2007 Jeep Patriot Review

The 2007 Jeep Patriot is an all new release from Jeep for 2007, along with its sibling Jeep Compass.  The Compass and Patriot share a platform and, as the Patriot is within inches of most of the Jeep Liberty's key exterior dimensions; it could be mistaken for its truck-based sibling.  But that is where we really find the difference between the two, as the Patriot is true of a car based SUV, and Jeeps two new models for 2007 has really launched the automaker full steam ahead into the car-based SUV market.  But can it go offroad like a Jeep is supposed to? The most capable system and drivetrain available gives the Patriot Jeep's Trail-Rated designation, which means it's capable of meeting certain offroad standards for traction, water fording and ground clearance, among others. So, yes it can offroad if you get the right model.  With the optional Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package ? which includes the driveline hardware that makes the Patriot Trail-Rated ? the SUV gets 17-inch all-terrain tires, skid plates, tow hooks and fog lamps. Trail-Rated Patriots have 9 inches of ground clearance.
     

     

 

     

Patriot Design

     

 

     

While some may think having a car based SUV from Jeep just doesn?t make sense, the 2007 Patriot is authentically a Jeep. The windshield and backlight are relatively vertical, and the bumpers are defined and not molded into the fascia. They're silver on the Limited and body-colored on the Sport. The Jeep Patriot is considered a compact, built on the platform of the Dodge Caliber, but it doesn?t look small from the outside. Standard steel wheels measure 16 inches in diameter, but 17-inch aluminum wheels are available.
     

     

 

     

2007 Patriot Cabin

     

 

     

With room for five passengers, the interior of the 2007 Patriot is not exactly huge, but there are plenty of amenities and storage options to make up for that.  The space between the seats includes a nook for change, two fixed cupholders, and the parking brake lever. A short armrest flips up to open the main console compartment, where there's a pocket for a cellphone. There are door pockets, but they are on the small side; much of the space there is taken up by the six- by nine-inch speakers. The door handles are easy to use and the glove compartment is roomy. The base Patriot has "Vinyl Tech" seats: premium cloth seating that is designed to prevent staining and discoloration is an option.

     

The standard rear seat is a 60/40 split that easily folds flat, by flipping up the seat and flopping down the seatback. Reclining rear seats are optional, as is a flat-folding front seat. When everything is folded down there is 62.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, and room for an eight-foot-long cargo. The rear cargo area is covered in Ultra Floor, a washable and removable vinyl. The dashboard and instrument layout is simple, and the gauges are a neat white on black with glowing orange needles. The climate and sound system controls are easy to understand and operate. The seating position gives a nice view of the road from the Patriot. The Jeep Patriot excels in rear legroom, beating out both competitors and other Jeep models. A power sunroof and a Leather Interior Group, which includes leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with stereo controls, are available options. The Patriot has a number of uncommon options, too, like a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system with speakers that can swing out of the liftgate when camping, and a cargo area dome light that can be removed and used as a flashlight.
     

     

 

     

Jeep Power

     

 

     

     Chrysler uses a 2.4-liter World engine on the 2007 Jeep Patriot, and this is a great engine for this vehicle. The Patriot has the power it needs, with both trims getting 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque on a five-speed manual transmission. A continuously variable transmission is optional. Drivelines that are available include Freedom Drive I and the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package. One of the main differences between the Freedom four-wheel-drive systems is that Freedom Drive II's continuously variable transmission incorporates a low range for difficult offroad driving. Advanced offroad features include Hill Descent Control and offroad Brake Traction Control.

     

 

     

Driving the Patriot

     

 

     

     The 2007 Jeep Patriot drives with ease and feels light and nimble. The turning is sharp and the body is well isolated from the wheels. Going over bumps is smooth, as is cruising down the highway. The suspension is as good as the engine. The Patriot is impressively stable and confident.
     

     

 

     

Safety Features for Jeep

     

 

     

     The Patriot includes all-disc antilock brakes, an electronic stability system and side curtain-type airbags as standard. A tire pressure monitoring system is optional. Multi-stage frontal airbags, electronic brake-force distribution, and side airbag electronic roll mitigation.

     

The Jeep Patriot is a compact SUV that is available in front-wheel drive or with a four-wheel-drive system with a Lock mode to enhance traction in inclement weather. The bottom line is that the Patriot is a great value. It has an estimated fuel economy range of 30 mpg Hwy, and 26 mpg City, pretty decent for an SUV. Read a myride.com 2007 Patriot review for more research.