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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Jeep Patriot

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Jeep Patriot

Overview

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2011 Jeep Patriot Review

By KBB.com Editors

The Patriot is Jeep's answer to the compact crossover SUV challenge from such heavyweights as the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Ford Escape. But, being that this is Jeep, after all, the Patriot takes a decidedly off-road approach, adhering more closely to traditional Jeep principles. Indeed, the Patriot's more rugged suspension and powertrain options deliver enough off-road performance for it to earn Jeep's "Trail Rated" badges.

You'll Like This Car If...

Need an everyday vehicle that's as comfortable plowing through deep snow as it is capable of off-road adventuring? If so, the 2011 Jeep Patriot deserves a closer look.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If refinement and resale top your must have list, the Patriot's course four-cylinder engine and modest resale value probably won't impress.

What's Significant About This Car?

For 2011, The Patriot receives new front and rear end styling, a revised interior with more soft touch points, a new three-spoke steering wheel, and retuned steering and suspension systems. Cruise control is now standard on all trims.

Driving the Patriot

Driving Impressions Thanks to its new suspension and steering calibrations, the rugged Patriot delivers a very car like ride. Although rapid maneuvers and sharp corners still produce a noticeable amount of body...

roll, in tight curves the Patriot never feels top heavy or tipsy. The cabin is somewhat noisy, but not annoyingly so, with most of the noise provided by the rowdy and rude 2.4-liter engine, especially when the throttle is wide open. Where the Patriot truly shines is off-road. Equipped with the Freedom Drive II four-wheel drive system, the Patriot was able to traverse small boulders and deep ruts with ease. The system employs a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an integral low range and a four-wheel drive LOCK mode that uses the ABS, traction control and engine computer to allow for rock crawling and low speed descents.

Favorite Features

Freedom Drive II (Trail Rated) Off Road Package
"Trail Rated" Patriot models include a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT2) with low range and 19:1 crawl ratio, skid plates, tow hooks, hill descent control, heavy-duty cooling system, nine-inch ground clearance and 19-inch water fording capability.

Liftgate Speakers
As part of the 458-watt Boston Acoustics premium audio system, the Patriot's rearmost speakers flip down from the open liftgate to project outward. Outdoorsy Jeep types will find it an especially alluring option.

2011 Jeep Patriot Details

Interior

If the Patriot had one weak spot, it was its interior. For 2011, Jeep has remedied the Patriots interior malaise by replacing hard surfaces with soft ones, revising the dash and center console and adding steering-wheel controls for cruise and audio. New fabrics grace the seats, while door switches for the windows, locks and mirrors are now backlit. Highlights for the Patriot's interior include a fold-flat front passenger seats, 115-volt outlet, available nine-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system with flip out rear liftgate speaker bar and a removable and rechargeable LED flashlight.

Exterior

Unlike the Jeep Compass, which has a softer appeal, the newly redesigned 2011 Jeep Patriot's sharp edges and boxy shape bear a faint resemblance to the old Jeep Cherokee. The traditional Jeep seven slat grille is color-keyed to match the Patriot's body, while new standard fog lights take up residence just below the grille. 4X4 models gain an extra inch in ride height, making the Patriot even more capable off road. The rear hatch opens low over the bumper for easy loading, and additional storage can be had in the form of an available cargo carrier that attaches to the roof rack.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A base 2011 Jeep Patriot Sport comes equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, cloth seats, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD-MP3 sound system with auxiliary audio input, 16-inch styled steel wheels, air conditioning, cruise control and a collection of standard safety equipment that includes front and side-curtain airbags, electronic stability and traction controls with rollover mitigation and four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist. The Latitude trim adds heated front seats, steering wheel audio controls, heated outside mirrors, power windows and locks and a fold flat passenger front seat, while the Latitude X includes leather seats, a six-way power driver's seat and automatic temperature control.

Optional Equipment

Options vary according to trim and include power windows/locks/mirrors, automatic climate control, remote start, front side-impact airbags, remote keyless entry, sun roof, stain-resistant cloth seats, leather seats, heated seats, 458-watt premium sound system, six-disc CD changer, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT2) with Auto Stick manual shift mode, Freedom Drive I all-wheel drive, Freedom Drive II Off Road Package with low ratio capable CVT2, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, Uconnect gps navigation radio, Sirius Satellite Radio and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity.

