Jeep Patriot

Jeep Patriot

The 2011 Jeep Patriot ranks 20 out of 23 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 48 published reviews and test drives of the Jeep Patriot, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.The Jeep Patriotis an affordable off-road SUV. And, while reviewers say it’s one of the most comfortable off-roaders you can by, it still can’t compete with smoother-riding crossovers.

Compact SUV buyers are generally looking for comfortable and practical runabouts with a touch of go-anywhere capability. Reviewers say that the Jeep Patriot is just the opposite: a capable off-road SUV with a touch of practicality and comfort. While it’s an affordable off-road SUV, it’s just not as easy-to-live with as most compact SUV competition.

Jeep Patriot

However, Jeep Patriot that doesn’t stop some reviewers for recommending the Jeep Patriot for its great fuel economy and low base price. Plus, with updates for this year, its interior is improved, and there are some high-tech optional features. But, reviewers complain about its uncomfortable rear seats and short list of standard features. If you want to go off-road and don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Patriot makes sense. For buyers who want a comfortable in-town runner, it doesn’t.If you want something more comfortable than the Jeep Patriot, you’ll have to pay more and give up some off-roading ability to get it. The 2011 Kia Sportage is an affordable small SUV that trumps the Patriot when it comes to interior comfort and standard features. It starts at about $500 more than the Patriot, and while it lacks the Patriots classically-Jeep styling, reviewers say it’s a more well-rounded SUV.

You can gain some around-town comfort while keeping some rugged ability by going for the Subaru Forester. Reviewers like the Forester’s practical interior and great safety scores. While it is about $2,000 more than the Jeep Patriot, it has standard all-wheel drive. You have to pay about $1,500 extra on top of the Patriot’s base price to get a four-wheel drive model, so in the end, you only end up paying about $500 more for the Subaru.

Jeep Patriot

While the Jeep Patriot base model lacks standard features, you can get some pretty high-tech systems as options. Chrysler’s Uconnect voice command system is a stand-alone option on all models, and you can also get things like flip down tailgate speakers for outdoor parties.  Reviewers say that, overall, the Jeep Patriot interior features work well, but they wish for more standards and nicer materials