
Shoppers are likely to be attracted to the Patriot's distinctive, boxy styling, so there may be some overlap with the Scion xB, another city-friendly small car.
The xB has similar fuel economy and a similar size, though its passenger space isn't quite as usable as that in the 2008 Jeep Patriot.
However the xB's interior feels more upscale and sportier, but it's a bit more expensive.
Shoppers also might consider the Subaru Forester, a small crossover-SUV mainstay that's known for its solid reliability and good resale value, along with its good performance in crash tests.
The Forester handles slightly better than the Patriot, but it also suffers from road noise inside, and it's considerably more expensive.
The Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Outlander are two other small crossovers that aren't quite as distinctively styled, but they come well equipped.
Then there's the Ford Escape, which despite its carlike underpinnings has a style and driving position that's quite trucklike.
With improved safety and standard features for 2008, the Escape is a much better vehicle.
But, all said, with a price that starts well under $16,000, the Patriot is an awesome value.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quick Specs | |||||
Safe and city-friendly, yet tough enough for weekend camping—and bargain-priced—the 2008 Jeep Patriot has a lot going for it. |
The 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid is a viable and sturdy contender in the family crossover arena. Gas mileage is excellent for a compact SUV, and optional mechanical all-wheel drive sets it apart from softer competitors. |
It’s significantly improved this year, but the 2009 Subaru Forester remains a unique all-wheel-drive crossover with less power and fewer features, but better carlike handling, than its competition. |
The 2009 Scion xB has polarizing looks, a no-haggle dealer experience, and a long safety features list. It provides good value for those on a budget. |
If you can live without top-level refinement and the absolutely latest technology, 2008 Kia Sportage is a fine little SUV, and considering its price, a genuine value. |
Though the first-generation Outlander was often overlooked, the updated 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander has emerged as a well-rounded vehicle--and one of the sportiest-driving small crossovers. |
MSRP From | |||||
$16,485 | $20,435 | $19,995 | $15,750 | $16,050 | $19,990 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
22 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas Flat 4-Cyl | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | |||||
2WD Sport Utility Vehicles | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicles | 4WD Sport Utility | Small Station Wagon | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility |
Style Name | |||||
FWD 4-Door Sport | FWD 4-Door I4 Manual XLS | 4-Door Manual X | 5-Door Wagon Manual (GS) | 2WD 4-Door I4 Manual LX | 2WD 4-Door ES |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | 2 Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sport Utility | 4 Door | 4 Door | 4 Door Wagon | 4 Door | 4-Door Wagon |
Transmission | |||||
Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual | NA |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2008 Jeep Patriot vs. 2009 Ford Escape | 2008 Jeep Patriot vs. 2009 Subaru Forester | 2008 Jeep Patriot vs. 2009 Scion xB | 2008 Jeep Patriot vs. 2008 Kia Sportage | 2008 Jeep Patriot vs. 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander |