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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Jeep Patriot

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

Overview

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2013 Jeep Patriot Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 5.4

It made sense at the time: Offer a whiff of that rugged Jeep ethos at a cut-rate price. The original Jeep Patriot was created in 2007. To be fair, effort did go into providing a degree of off-road capability, but it was built on an economy-car foundation, which tells you most of what you need to know about the 2013 Jeep Patriot. If your budget and your expectations – especially for comfort, performance and refinement – are modest enough, this is about the lowest-priced SUV on the market. Its much-needed replacement arrives in a year or so.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need 4-wheel drive, either because of snowy winter roads or regular off-road excursions, and that really is all you need, the Jeep Patriot offers decent value. Or if you want to dabble in the Jeep lifestyle at a minimal cost of entry, this could be your ticket.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If your ideal Jeep provides real off-road capability and long-lived durability, buy a Wrangler. Based on Chrysler's Dodge Caliber platform, the Patriot is far closer to its econobox roots than to anything coming from Jeep's main plant in Toledo.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

5.4
Driving Dynamics

5.1
Comfort & Convenience

5.4
Design: Interior & Exterior

5.5
Value

4.7
Safety

7.8

How It Ranks

#2

out of 2

MPG

#2

out of 2

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.3 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

This close to the end of the platform's life cycle, there is little investment going into upgrades. For 2013, some software recalibrations give the Jeep Patriot a slight boost in fuel efficiency and a couple of new colors join the paint palette. Sport, Latitude and Limited are the trim packages.

Driving the Patriot

2013 Jeep Patriot Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions You can't deny your roots, and neither can the Jeep Patriot. The Dodge Caliber econocar platform probably made sense for a low-priced, light-duty Jeep in 2007, but this class is...

too competitive for that formula to still work. The Patriot can hold its own in modest off-roading when equipped with the Freedom Drive II package, but almost all drivers spend the vast majority of their time on public pavement, and there the Patriot is simply outclassed. Neither of the 4-cylinder engines feels very strong, and the CVT transmission does more for fuel economy than it does for performance. Highway ride and handling are okay, as long as you don't compare the Patriot to a more refined small SUV – of which there are plenty. The all-new (probably Fiat-based) platform for the Patriot can't come too soon.

Favorite Features

FREEDOM DRIVE I (ON-ROAD PACKAGE)
For those facing seasonal road conditions, Freedom Drive I provides a full-time 4WD system designed to give year-round peace-of-mind. You won't be tackling the Rubicon with Freedom Drive I, but you could tow your ATV to where the trail starts.

FREEDOM DRIVE II OFF-ROAD PACKAGE
For those preferring the road less traveled – or no road at all – Jeep offers the optional Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package. It includes a second-generation CVT transaxle with low range, 17-inch all-terrain tires and an abundance of skid plates, tow hooks and fog lights.

2013 Jeep Patriot Details

2013 Jeep Patriot Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Hard plastic surfaces aren't the most inviting but they are easy to clean, which is one benefit of the Patriot's utilitarian cabin. Still, there are some nice techy features to enjoy (a Uconnect media center with iPod interface, SiriusXM satellite radio and navigation with Sirius Travel Link) and a couple of truly clever ideas, such as the cargo-area lamp that pops out to become a rechargeable LED flashlight and the speakers that flip down from the raised liftgate to energize those tailgate parties.

Exterior

Jeep's design team did an admirable job of sculpting traditional Jeep proportions onto economy-car, front-drive architecture. Requisite Jeep-family features show up, including the seven-slot grille and "can-do" fender flares. The Patriot's upright layout provides reasonable outward visibility as well as some visual character.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Despite its very affordable starting price of under $17,000, Jeep's 2013 Patriot Sport is well equipped. Standard features include electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-Start Assist, ABS, audio jack, fold-flat rear seats, deep tinted glass and roof side rails. Standard power is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine connected to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Optional Equipment

You want options? Jeep has supplied them, mostly in the form of upgrades in trim level or package selection. The move from Sport to Latitude adds air conditioning, power windows and door locks, 17-inch aluminum wheels, remote start, front heated cloth seats, body-color exterior door handles and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and speed controls. Opt for the top-line Limited and you'll enjoy the larger 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, leather seating, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Jeep's Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).

Under the Hood

Within its three trim levels reside two engine choices (2.0- and 2.4-liter fours) and three transmissions (5-speed manual and two CVT automatics, one with low range). The 158-horsepower 2.0-liter is standard on 2WD Sport and 2WD Latitude, while the 172-horsepower 2.4-liter is fitted to 4WD Sport, 4WD Latitude and all Limiteds. Patriots with the Freedom Drive II Off-Road package get the CVT2L transmission, which incorporates a low range for slow-crawling off road.

2.0-liter inline-4
158 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
141 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/30 mpg (2WD, manual), 22/28 mpg (2WD, automatic)

2.4-liter inline-4
172 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
165 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/28 mpg (2WD, manual), 21/27 mpg (2WD, automatic), 22/28 (4WD, manual), 21/26 mpg (4WD, automatic), 20/23 mpg (4WD, automatic w/ Off-Road package)

Pricing Notes

Jeep claims you won't find a lower-priced SUV than the 2WD Sport Patriot, at just under $17,000, nor a lower-priced 4x4 than the 4WD Sport, at just under $19,000. At the top end, the 4WD Limited starts at around $26,500. Given the car's econobox roots, you may feel hard-pressed to justify any of those prices. For a little more money (Kia Sportage, under $20,000; Subaru Forester, just over $23,000), legions of more modern choices open up, albeit without some of the Jeep's special equipment. But if your budget says no to that stretch, then the Patriot may be in play. Plus, a car at the end of its production cycle will likely carry generous incentives. To make your best deal, check our Fair Purchase Price, which reflects real-world transaction prices being paid in your area. And be ready for rapid depreciation; the Patriot's retained value will be well below those of Asian nameplates.

