2011 Jeep Patriot Review
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The Jeep Patriot is a compact sport utility which is known as one of the more rugged Jeeps available. Inspired by the 2005 Patriot Concept, first shown at the 2005 International Auto Show in Frankfurt, Germany, the Jeep Patriot has remained a popular part of Jeep’s lineup, most likely because of its refined handling, off road capabilities, and redesigned interior. At this point, no vehicle is really safe in the world of Chrysler LLC, but the Patriot represent a perfect middle ground between on road driving purposes and traditional Jeep ruggedness. After an interior redesign for 2009, the 2011 Patriot will continue with only minor updates, and hopefully an engine with more power yet better fuel economy.
Patriot Power ‘11
While we know the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will deliver better on-road performance and, more power, and up to 11% better gas mileage, it is likely the Patriot will also take on this new engine, the Pentastar V6. The new Quadra-Lift air suspension system with the Selec-Terrain system allows the driver to choose the drive system that best matches on- or off-road driving conditions. Also available will be a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that creates 172 hp and 165 ft/lbs of torque. The standard transmission is a 5-speed manual, with a CVT automatic available. There are three drivelines available, either a front-wheel drive, a Freedom 4-wheel Drive I, and a Freedom 4-wheel Drive II that incorporates a low range gear on the transmission for off-road driving. A partial-zero-emission-vehicle version of the 2.4 liter engine became available with front wheel drive. The suspensions were also retuned for a better on-road feel.
Design of the Jeep Patriot
Patriot's signature seven-slot grille and round headlamps will continue for 2011. Further more, the Patriot will continue to express a feel of fun, freedom and adventure, simply through its looks. The standard wheel size is 16-inches, but 17-inch wheels are available and come standard with the Freedom Drive II package. Classic, rugged styling takes Patriot's legendary DNA in a new and adventurous direction, with angular lines, trapezoidal wheel openings and a timeless character that embodies the Jeep spirit of adventure. Look at Patriot's height and width dimensions and you'll find they're almost identical to the classic Jeep Cherokee The Patriot has a seven-slot grille, rounded headlights and trapezoidal wheel-well openings. Trail-Rated Patriots have an extra inch of ground clearance, as do models with the 17-inch wheels.
Freedom-Drive I 4WD
For light off-road capability for the 2011 Patriot, the Freedom-Drive I active full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) with LOCK mode is one choice. It's designed to also give drivers the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions such as rain and snow. LOCK mode can handle deeper snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces at speeds less than 10 mph. Freedom-Drive I features an Electromagnetic Controlled Coupling (ECC), which constantly monitors wheel slippage and transfers torque to the axle that can use it most. During high-traction driving, like on the highway, the system transfers virtually no torque to the rear axle for improved fuel economy, but instantly transfers torque to the rear wheels when conditions call for it. ECC modulates when turning on a dry road in 4WD LOCK mode to help prevent noise. Four-wheel drive Patriot models feature 4WD LOCK — for maximum traction in the most adverse conditions. 4WD LOCK is activated by lifting a chromed T-bar handle in the console. LOCK mode is recommended for deep snow, deep sand and other low-traction surfaces.
Freedom-Drive II
For advanced capability and Jeep’s Trail Rated certification, Freedom-Drive II Off-Road Group offers best-in-class off-road capability. The body and chassis of the Patriot with the Off-Road Group were developed and tested over numerous rugged off-road terrains to meet the requirements of the enthusiast Jeep customer. Jeep Patriot models with a 5-speed manual transaxle or continuously variable transmission feature selectable four-wheel-drive lock. This state-of-the-art electronic system anticipates the need for added traction and responds to wheel-slippage by transferring power to the rear wheels, while modulating rear-wheel to contribute to vehicle stability in cornering situations. The system also saves fuel by operating only on demand when on-road, thereby minimizing power-robbing friction and inertia. 
Inside the 2011 Patriot
Jeep Patriot offers an improved cabin space with refinement and comfort that includes softer and higher-grade materials, bright chrome accents and more. There are two seat rows in the Patriot which seat up to 5 people. The base model of the Patriot has manual windows and doors, vinyl seats, and no air conditioning. Powered windows and doors, cruise control, air conditioning, and cloth seats are all options. These amenities are included in the Patriot Limited. The rear seat folds 60/40 and the front passenger seat folds as well, allowing the vehicle to hold 8-foot long cargo. The Patriot has a panel with LED-backlight gauges with Chrome wrap and smoother dashboard using high-grade plastic materials, chrome bezel on the center stack and rounded chrome accent rings on the redesigned vents are standard on Limited. The updated interior continues with new seat fabric on the pleasantly comfortable seats. Eye-catching French-seam accent stitching adds a dash of class. Other niceties include new larger front and rear floor mats, an impressive cargo capacity and a host of innovative options including flip-down liftgate speakers. The Patriot stays on top of entertainment technology with a uconnect suite including the available uconnect gps that features a 30 GB hard drive for storing digital music and picture files, and a navigation system with real-time traffic information and voice-guided direction. The Sport comes standard with a AM/FM/CD/player, MP3 Jack, tilt steering, and an anti-theft system. Limited ups the ante considerably, adding power accessories, heated leather seats and wheel-mounted audio controls. A new instrument panel, door trim panel, and center console were accompanied by a soft-touch door armrest and center console with split lid for more storage. Chrome accents were added to the vents and shift bezel on Sport, and to those areas as well as the door and cluster rings on Limited.
Conclusions
The 2011 Patriot is stylish, rugged, and if outfitted properly, off-road capable. Although it doesn’t nearly reach the level of the Wrangler’s off road performance, it still beats out SUVs such as the 4Runner when it is set up with Freedom Drive II. The benefits of the Patriot are that is has an inexpensive base model, stability control comes standard, a variety of trim levels are offered, and the Patriot has both offroad and on-road performance options. The 2011 Patriot gets a fuel economy of 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway; it is also one of the more affordable Jeeps, with a starting MSRP of $17,540 – $23,980. Visit the official Jeep Patriot site for the latest updates.
