Likes - Good off-road potential
- Fun to drive (with manual)
- Good 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder power
- Excellent in bad weather (AWD/4WD)
- Greatly improved interior
Dislikes - Painfully slow CVT
- Anemic 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder engine
- Less cargo capacity than competition
- Can get pricey
- No Freedom Drive II offered with manual
Tech Specs - 2.4 liter 4-Cyl. 158 hp
- MPG: 23 city/28 highway
What's Changed - Greatly improved interior
- Active head restraints
- Manual offered with 2.0-liter FWD
The Vehix View - Jeep’s 2010 Patriot has a lot of potential and can certainly grow on you. No small crossover SUV in its bracket can match its off-road capability when properly equipped.
First Impressions
I remember my first impressions of the original Jeep Patriot. Visually, they did a great job making what I thought was a modern interpretation of the Jeep Cherokee. I thought it would be a rugged off-road machine capable of doing everything the old Cherokee could.
I was wrong.
That’s not to say that the Patriot is a bad vehicle – but the wrong initial impression gave many a moment of doubt. Things continued to unravel when reviews about its performance and build quality were counter to what trusted prognosticators in the industry initially stated about the Patriot and its brother the Jeep Compass.
Fortunately, most of what was exaggerated or omitted has been redone. The 2010 Jeep Patriot (view photos) is a better machine with a much better interior (which was one of its weakest points). It still looks the same, which is not such a bad thing.
Upright and square stem to stern, the Jeep Patriot looks like a cross between the former Cherokee and Jeep Commando – miniaturized. Overhangs are short as is the height of the greenhouse. It’s a far more Jeep-like image and a better design than the Jeep Compass.
Other than its low ride height, the 2010 Jeep Patriot certainly looks the part. The big question in my mind was whether or not the Patriot could act the part. In other words, is this a Jeep-like vehicle or a real Jeep?
Pricing, Trims and Options
The base model FWD Sport with manual transmission starts at $18,425. Top-of-the-line Limited FWD models have a starting price of $23,430. Base model AWD/4WD Jeep Patriots start at $20,175 and can top nearly $32,000 fully loaded.
Popular option and option packages include:
- “Sun and Sound Group” which includes: Power sunroof with express open / close feature, 9 Boston Acoustic speakers with subwoofer, two articulating liftgate speakers ($1,295)
- “Media Center 730N” which includes: CD/DVD/HDD/NAV Radio, 6.5-inch touch screen, GPS Navigation, 30 GB hard drive (4,250 song capacity), Uconnect™ Phone, Voice Command, SIRIUS Traffic™ and Audio 1-Year SIRIUS Traffic Service, audio jack input for mobile devices and GPS navigation ($890)
- According to Jeep, “The Uconnect™ System is the Jeep® brand's user-friendly approach to today's connected technology. From music to travel destinations, Uconnect connects you to the things that matter most. Leave it to Uconnect to make technology simple.” I agree, but it makes for an expensive option.
- Pearl coat paint ($225)
- Freedom Drive II Off-Road group ($890)
Interior Features
I was very pleased to see the improved, better looking interior of the 2010 Jeep Patriot. It is simple, functional and easy to learn. Three knobs sit mid level controlling the heating and A/C systems. It’s clean and logical in setup with higher quality plastics used.
The interior is comfortable and an altogether better place to inhabit compared to the old model.
That’s not to say the interior is perfect as there is lots of unwanted external noise (especially from the CVT) that enters the cockpit.
Legroom is acceptable, but not class leading. Rear seats have the option to partially recline and can have a 60/40 split folding seatback.
My test vehicle came with the excellent AM/FM/Navigation/28 GB hard drive with GPS display and MP3-format capability. This system, paired with the Boston Acoustics 368-watt, 9-speaker stereo system, made for an outstanding listening experience. The head unit was easy to use as well.
The 2010 Jeep Patriot has 53 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity. That’s well under a majority of its competitors. At least there are the optional fold-out rear speakers, which are hinged off the tailgate. With the hatch open, you can lower the speakers for tailgating. Just don’t forget the optional roof rails to secure your extra goodies.
Safety, Quality and Reliability
The 2010 Jeep Patriot earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “Top Safety Pick.” According to the IIHS, the 2010 Jeep Patriot with optional side torso airbags delivered good performance in front, side, rollover, and rear tests, and includes standard electronic stability control.
Jeep provides a 5-year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranty and a 3-year or 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.