Jeep Patriot 2.4 (A) Review
11 Aug 2010|14,958 views
Compared to the Jeep Wrangler, the Patriot may be a cheaper alternative into Jeep ownership, but it certainly won't short-change you in terms of image. It has all the traditional Jeep style and when parked beside the Hyundai Sante Fe or even the Mitsubishi Outlander, the Patriot looks far more like a tough-lad off-roader than its curvaceous urbanite rivals.
With a body style of a Sport-Utility Vehicle (SUV), this tough champ looks boxier, and has a chunkier styling that looks better and is more functional than most of its platform-competitors. Simply because I had the mindset that when it came to off-road vehicles, Jeep was the one that had the potential to conquer the most challenging terrains anywhere in the world, as if no other marque came close to it.
Not until I laid my hands on the Patriot.
Exterior
The Jeep Patriot is like a vehicle of mixed blessings. It may look like a tough off roader, but is in reality a family car. So I guess it's fair to say that the styling of the Jeep Patriot is somewhat polarising - some people adore it while others loathe it. For me, I always had a thing for Jeep. The circular headlamps and the aggressive square stance make one feel like he could take on the world behind the wheels.
And speaking of aggressive stance, to remind all of us that it is still a genuine Jeep, the latest Patriot has strong styling cues reminiscent of the Wrangler. The vertical front grille has seven slots, with rounded head and fog lamps that are blended in well by the sides. Windows are almost flat while body curve lines are regular rather than curvy, giving it a boxy stance.
With a body style of a Sport-Utility Vehicle (SUV), this tough champ looks boxier, and has a chunkier styling that looks better and is more functional than most of its platform-competitors. Simply because I had the mindset that when it came to off-road vehicles, Jeep was the one that had the potential to conquer the most challenging terrains anywhere in the world, as if no other marque came close to it.
Not until I laid my hands on the Patriot.
Exterior
The Jeep Patriot is like a vehicle of mixed blessings. It may look like a tough off roader, but is in reality a family car. So I guess it's fair to say that the styling of the Jeep Patriot is somewhat polarising - some people adore it while others loathe it. For me, I always had a thing for Jeep. The circular headlamps and the aggressive square stance make one feel like he could take on the world behind the wheels.
And speaking of aggressive stance, to remind all of us that it is still a genuine Jeep, the latest Patriot has strong styling cues reminiscent of the Wrangler. The vertical front grille has seven slots, with rounded head and fog lamps that are blended in well by the sides. Windows are almost flat while body curve lines are regular rather than curvy, giving it a boxy stance.
 |
Funny thing is it doesn't give out an air of boredom. Instead, I reckon this is a refreshing change from its competitors, which have become so stylised that they blend almost faultlessly with the so-called crossover vehicles.
Interior
Cabin architecture follows the simplicity approach of the exterior. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, with audio controls situated at the back of it, and leather upholstery help lift the Patriot's cabin ambience. It features large gauges and simple controls that take no longer than the first drive to learn. Three knobs sit mid-level controlling the heating and air-conditioning systems and the set up for the factory fitted audio system comes with the usual six presets, CD player and the Aux-In option as standard. The structural design is, hence, neat and logical with high quality plastics used.
 |
Build quality may seem unimpressive at first sight, due to the whole lot of plastic. But give it some time and you'll realise that the Jeep's designers have worked hard to give the interior a strong, safe feeling, as if it was the interior of an armoured car. However, the compromise of this kind of styling is that outside view is somewhat restricted, making it a little difficult to reverse the vehicle into tight spaces.
Additionally, the interior of the Patriot is spacious and rather comfortable. The electronic seating is high and the rear seat is larger than what I was expecting, making legroom acceptable for lengthy guys. Rear seats also have the option to partially recline and can have a 60/40 split folding seatback, extending the boot space from 651 litres to 1,781 litres. Loading and unloading boxes and groceries will no longer be a problem.
Additionally, the interior of the Patriot is spacious and rather comfortable. The electronic seating is high and the rear seat is larger than what I was expecting, making legroom acceptable for lengthy guys. Rear seats also have the option to partially recline and can have a 60/40 split folding seatback, extending the boot space from 651 litres to 1,781 litres. Loading and unloading boxes and groceries will no longer be a problem.
The toughness of the Patriot isn't just skin-deep. Although front-wheel drive is standard, an Electronically-controlled Coupling (ECC), located in front of the centre console, enables the toggling between the standard two-wheel drive and the four-wheel drive (4WD), allowing the vehicle to handle demanding roads and weather with confidence.
 |
The Drive
Looking at the chunky styling, you would be forgiven for thinking that the Patriot drives like a big, heavy off-roader. Not one bit of it. True, the steering isn't full of feel, but the Patriot stays reasonably composed in corners and grips fairly well. It also rides smoothly and with the suspension biased towards comfort rather than handling, larger bumps give the Patriot a supple ride which is unexpected, given its Jeep-like demeanour.