Under the Hood

The Patriot's powertrain lineup consists of 2.0- and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines, two- and four-wheel drive systems, plus a five-speed manual and two continuously variable transmissions (one with a low range). The 2.0-liter engine is available on the Sport and Latitude 2WD models; all others are powered by the 2.4-liter unit.
A five-speed manual is standard with both engines, while the "Trail Rated" moniker is available only on four-wheel-drive Limited models with the CVT2. The Patriot's maximum towing capacity is 2,000 pounds.

2.0-liter in-line 4
158 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
141 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/27 (automatic), 23/29 (manual)

2.4-liter in-line 4
172-horsepower @ 6000 rpm
165 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/28 (2WD, manual), 21/27 (2WD, automatic), 22/28 (4WD, manual), 21/26 (4WD, automatic), 20/23 (4WD, automatic, off-road package)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Jeep Patriot vehicles for sale near you.

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2011 Jeep Patriot Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.4

Out of 10

Based on 335 Ratings for the 2007 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.5/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

8.7/10

Good bang for the buck, reliable, and comfortable

By Chiefwiggum on Sunday, May 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 54,555

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "price, reliablitiy, comfort"

Cons: "plain"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The car lacks anything to be enthusiastic about, but has never given me any problems. The car handles well in snow, rain, wind, bumps, high speeds, traffic, and quick braking situations. Would buy again."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great All Purpose Vehicle

By oldvet46 (PA) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,500

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Great Price/great highway mileage/typical Jeeplook"

Cons: "no lumbar/some cabin noise/"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have owned Cherkoees and Grand Cherokees which I cherished, now that I'm older I look at value. The Patriot is a good looking nostalgic Jeep. It is practical and useful for any family. It has comfortable seats and a great comfortable ride. The CVT is a little work getting used to but fine after that(2014 has the 6sp. auto). This car is great in all season inclimate weather and for slight off-road use. You will love the 27-29 MPG highway benefit with the CVT. I got a 2012 with CVT, 2.4L engine, the convenience pkg(heated elec. mirrors/elec.door locks/A/C/cruise control)for under $19.5(11/2012) with some perks. You must check for the incentive deals before you buy because you will get your best deal."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Very reliable, practical SUV.

By Shrinkman (PA) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 43,200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great value and does what it was design for well"

Cons: "Loud power train, arm rest to short"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"It's a very practical SUV for around town shopping. My wife loves to load the back to bring home Costco size packages. It's easy to drive, reliable, and gives you a good view of the road. You can't beat it for the price. It's go in snow as well. When considering buying it realize it is a Jeep not a sports car. The 2008 has a CVT transmission which is loud as well as the motor going up steep hills. The new 2014 6 speed should help alot. It's a good SUV to purchase new and the life time warranty is still available as a option which is something to consider if you plan to keep it for long term. We have ours over five years and it looks and runs new. The hard plastic interior is easy to clean if you have kids and the seating folds for hauling long loads. My wife loves it and we plan to keep it for at least another 10 years like the last Jeep since she does only local driving."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Love the little Pat

By gpeterm (NJ) on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 91,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Easy on gas and good on city driving"

Cons: "Cheap interior and small rattles"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Not much to say The patriot is the kind of vehicle you get for doing the little run about thing in your life. If you try to do to much heavy lifting it might let you down. I use it for my daily commute and running to the store. Love it just for that"

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Like my old cherokee

By Simon (ND) on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 120

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Very cherokee like"

Cons: "CVT IS A BIT SLUGGISH"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I've had two cherokees and was really sad when they discontinued them. I would haven't bought a Jeep if it wasn't for this one being so close to a cherokee. I wish it wasn't a CVT and had a standard transfer case and a 6 cylinder. But the 4 cylinder is plenty, the Cvt performs well, and the 4wd works fine for everything Ill use it for. Its way better on gas too. But it really does feel like a new cherokee. I love it. very classy ride. Paid 23 for a latitude, came with block heater remote start and heated seats and all that cold weather stuff. Its a great little Jeep best bang for the buck."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Great vehicle. price and fuel millage

By Jennadog (SC) on Tuesday, March 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 43,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "cost, fuel millage, ride, dependable"

Cons: "could be 2" wider. Factory tires."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have a 2010 Patriot that I purchased new. It gets better fuel millage than the sticker. Rides great and I have had not one problem with it. I did not like the factory tires. They did wear well but have no off-road ability. I replaced them with a US made tire and I enjoy the outdoors off-road now. I have had many cars but this one is the best value by far."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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See all 335 reviews