The 2010 Jeep Patriot Limited 4X4 is a tremendous value, combining the packaging, safety features and interior flexibility of a sport utility with performance, handling and 29mpg highway fuel economy. With its combination of fun, freedom, utility and best-in-class Jeep 4X4 capability, the 2010 Patriot sets apart from the growing compact sport utility competition.
Innovative technology affords Jeep Patriot more capability than any other vehicle in its class. Jeep Patriot is available in three drive configurations: front wheel drive, Freedom Drive I (a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode), and Freedom Drive II Off-Road (a full-time, active 4X4 system with best-in-class 19:1 low ratio that provides true Jeep 4X4 Trail Rated capability).
The Trail Rated Jeep Patriot equipped with Freedom Drive II that I tested sits one inch high than non-Trail Rated versions and meets Jeep off-road capability requirements for traction, water fording, articulation, maneuverability and ground clearance. The off-road package’s 17in. wheels/tires contribute to the Trail Rated Patriot’s 9in. ground clearance, 29.6-degree approach angle, 34.2-degree departure angle and 23.3-degree breakover angle. In addition, Trail Rated models have additional body sealing and high-mounted drivetrain vents in order to support 19in. water-fording capability along with skid plates under the engine/transmission oil pan, and fuel tank.
The Freedom Drive II Off-Road package utilizes a second-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle with a low ratio to maximize off-road capability. In addition, 17in. all-terrain tires, a full-size spare tire, skid plates, mentioned above, tow hooks and fog lamps separate Trail Rated Jeep Patriots from all other compact SUVs.
The 2010 Jeep Patriot is designed for customers who want 4X4 capability or the year-round versatility of front-wheel drive, excellent fuel economy and an attractive price point. With a modern, comfortable and functional interior and classic Jeep exterior styling including traditional road Jeep headlamps, seven-slot grille, muscular body-side flares and a strong, wide stance, the new Jeep Patriot broadens the classic Jeep design appeal to new single, couples, and family customers.
The 2010 Jeep Patriot drives and handles like a compact sedan with two fuel-efficient engines available. The standard 2.0 liter DOHC I-4 makes 158hp and 146lb.ft. of torque and gives back 23mpg/city and 29mpg/highway when equipped with the 5-speed manual transaxle and front-wheel drive. With the CVT and front-wheel drive it gives back 23mpg/city and 27mpg/highway mileage. The optional 2.4 liter DOHC I-4 gives you 23mpg/city and 28mpg/highway with the 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. With the CVT2 front-wheel drive it gives you 21mpg/city and 25mpg/highway. With 4X4 and the 5-speed manual it gives you 23mpg/city and 28mpg/highway. With the CVT2 and 4X4 it gives back 21mpg/city and 24mpg/highway. With the CVT2L and 4X4 Trail Rated you get 20mpg/city and 22mpg/highway. All are very good figures for a Jeep vehicle.
All Patriots drive like a compact sedan thanks to the standard fully independent suspension system and rack & pinion with hydraulic assist steering. Up front are MacPherson struts, coil springs over gas-charged shocks and a solid stabilizer bar. The rear setup is multi-link with coil springs, link-type stabilizer bar and gas-charged shocks. Turn-in is excellent, sharp and quick. The truck travels over poorly paved roads with ease and comfort.
Slowing the Patriot down from speed are vented steel discs brakes up front that measure 11.5in. and clamped with a single-floating caliper. The base model gets drum brakes in the rear. All 4X4’s are fitted with solid steel discs in the rear that measure 10.3in. and are clamped with single piston floating calipers. To keep you in control on the road or off the road are standard ABS with on-road/off-road calibrations, electronic stability control and off-road traction control. The Trail Rated Patriot comes with Hill Start Assist and Hill Decent Assist.
The Patriot rides on standard 16X6.5in. steel wheels wrapped with Goodyear 205/70R16 Eagles while the Limited 4X4 that I test came equipped with 17X6.5 polished aluminum wheels wrapped with Goodyear 215/60R17in. Wrangler off-road tires for the optimum of traction and ride comfort. You can have you new Jeep Patriot anyway you want for your particular driving needs.
