The toughness of the Patriot isn’t just skin-deep. Although front-wheel drive is standard, there are two available all-wheel-drive systems. One of the Patriot’s optional all-wheel-drive systems is geared toward on-road traction, but the other, dubbed Freedom II, earns the Patriot Jeep’s Trail Rated badge. That means that Patriots with Freedom II can climb and scurry over scabbard lands and hop over rocks like other Jeeps with the badge. Freedom II models also get a crawling “gear” for the continuously variable transmission.

Two engines are offered in the Patriot. All but the most basic versions get a 172-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that mates to a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that offers seamless power delivery without shifts. Basic Sport versions have an available 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 hp that’s available with the manual or the CVT.

The 2.0-liter four delivers 23 mpg city and 27 mpg highway on the EPA cycle. The 2.4-liter achieves 23 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway when equipped with the five-speed manual. Order the CVT, and fuel economy suffers slightly—front-drive models get 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, and the all-wheel-drive models come in at 20 mpg city and 22 mpg on the highway. For those who have light things to tow, the Patriot can handle up to 2000 pounds.

The interior of the Patriot is upgraded and updated for 2009. Previously, the interior drew rants for its plasticky and cheap construction; the ’09 update addresses most of our complaints. The interior of the Patriot is spacious and comfortable. The seating position is high and well off the ground, and the rear seat is larger than one might expect, with 49 cubic feet of room. Cargo space under the rear hatch is similarly excellent; a flat, low cargo floor makes loading and unloading groceries or boxes easy.

Compared with some of its competitors, the Patriot can feel a bit unrefined, and it isn’t very fun to drive.

Verdict

The Patriot is a handsome little trucklet that is based on a car and delivers carlike fuel economy, but Jeep has engineered it to be able to have serious off-road chops. Some refinement issues—both engines sound particularly coarse, especially with the CVT—and a substandard driving experience are of concern, but the Patriot’s price and good looks might be enough to sway some buyers.