Read More Customer Reviews

2012 Jeep Patriot Des Moines

Check Out Our New Jeep Patriot Inventory in IA!!

The 2012 Jeep Patriot has had its available continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) recalibrated for improved performance.  Two four-cylinder engines are offered.  The larger of the two, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, makes 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque.  It delivers good power; put the pedal down while cruising uphill at 75 miles per hour and it will accelerate. The smaller engine is 2.0 liters, makes 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque  The optional Continuously Variable Transaxle works well and the Auto Stick manual-shift is a useful feature.  The Patriot is available with front-wheel drive or a choice of two all-wheel-drive systems, one that Jeep qualifies as Trail Rated. Those who like to go off the pavement (or tow more than 1000 pounds) should choose the Trail-Rated Freedom II AWD system. This uses gearing about 20-percent lower than the other models for steeper climbs and descents.

2012 Jeep Patriot Power

The 5-speed manual gearbox is a joy to use, even with its long throws.  The 5-speed makes the Patriot feel like a Jeep. Properly used, it brings out the potential of the engine.   The suspension works well in all conditions, the Patriot is stable and confident, the ABS brakes react quickly and has a great independent suspension.  On paved country roads the Patriot feels light and nimble. The ride is steady over rough asphalt patches. The body feels well isolated and you can hit a bump with one wheel without your head being tossed.  A Patriot with the trail-rated Freedom Drive II off-road package enables the Patriot to ford 19 inches of water.  Both AWD systems have a locking center differential that sends half the power to the rear wheels. They also have a brake lock differential that can shift the power from side to side on each axle, important in slippery terrain.  The Freedom II package includes Hill Descent Control that is automatically engaged when in Low range on steep downhill grades. It keeps the Jeep under 5 mph and under control, going down steep hills, even icy ones.

Inside '12 Jeep Patriot

A high seating position gives the Jeep Patriot driver a commanding view of the trail. The Patriot Sport's front seats have manual adjustment and come with cloth upholstery; the Latitude has heated cloth seats. The Latitude X gets leather upholstery which previously seemed to overdress the Patriot.  The cabin layout is functional and roomy. The darkdashboard and instrument layout is simple, and the gauges are a tidy white on black with glowing orange needles. The climate and sound system controls are easy to understand and operate. Jeep says the available UConnect Tunes system can hold up to 6700 songs, which can be ripped from a CD or USB memory stick.  The space between the seats includes a nook for change or cell phones, two fixed cupholders, and the parking brake lever. The center console is split for two levels of storage and is now padded.  Safety features on all Patriot models include dual front airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, and active front head restraints. Torso-protecting front side impact airbags are an option.

Patriot Model Lineup

The 2012 Jeep Patriot comes with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and a choice of engines with manual and automatic transmissions.

Patriot Sport comes with cloth upholstery, carpeting, fog lamps, tinted glass, reclining front seats, 60/40-split folding rear seat, cruise control, smart-key engine immobilizer, and an AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA four-speaker stereo. All-wheel drive versions also have the 2.4-liter engine and rear disc brakes. Options include front side airbags, 17-inch aluminum wheels, air conditioning, media center radio, and the Power Value package with remote keyless entry, power windows/door locks/heated mirrors. An all-weather group adds tow hooks, block heater, floor mats, daytime running lights, aluminum wheels and P215/65R17 tires. /p>

Patriot Latitude X gets the big engine and rear disc brakes, chrome trim, climate control, leather upholstery, power driver's seat, Sirius radio and a 6CD/DVD audio system. Options include upgrades to radio with Garmin navigation, Boston-Acoustics speakers, plus the Sun & Sound, Security & Convenience, and tow packages.

TThe top-of-the-line Limited model adds a few extras including a larger four-cylinder engine, four-wheel disc brakes, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a six-way power driver seat and an upgraded sound system with a six-CD changer (optional on Sport) and satellite radio.

Optional on any Patriot are UConnect Phone with Bluetooth and/or Web service and a smoker's package. The Freedom II Off-Road group  upgrades 4WD models with a bigger alternator, skid plates, electronic traction assists, tow hooks, floor mats, P215/65R17 tires and full-size spare; it requires the CVT2L automatic transmission.

Conclusions

The Jeep Patriot offers off-highway capability in a compact SUV with a capable four-cylinder engine that gets decent fuel economy. The suspension is stable and comfortable, and cargo capacity is useful because all the passenger seats can easily fold flat.  If you are in the market for a new car, do not forget to take a look at the new 2012 Jeep Patriot.

Some of the information for this review was obtained through newcartestdrive.com