Of course, that's not to say that the ride is a perfect one. There is a certain amount of unwanted external noise that enters the cockpit but it's not overly intrusive. And despite the 2.4-litre engine boasting a power output of 170bhp, it feels rather lethargic when you put your foot in it. Make a turn at a slightly higher speed, and the presence of body roll greets you.
Nonetheless, the Patriot is noticeably cheerful on the go. Whether it is climbing a long incline, or merely filling a gap in traffic, the muscular lad feels more enthusiastic and less burdened.
Looking at the chunky styling, you would be forgiven for thinking that the Patriot drives like a big, heavy off-roader. Not one bit of it. True, the steering isn't full of feel, but the Patriot stays reasonably composed in corners and grips fairly well. It also rides smoothly and with the suspension biased towards comfort rather than handling, larger bumps give the Patriot a supple ride which is unexpected, given its Jeep-like demeanour.
Of course, that's not to say that the ride is a perfect one. There is a certain amount of unwanted external noise that enters the cockpit but it's not overly intrusive. And despite the 2.4-litre engine boasting a power output of 170bhp, it feels rather lethargic when you put your foot in it. Make a turn at a slightly higher speed, and the presence of body roll greets you.
Nonetheless, the Patriot is noticeably cheerful on the go. Whether it is climbing a long incline, or merely filling a gap in traffic, the muscular lad feels more enthusiastic and less burdened.
Conclusion
Overall, I reckon the Jeep Patriot behaves and handles more like a car, with the exception of a little truck-like sound. It may not be the best in its class, but currently priced at $113,000 (as of 25 June 2010), it is fairly reasonable for people who are looking for a 'rugged and macho' outlook, yet comfortable to drive vehicle.
Like all cars, the Jeep Patriot has its flaws, but the superior points are definitely overwhelming. And if you ask me, it's certainly worth considering this tasty car.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Overall, I reckon the Jeep Patriot behaves and handles more like a car, with the exception of a little truck-like sound. It may not be the best in its class, but currently priced at $113,000 (as of 25 June 2010), it is fairly reasonable for people who are looking for a 'rugged and macho' outlook, yet comfortable to drive vehicle.
Like all cars, the Jeep Patriot has its flaws, but the superior points are definitely overwhelming. And if you ask me, it's certainly worth considering this tasty car.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Compared to the Jeep Wrangler, the Patriot may be a cheaper alternative into Jeep ownership, but it certainly won't short-change you in terms of image. It has all the traditional Jeep style and when parked beside the Hyundai Sante Fe or even the Mitsubishi Outlander, the Patriot looks far more like a tough-lad off-roader than its curvaceous urbanite rivals.
With a body style of a Sport-Utility Vehicle (SUV), this tough champ looks boxier, and has a chunkier styling that looks better and is more functional than most of its platform-competitors. Simply because I had the mindset that when it came to off-road vehicles, Jeep was the one that had the potential to conquer the most challenging terrains anywhere in the world, as if no other marque came close to it.
Not until I laid my hands on the Patriot.
Exterior
The Jeep Patriot is like a vehicle of mixed blessings. It may look like a tough off roader, but is in reality a family car. So I guess it's fair to say that the styling of the Jeep Patriot is somewhat polarising - some people adore it while others loathe it. For me, I always had a thing for Jeep. The circular headlamps and the aggressive square stance make one feel like he could take on the world behind the wheels.
And speaking of aggressive stance, to remind all of us that it is still a genuine Jeep, the latest Patriot has strong styling cues reminiscent of the Wrangler. The vertical front grille has seven slots, with rounded head and fog lamps that are blended in well by the sides. Windows are almost flat while body curve lines are regular rather than curvy, giving it a boxy stance.
With a body style of a Sport-Utility Vehicle (SUV), this tough champ looks boxier, and has a chunkier styling that looks better and is more functional than most of its platform-competitors. Simply because I had the mindset that when it came to off-road vehicles, Jeep was the one that had the potential to conquer the most challenging terrains anywhere in the world, as if no other marque came close to it.
Not until I laid my hands on the Patriot.
Exterior
The Jeep Patriot is like a vehicle of mixed blessings. It may look like a tough off roader, but is in reality a family car. So I guess it's fair to say that the styling of the Jeep Patriot is somewhat polarising - some people adore it while others loathe it. For me, I always had a thing for Jeep. The circular headlamps and the aggressive square stance make one feel like he could take on the world behind the wheels.
And speaking of aggressive stance, to remind all of us that it is still a genuine Jeep, the latest Patriot has strong styling cues reminiscent of the Wrangler. The vertical front grille has seven slots, with rounded head and fog lamps that are blended in well by the sides. Windows are almost flat while body curve lines are regular rather than curvy, giving it a boxy stance.
|
Funny thing is it doesn't give out an air of boredom. Instead, I reckon this is a refreshing change from its competitors, which have become so stylised that they blend almost faultlessly with the so-called crossover vehicles.
