2011 Jeep Patriot SUV Review & Ratings

Jeep has updated the new 2011 Jeep Patriot with all new styling on the exterior of the SUV and giving a better quality interior from previous years, while adding standard cruise control features. Jeep has also redone the Patriot's suspension and steering while giving the four wheel drive models and increase in ride height.

Even though Jeep gave the Patriot its distinct style, when it comes to off-roading, the Patriot doesn't stand quite up to Jeep's reputation of mastering the off road. The off-roading capabilities of the 2011 Jeep Patriot tend to be a bit modest compared to its Jeep siblings and other rivals. When it comes to driving on the road, the Patriot is disappointing with its handling and powertrain. Jeep did however try to fix some of these problems with a redesigning of the steering and suspension hardware. Designers also gave the Patriot a newer, not so cheaply made look on the interior of the SUV.

For power, Jeep is offering the Patriot with two different four cylinder options. The two wheel drive models will come with a 2.0L engine while the four-wheel drive Patriot models come with a 2.4L engine. Both engines are five speed manuals with an option of a continuously variable automatic transmission. The fuel economy for this SUV seems pretty average as well. The 2.0L engine averages about 23 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway while the 2.4L engine averages around 21 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway.

Even when the Patriot is put together with the 2.4 Liter Engine, it is still very sluggish when given a hard acceleration, wanting to hold back instead of leaping forward. The continuously variable automatic transmission does not help either in that it lets the engine rev up around the red line before deciding to change gears. Also the Patriot's tires that are made specifically for pavement and its full-bodied construction will make most think twice before taking the Patriot off the road.

Jeep provides the 2011 Patriot with a number of packages to choose from. Two of these are the Security and Cargo Convenience Group package and the Sun and Sound Group package. The first package comes with daytime running lamps, a cargo cover for additional security, remote ignition, front side airbags for additional safety and adjustable roof crossbars. The second package gives the Patriot a satellite radio, a sun roof, and a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system with a subwoofer for those who like to live in their music.