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2013 Jeep Patriot Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.3

Out of 10

Based on 343 Ratings for the 2007 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.5/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

8.3/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

8.7/10

The drive is amazing!

By jremt on Wednesday, July 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 103,037

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

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

"I was accually looking for a different car when the car salesmen showed me the the Patriot. I didnt think I was going to like it, but I gave it a chance and I love it! It drive so smooth on and off roads."

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ho-hum vehicle. no real stand out in anything.

By matt on Sunday, July 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 4/10
Performance: 3/10
Styling: 3/10
Comfort: 3/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"usually get 26 mpg, but as high as 30mpg 80% hwy/20% city. the bad: not a fast car, not trail rated despite claims, somewhat tippy on curves, no low end torque at all, 5 speed is bad notchy and reverse gear is a bear to find, a/c always starts in floor mode despite settings, ongoing issues with seals make humidity in the interior a real problem, seating seems to be mashing flat after just 6 months use, roof structure is "tinny", manufacturer's warranty aren't worth the paper they are written on, no seat height adjustment on sport model and the dealer will not install for legal reasons, oil life monitoring doesn't work as it should cheap tires even w/ premium wheels, basic A/C is a $1000 option but foglamps are standard, negotiate your best deal before buying b/c it's value will sink like a stone. the good: can be had cheap, spiritual ancestor to those who like the 90's cherokee, upgraded interior after '10 models, the only US-made car-based SUV w/ manual trans and 4WD and one of two cars (2nd is MINI countryman $26K) available for the US, not as butt-ugly as the Compass, newer models have black plastic accents."

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Great Car

By Gabriel (FL) on Friday, July 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 72,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "small yet comfortable, good ride. you feel safe in"

Cons: "small gas tank, slow acceleration"

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

"Jeep really nailed it with the Patriot. A small SUV with a sedan feel but yet reliable in rough conditions like you will expect a JEEP. I love my Patriot, I've owned one since they came out in 2007 and I plan on keeping it forever. I moved from PR and brought it with me!"

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Great value for the price of car

By dc & ly (AZ) on Sunday, July 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

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

"We bought our 2014 Jeep Patriot the end of June and we love the car. We drove 6 or 7 new vehicles at the Jeep/Chrysler dealership and we fell in love with the Patriot; it gets great gas mileage 32mpg so far city/hwy combined, it handles like the old wagoneers of the past and is very comfortable and roomy inside and is fun to drive. The 2.0L engine with the 6 speed automatic has plenty of power to climb the mountains around us in AZ and cruizes down freeway with ease. We got the Winter Chill color and dark charcoal interior. We have no regrets of buying this car, extremely happy with it. If you haven't driven one and you like the simplicity of Jeep then I recommend it to you."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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too many blind spots

By donald snavely (VA) on Sunday, July 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 98,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 4/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Pros: "found out i gave to much for it, it was just aride"

Cons: "no ash tray"

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

"way windshield is in, causes too many blind spots, hard to see to right sharp curves at night, also to the left, headreast on back seats is hard to see out the rear, seats sats to low, cannot rest arm on door with window open,due to blind spot on left of windshield, caused me to hit a light post concrete bottom, and i hope the insurance will total it out, and NO i will not buy another patriot!!!!!!!"

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Can't wait to trade this in...

By JustMeBrandyD on Saturday, July 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,111

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Inexpensive SUV w/ 4WD"

Cons: "Engine hesitation. Chrysler cut corners."

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

"We purchased our Patriot on Independence Day last year (7/4/2012).. We had an issue with water leaking info the rear cargo area for 11 of the 12 months that we've owned it. Corporate just repaired/ corrected the water issue last month, on the fifth attempt to correct/ fix the problem. (Corporate was also not a pleasant experience for the record. The mid-Atlantic CSR who contacted my husband and I with regard o the repairs was rude and degrading on the phone. He did not care about the potential health problems that I was experiencing as a result of a vehicle that had been leaking for several month (asthma & allergy concerns with a mold/ mildew trigger). And at one point during the conversation even said,"I wouldn't buy your car back if you we're my sister." Fortunately, the service manager that we dealt with after that point was much more pleasant to deal with.) Approximately 5 months after purchase (3,000 miles), the vehicle stalled at a stop sign in the neighborhood (stop #2). It was taken in for service, and after a 3 hour diagnostic I was sent on my way without a resolution or diagnosis. The dealer just told me to let it warm up for longer. Six months later we received a recall notice for the fuel line connecter, which will cause your car to stall unexpectedly if you have less than a half of tank of gas, possibly causing an accident. Wait it gets better, Chrysler would love to fix this problem, but (surprise surprise) the part to correct this dangerous situation hasn't been manufactured yet, and they don't know when it will be available. (It's been more than a month and its still not fixed.) Yesterday, we received yet another recall notice with regard to seatbelt auto-locking mechanism as well as airbag deployment (i.e., they won't function when you need them to). In short, I've always wanted a Jeep and was really excited when I finally owned one. Now a year later, I can't wait until the nightmare is over."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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