Review: Jeep MK Patriot (2007-16)

Review: Jeep MK.I Patriot (2007-11)

Overview

Released in August 2007, the Jeep MK Series I (MK.I) Patriot was a five-seat, compact SUV. Manufactured in Illinois, USA, the MK.I Patriot was initially available with either a 2.4-litre petrol engine (‘2.4L’) or a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine (‘2.0L CRD’), and in Sport and Limited editions.

Drivetrains

Of the engines,

• the 2.0-litre Volkswagen turbo-diesel engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, Pumpe Duse direct injection, a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 18.0:1; and,
• the 2.4-litre petrol engine had an aluminium block, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

The 2.0L CRD variants were solely available with a six-speed manual transmission, while the 2.4L was available with either a five-speed manual or Jeep’s ‘AutoStick’ continuously variable transmission which had six pre-set ratios and a sequential shift mode.

4WD system

The Patriot was fitted with Jeep’s ‘Freedom Drive I’ 4WD system. Below 16 km/h, torque was split 50:50 between the front and rear axles; beyond this, torque was primarily sent to the front-wheels, but the electronically-controlled centre coupling could redirect up to 50 per cent of the torque to the rear axle if traction was lost. The system also featured a ‘lock’ mode that could provide a fixed 50:50 front/rear torque split. The Patriot was not, however, fitted with low range gears.

Dimensions

Compared to the MK Compass with which it shared its platform, the Patriot was 3 mm longer (at 4408 mm), 25 mm narrower (1785 mm) and 28 mm taller (1658 mm); wheelbase length, however, was unchanged (2635 mm).

Suspension

The Jeep MK Patriot had MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension (both with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars).

Safety equipment

Safety equipment for the Jeep Patriot included dual front airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, rollover stability control (‘electronic rollover mitigation’) active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Seat-mounted front side airbags were optional.

Features: Patriot Sport and Limited

Standard features for the Jeep Patriot Sport included 17-inch alloys, a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, remote central locking, 60/40 split and flat folding rear seats, power windows and mirrors, power folding and heated mirrors, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, roof rails, cargo cover, trip computer, motion-sensing alarm and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Patriot Limited added leather seats, six-stack CD player and MP3-compatibility, leather seats, cruise control, heated front seats, front fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, roof racks and a privacy glass rear windows and tyre pressure sensors.

October 2009: Patriot update

In October 2009, the Patriot 2.0L CRD was discontinued and the range underwent a minor update; the suspension was revised for an improved ride, the interior trim was upgraded and greater sound insulation and exhaust modifications improved refinement.

Related links

• Brochure: Jeep MK.I Patriot (June 2010)

Review: Jeep MK.II Patriot (2011-16)

Overview

Released in May 2011, the Jeep MK Series II (MK.II) Patriot introduced a revised interior and subtle facelift. The MK.II Patriot also introduced a revised suspension setup that included a larger rear sway bar and greater ground clearance. The range itself was initially unchanged, though a front-wheel drive 2.0L variant was introduced in February 2012. The 2.0-litre petrol engine had similar specifications to its 2.4-litre counterpart.

Visually, the MK.II Patriot could be identified by its mesh-finish grille, more angular bumpers, clearer headlight lenses, greater side cladding and new 17-inch aluminium wheel designs. Inside, there were new soft-touch door trims, seat fabrics, switch backlighting, centre armrest and steering wheel with audio, cruise and phone controls.

In July 2013, the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) were replaced by six-speed automatic transmissions for the 2.4L variants.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing conducted in 2014, the front-wheel drive MK.II Patriot received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 32.73 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection of the front passengers’ heads and upper legs were rated as good, though chest and lower leg protection were rated as acceptable (i.e. a slight risk of serious injury).

Features: Patriot Sport and Limited

Standard features were substantially the same as the MK.I Patriot, though the Sport edition gained cruise control and the Limited received climate control air conditioning.

2011 Patriot 70^thAnniversary edition

In May 2011, 70th Anniversary editions were released of the Patriot. Based on the Limited, the 70^thAnniversary Patriot added 18-inch aluminium wheels, stainless steel mesh grille, power sunroof, leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with chestnut accents, berber floor mats, cargo mats, dark green cluster overlay and ’70th Anniversary’ badges.

2014 Patriot Blackhawk

Released in July 2014, the Patriot Blackhawk was similarly equipped to the Sport edition but could be identified by its 17-inch black painted allow wheels, premium cloth low bucket seats, heated front seats, gloss black grille, body-coloured rear bumper with step pads and gloss black ‘Jeep’ and ‘Blackhawk’ badging.

2016 Jeep Patriot 75^thAnniversary edition

Released in 2016, the Jeep Patriot 75^thAnniversary edition was based on the Patriot Sport but could be identified by its low gloss bronze alloy wheels, roof rails, front fascia appliqué, rear step pad, badges and tow hooks (where fitted). The Jeep Patriot 75^thAnniversary edition was available in Recon Green, Black, Bright White, Billet Silver and Granite Crystal paint finishes.

Features for the Jeep Patriot 75^thAnniversary edition included a power sunroof and remote start.

Related links

• Buyer’s Guide: Jeep MK.II Patriot (December 2015)
• Jeep Australia: Jeep Patriot
• Wikipedia.org: Jeep MK Patriot