Second-Hand Jeep Patriot
Used Jeep Patriot
Launched in 2007 alongside the Compass, the Patriot has a more slab-sided conventional 4x4 appearance than its rather softer styled sister car. It's unmistakably a Jeep, with styling cues taken from the older Cherokee. In 2008 a smoother look to the instrument panel was introduced alongside a redesigned centre console and door panels. In 2011 the model got a facelift, improved trim and the Mercedes 2.2-litre diesel engine. All Patriots are four-wheel drive with Jeep's Freedom Drive 1 system that drives the front wheels most of the time and transfers power to the back only as needed.
What You Get
Trim levels are Sport and Limited in early cars with the 2011 facelift adding Sport+ trim in between and Overland at the top end. All used Patriots have a good spec list, including front and curtain airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, air con, electric windows, adjustable steering column, ABS, stability control and roll mitigation. Limited versions get leather trim plus an infotainment system including six-CD audio, MP3 compatibility and Bluetooth. The 2011 Patriot facelift brings hill start assist and leather handbrake and steering wheel to Sport models. The Limited gets a power operated driver's seat. Buy the top of the range Overland and you get 18-inch alloys, classier leather seats, rear park assist, tyre pressure monitoring and chrome scuff plates on the sills.
How it Drives
The Jeep Patriot is a fairly compact car and is lighter than some rivals, so it turns in decent performance. The 2.0 diesel will do the 0-62 sprint in 11 seconds and top out at 117 mph. The 2.4 petrol accelerates fractionally quicker (10.7) but can only manage 112. The diesel gives you more mid-range pulling power but can feel a bit sluggish at low speed when it's off boost. Body roll is well controlled and the full-time 4x4 system gives plenty of grip, so it inspires confidence on the road. It's a much more capable off-roader than its size and styling might suggest. The front seats have plenty of adjustment, so it's comfortable on long journeys and there's plenty of luggage space.