We drive the all-new Jeep Patriot

Jeep is going after the Ford Focus-dominating family hatchback segment with its all-new Patriot. The compact SUV is 66cm longer 22cm narrower than the big-selling blue oval, but offers the height and off-road capability of a 4x4. 
 

On the outside the Patriot has the traditional Jeep grille, is quite boxy but also looks sporty with its big bumpers and 17-inch alloys.    

And it’s well specced. Standard interior equipment includes air-conditioning, leather seats, all-round electric windows and a highly competent CD player with steering wheel controls. The plastic trim looks a bit cheap and doesn’t feel overly robust, but it’s functional and the dials are easy to understand.

There’s plenty of headroom and the Patriot can comfortably seat five. The boot is average in size and the rear seats can be folded flat if more space is required. 
 

Traditional Jeeps such as the Wrangler fares incredibly well off-road, but aren’t renowned for their smooth rides on road surfaces. So what’s the Patriot like?  

On road in the 2.0 CRD Limited Manual
 

The 2-litre diesel engine – taken from Volkswagen – pushes out 138bhp and 229lb/ft of pulling power, meaning acceleration from 0-62mph (100kph) in 11 seconds and a top speed of 117mph. 
 

And it’s coupled with a six-speed gearbox, which the Patriot is more suited to than in the Dodge Caliber - with which it shares many components. 

On the road the ride is quite firm and there is little roll, surprising for an off-roader as you might expect a lot of travel – the distance the suspension goes down – for when it’s taken off-road.


But the most interesting thing about the Patriot’s on road capability is its four-wheel-drive technology.


As Jeep strives to improve fuel economy, power is channelled to the front wheels for the majority of the time. But the moment you put your foot down, or take a corner, power is transferred to all four wheels improving grip and control. 

Combine this with the Patriot’s electronic stability programme, anti-lock brakes and traction control and the SUV is a fun and safe car to drive.  

And with a diesel engine the Patriot manages a combined 42.2mpg and emits 180g/km of carbon dioxide meaning an acceptable annual tax bill of £165.  
 

Off road in the 2.4 Petrol CVT Limited Automatic
 

With a 2.4-litre petrol engine used in partnership with Mitsubishi, the Patriot produces 168bhp and 162lb/ft of pulling power – meaning 0-62mph in 11.3 seconds and a top speed of 112mph.

Economy is considerably worse than the diesel with a combined cycle of 29.7mpg. Carbon dioxide emissions of 226g/km mean you’ll be giving the new chancellor £205 a year in road tax.   
 

I was concerned about taking the Patriot off-road. When driving on dual carriageways the ride was firm, which suggested the ride off-road would be very bumpy and quite uncomfortable.

But I was amazed at its capabilities on the Welsh hills. The surface was muddy, bumpy and slippery but the Patriot didn’t want to quit and coped with everything thrown at it – despite being on road tyres. 
 

The transfer of pulling power to the wheels with most traction was impressive and despite only having 204mm clearance it went over bumps and holes fairly comfortably. And in water 50cm deep, the Patriot had no problems. 

We wouldn’t recommend taking a manual on any medium to hardcore off-road routes as the Patriot doesn’t have a low ratio gearbox - so unless you’re a seriously experienced off-roader it’s likely you’ll struggle and quickly wear the clutch.   
 

The Patriot’s off-road skill didn’t just impress me, it impressed Jeep’s representatives as well who seemed genuinely surprised with the ease it took the Welsh course. 
 

Overall 

The Jeep Patriot has the looks, practicality and off-road ability of a genuine 4x4, while maintaining the everyday usability of a family hatchback. And with prices starting at £15,995 it’s excellent value.

It’s a serious option for anybody with a family who may not have previously been able to afford a 4x4 to make that purchase.

Rivals
You might want to consider:

Toyota RAV4
Jeep Compass
Kia Sportage

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