. Visit the official 2010 Patriot site for updates and more information. Standard safety features include front and side-curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability program, and tire pressure monitoring. This is a great vehicle for any driver who needs a good commuter, but is also looking for some off road, or more rugged terrain, ability. It also can work for small families who live an active lifestyle.