2014 Jeep Patriot - Review

The Basics:

In a market that has plenty of small crossover utility vehicles—all seemingly either smaller and overtly styled (Juke, Cube, Soul) or a little larger and soothingly family oriented (CR-V, RAV4), the Jeep Patriot fits into the market as refreshingly different.

The Patriot hasn’t changed much in the seven years since it was first introduced, and that’s a good thing. But what’s also a good thing, and what should make the 2014 Jeep Patriot more appealing than in the present or past, is that Jeep has finally thrown the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to the wayside, replacing it with a new six-speed automatic transmission that has a low first gear for quicker takeoffs, a tall top gear for relaxed cruising and, as we would venture to guess, a significant relief from the coarse drone upon almost any level of acceleration that accompanied the CVT combination. The engine is familiar: a 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder ‘World Engine.’ Top Limited models come upgrade to a 172-hp, 2.4-liter version; a five-speed manual gearbox is standard, while the six-speed automatic is offered as a step up across the lineup. EPA fuel economy ratings remain as high as 30 mpg on the highway.

Don’t take the Patriot’s styling as just a ruse. Just as before the Patriot comes with three different drive systems: front-wheel drive. If you have snowy winters to navigate, or steep gravel or muddy trails to take to the campsite, you’ll want the available Freedom Drive I (all-wheel drive, but with a locking center differential). Step up to the Freedom Drive II system, which is a hardier system up to task for tougher forest trails and true off-road conditions, and you’ll get the full-on ‘Trail-Rated’ badge—including additional skid plates and other upgrades.

We don’t expect much about the new Patriot’s packaging to change, and that’s another good thing. In past drives, we’ve found entry and exit very easy, thanks to the tall roofline, with plenty of headroom front and back—although the seating position is a little lower than you might imagine. The boxy, trim, bold look yields a tremendously useful interior, with good cargo space, and rear seatbacks that flip forward easily to expand space.

The Patriot is offered in Sport, Latitude, and Limited models for 2014, with base equipment on the Sport including fog lamps, illuminated cupholders, a removable rechargeable flashlight, rear-seat heater ducts, tilt steering, cruise control, roof side rails, tinted glass, and an auxiliary input, plus Hill Start Assist and electronic stability control with roll mitigation. There’s no standard air conditioning, but base prices start at a bargain $15,995.

Latitude models step up to air conditioning, power windows and locks, power heated mirrors, keyless entry, front heated cloth seats, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a 115-volt power inverter, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. Get the Limited, and you’re in with a power driver’s seat, four-wheel disc brakes, leather seats, automatic climate control, an info center, and upgraded audio with SiriusXM.

Bottom Line: A new six-speed automatic transmission helps the 2014 Jeep Patriot take on urban errands and weekend adventures with a little more smoothness and quiet than before.