Interior
Cabin architecture follows the simplicity approach of the exterior. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, with audio controls situated at the back of it, and leather upholstery help lift the Patriot's cabin ambience. It features large gauges and simple controls that take no longer than the first drive to learn. Three knobs sit mid-level controlling the heating and air-conditioning systems and the set up for the factory fitted audio system comes with the usual six presets, CD player and the Aux-In option as standard. The structural design is, hence, neat and logical with high quality plastics used.
|
Build quality may seem unimpressive at first sight, due to the whole lot of plastic. But give it some time and you'll realise that the Jeep's designers have worked hard to give the interior a strong, safe feeling, as if it was the interior of an armoured car. However, the compromise of this kind of styling is that outside view is somewhat restricted, making it a little difficult to reverse the vehicle into tight spaces.
Additionally, the interior of the Patriot is spacious and rather comfortable. The electronic seating is high and the rear seat is larger than what I was expecting, making legroom acceptable for lengthy guys. Rear seats also have the option to partially recline and can have a 60/40 split folding seatback, extending the boot space from 651 litres to 1,781 litres. Loading and unloading boxes and groceries will no longer be a problem.
Additionally, the interior of the Patriot is spacious and rather comfortable. The electronic seating is high and the rear seat is larger than what I was expecting, making legroom acceptable for lengthy guys. Rear seats also have the option to partially recline and can have a 60/40 split folding seatback, extending the boot space from 651 litres to 1,781 litres. Loading and unloading boxes and groceries will no longer be a problem.
The toughness of the Patriot isn't just skin-deep. Although front-wheel drive is standard, an Electronically-controlled Coupling (ECC), located in front of the centre console, enables the toggling between the standard two-wheel drive and the four-wheel drive (4WD), allowing the vehicle to handle demanding roads and weather with confidence.
|
The Drive
Looking at the chunky styling, you would be forgiven for thinking that the Patriot drives like a big, heavy off-roader. Not one bit of it. True, the steering isn't full of feel, but the Patriot stays reasonably composed in corners and grips fairly well. It also rides smoothly and with the suspension biased towards comfort rather than handling, larger bumps give the Patriot a supple ride which is unexpected, given its Jeep-like demeanour.
Of course, that's not to say that the ride is a perfect one. There is a certain amount of unwanted external noise that enters the cockpit but it's not overly intrusive. And despite the 2.4-litre engine boasting a power output of 170bhp, it feels rather lethargic when you put your foot in it. Make a turn at a slightly higher speed, and the presence of body roll greets you.
Nonetheless, the Patriot is noticeably cheerful on the go. Whether it is climbing a long incline, or merely filling a gap in traffic, the muscular lad feels more enthusiastic and less burdened.
Looking at the chunky styling, you would be forgiven for thinking that the Patriot drives like a big, heavy off-roader. Not one bit of it. True, the steering isn't full of feel, but the Patriot stays reasonably composed in corners and grips fairly well. It also rides smoothly and with the suspension biased towards comfort rather than handling, larger bumps give the Patriot a supple ride which is unexpected, given its Jeep-like demeanour.
Of course, that's not to say that the ride is a perfect one. There is a certain amount of unwanted external noise that enters the cockpit but it's not overly intrusive. And despite the 2.4-litre engine boasting a power output of 170bhp, it feels rather lethargic when you put your foot in it. Make a turn at a slightly higher speed, and the presence of body roll greets you.
Nonetheless, the Patriot is noticeably cheerful on the go. Whether it is climbing a long incline, or merely filling a gap in traffic, the muscular lad feels more enthusiastic and less burdened.
Conclusion
Overall, I reckon the Jeep Patriot behaves and handles more like a car, with the exception of a little truck-like sound. It may not be the best in its class, but currently priced at $113,000 (as of 25 June 2010), it is fairly reasonable for people who are looking for a 'rugged and macho' outlook, yet comfortable to drive vehicle.
Like all cars, the Jeep Patriot has its flaws, but the superior points are definitely overwhelming. And if you ask me, it's certainly worth considering this tasty car.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Overall, I reckon the Jeep Patriot behaves and handles more like a car, with the exception of a little truck-like sound. It may not be the best in its class, but currently priced at $113,000 (as of 25 June 2010), it is fairly reasonable for people who are looking for a 'rugged and macho' outlook, yet comfortable to drive vehicle.
Like all cars, the Jeep Patriot has its flaws, but the superior points are definitely overwhelming. And if you ask me, it's certainly worth considering this tasty car.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Car Information
Jeep Patriot Limited 2.4 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|10.5km/L
Horsepower
127kW (170 bhp)
Torque
220 Nm
Acceleration
11.3sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Jeep Patriot Limited
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