Jeep Patriot

[Lessmore]

A family member thinking of buying a Jeep Patriot. Any experiences, ownership ?

Option suggestions ?

[oilslick]

My daughter has a trail rated 2011 Limited she bought new, she wanted the patriot because of the scientific test equipment she carries along with samples and with the seats folded there's plenty of room in the back. The rock crawling and water fording capabilities are pretty good and come in handy for getting to some job sites. Oil and filter is all it's needed.

[ib516]

Lessmore wrote:

My PM won't go through.

It will now. I tried to send you one - wouldn't go through either 🙂

[Lessmore]

ib516 wrote:
If you have any questions about the Cherokee, shoot me a PM. Here's mine 🙂

My PM won't go through.

[Perrysburg_Dodg]

Congrats and Thank You.

Unlike with the Germans the Italians are at least putting money in Chrysler along with improving our vehicles and quality. I can tell you first hand, when our WCM audit (World Class Manufacturing)comes up (just finished yesterday) Management sweets bullets. If they don't improve with every audit, they won't be around long! Fiat is serious about quality and will not tolerate the old ways when we were under Damn-Lire's reign.

Don

[ib516]

If you have any questions about the Cherokee, shoot me a PM. Here's mine 🙂

[Bluhorn]

Congratulations! Both my sisters have Patriots, one with 4x4. They both love them and no issues.

[Lessmore]

Like the first one, without the top. A basic fishing boat....with a small outboard, like a 9.9 hp Evinrude,

[Bionic_Man]

I hope that the new purchase treats them well.

When you are talking about a 14' - 16' Lund weighing in at 1000 - 1200 pounds, I assume you are talking about an older, basic jon boat style? You are probably correct about that weight, and the Patriot would be adequate.

Kind of something like this?


The newer Lunds, with a larger motor and console will be closer to 2000 - 2500. Not sure I would want to tow mine very far with a Patriot.

[Lessmore]

Thanks for the responses.

A new 2014 Jeep Patriot was purchased, with the Trail Rated package, which includes the optional Freedom 11 4WD system. This enables the Patriot to handle off road situations, including the ability to ford up to 19 inches of water and also a low range with a 19:1 crawl ratio.

It also has hill descent control, hill start assist, brake lock differential, skid plates under the fuel tank and transmission/engine oil pan...among other 4WD equipment.

There are two 4WD systems available...the Freedom 1...which is a more casual system, then the Freedom 11...which is a system for more challenging terrain.

We're not expecting that it will encounter off road conditions...not our thing ...but this Jeep Trail Rated capacity option, should be able to handle our very long winters and frequent snowstorms.

I like and am impressed with the Patriot after having driven it.

A family member purchased it for his use and I think he will enjoy ownership.

I've never considered anything in the Jeep line before. But after this initial experience I intend to seriously consider...when the time comes... replacing one of our current vehicles with a Cherokee SUV.

Previously I was only considering the Ford Edge, Chevy Traverse, VW SUV, etc....but after seeing what Jeep offers and checking out the quality first hand...I've been converted.

The Cherokee has a 9 speed automatic and different 4WD choices...and has the optional Chrysler V6....although at 3.2 liters as opposed to the 3.6 liter engine.

I've never had a Mopar/Jeep before, but I like what I see in both the Patriot and Cherokee line up.

I believe with the optional 3.2 V6...the Cherokee is tow rated at 4500 lbs...which should easily handle a light travel trailer.

[Seamutt]

We also have a 2009 and it has been great for our needs. Lots of value and features for the money. Sure the Cherokee is nicer but also more expensive. We mainly needed runabout in town with four wheel drive. Has heated seats and the heater warms up quite fast. Excellent traction. Its size and maneuverability in parking lots is a great feature. Driving position is roomy compared to other small vehicles. For example the side window is not right beside your head.

[ib516]

Lessmore wrote:

ib516 wrote:
They have improved (especially the 2014s with the conventional automatic), but they are still based on the Caliber - which isn't a good thing IMO. The only plus to them is the price.

I'm not very familiar with the Patriot. A family member is considering buying one. If you could expand issues of concern it would be appreciated.

He wants to make an informed decision and there doesn't seem a lot of info out there.

Thanks,

Les

The Caliber is a leftover relic from the lean times at Chrysler. The vehicle and engine were co-developed with Mitsubishi in the early 2000s. Those two facts are "cons" rather than "pros" at least in my mind. I considered the Patriot/Compass when we were shopping, but for a few thousand more, we ended up with a 2014 Cherokee - which is a vastly superior vehicle.

The dealers I spoke to said they have loads of the Patriots and Compasses sitting in inventory (even with deep discounts), and they can't get enough Cherokees to meet demand.

Now if the person is looking for a relatively cheap AWD vehicle, it might be worth looking at if the price is right.

[yeabuddy]

My wife drives a 2009 and we love it. The full-time four-wheel drive system with locking capability is excellent. You'll find problems depending on the year and options, like any vehicle. We've had both control arms replaced under warranty... I believe they and ball joints are known issues. Other than that it's been awesome for her. If you're looking for a safe, affordable all/4-wheel drive vehicle, I would definitely recommend. These people can't get enough of them.

[APT]

A bit backwards maybe. 😉 I'd love a Duraburb, but not for $20k more! I love them both for different reasons.

[Lessmore]

APT wrote:
I had a 2007 Compass Limited 4WD 5-spd manual for 3.5 years which is the ugly step sister to the Patriot. It was a great vehicle for me at the time. I wouldn't touch the early CVT versions and I lost touch with the more recent models. But mine was flawless and fun.

Not sure this is the correct area as the tow ratings don't even reach popup range.

Thank you for providing your experience with the Compass. It's good to know that it was reliable. I will pass on this information.

I should of expanded a bit regarding tow ratings. He may be towing a boat trailer with 14-16 foot Lund V hull type aluminum boat with it.

I'm estimating the tow weight of this type of trailer and boat would be around 1000-1200 lbs.

The factory tow rating of the Patriot with the 2.4 liter engine and tow package is 2000 lbs.

As far as towing a pop up trailer, I think it would be able to handle a smaller folding trailer, or perhaps a tear drop style trailer, considering the tow rating. A folding trailer this size could be in the future.

I'm glad you jogged my memory on towing. If anyone has experience with towing a light trailer with the Patriot, please respond as to how it does.

Thank you.