The interior is now fully modernized with plenty of room and comfort. The front seats are very comfortable and supportive and come in stain-resistant cloth or leather trim. The tilting steering wheel feels great in your hands. The instrument cluster is easy to see and understand with chrome rings around the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and engine coolant temperature. LED lights warn of system or safety failure. The chrome ringed gated shifter is easy to use and a locking low gear T-bar in chrome is just behind the dual cupholders. There is more tasteful chrome trim around the dashboard mounted air-vents, doors, dashboard and climate control dials.
The padded and sliding armrest opens with two-tiers for excellent storage. There are storage slots in each door and a large open storage bin just above the glovebox. The climate control system consists of large, easy-to-use dials mounted just below the navigation screen. Also inside are flexible 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats with an available recline feature, security shade over the cargo area and an available front-passenger seat that folds flat and forward to create a table-like surface for versatility.
An available 115-volt power outlet in the center console can power small electronics. A dual-purpose, self-recharging LED removable interior cargo lamps mounted in the headliner above the cargo area can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight. An available U-connect multimedia with touch screen and 30-gigabyte hard drive storing up to 6,700 songs, can display photos and plays DVD movies. An available U-connect Navigation combines U-connect phone and U-connect multimedia with navigation and real-time traffic. The system includes an integrated voice-recognition system and touch screen for easy operation. The available Sun and Sound Group that my Patriot Limited 4X4 came with includes a power sunroof, SIRIUS satellite radio, a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, nine Boston Acoustics speakers including a subwoofer and two articulating speakers mounted on the rear liftgate. When the liftgate is open the speakers can swing down from the trim panel to face rearward for tailgating and other activities. Also inside is a removable carpeted load floor, auxiliary audio input jack on the standard AM-FM stereo radio for MP3 connectivity, available heated cloth or leather seats and illuminated LED cupholders.
More standard equipment in the 2010 Jeep Patriot Limited 4X4 includes: 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, power windows/door locks, Brake Assist, heated front seats, heated/foldaway power remote side mirrors, self-dimming rearview mirror, illuminated entry, roof rack, keyless entry, floor mounted rear dual cupholders, cruise-control, intermittent wipers/washer, rear wiper/washer, power accessory delay, grab handles above all passenger doors, dual map lamps, thick cut-pile carpeting and diamond-plate styled rubber floor mats.
Standard safety features include advanced multistage front airbags, supplemental side airbags, active head restraints, 5-3-point safety belts with front load limiters/pretensioners, Sentry key theft-deterrent system, front/rear crumple zones and steel beams in each door.
I was surprised at how well I fit into the Jeep Patriot as I am 6ft. 3in. tall and had no problem with head or legroom. The interior feels larger than the specs. It took me to off-road fun and was very easy and manageable on the road. The interior was also surprising with all of the high-tech electronics that you will find on more expensive sedans and coupes.
With a base price of just $18,300.00 and $24,800.00 for the Limited 4X4 the Patriot is a real bargain for consumers looking for a rugged, off-road/on-road 4-door sport utility.
It has all of the fabled Jeep attributes within a smaller package.
COPYRIGHT:2010:HARVEY SCHWARTZ
SPECIFICATIONS
Price: MSRP $24,550 As-Tested $24,800
Type: Compact SUV
Where Built: United States
EPA Class: Sport Utility Vehicles
Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 173.6 in.
Width: 69.1 in.
Height: 65.7 in.
Wheel Base: 103.7 in.
Ground Clearance: 8.1 in.
Curb Weight: 3310 lbs.
Gross Weight: 4435 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 41 in.
Front Hip Room: 52.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 54 in.
Rear Head Room: 39.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 54.6 in.
Rear Hip Room: 51 in.
Front Leg Room: 40.6 in.
Rear Leg Room: 39.4 in.
Luggage Capacity: 23 cu. ft.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 63 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5
Performance Data
Base Number of Cylinders: 4
Base Engine Size: 2.4 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4
Horsepower: 172 hp
Max Horsepower: 6000 rpm
Torque: 165 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4400 rpm
Maximum Payload: 925 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs.
Drive Type: 4WD
Turning Circle: 35.6 ft.
0-60mph: 9.2 seconds
Fuel Data
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Manual: 23 mpg / 28 mpg / 25 mpg
Range in Miles:
Manual: 310.5 mi. / 378 mi. / 337.5 mi.
