The 2012 Jeep Patriot is ranked among the most affordable crossover SUVs. It is available in three trim levels: Limited, Latitude and Sport.
As a compact crossover, this SUV is effective in all terrain mobility. The Jeep Patriot has a seating capacity for five and shares the platform with the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $15,995.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.5 gallons (51 l) | MPG: 23 city / 29 hwy |
| Length: 173.8 in. (441.4 cm) | Wheel Base: 103.7 in. (263.4 cm) |
| Height: 66.8 in. (169.6 cm) | Width: 69.2 in. (175.8 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3273 lbs (1485 kg) | Ground Clearance: 8.1 in. (20.5 cm) |
| Cargo Capacity: 23.0 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 16-Valve I4 DOHC | Displacement: 2.0 Liter |
| Horsepower: 158 HP | Max RPM: 6400 RPM |
| Torque: 141 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Manual |
| Max Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs (907 kgs) | Maximum Speed: NA |
| Option:Sport 4×4 | MSRP: $17,745; MPG: 22 city / 28 hwy |
| Option:Latitude 4×2 | MSRP: $19,745; MPG: 23 city / 29 hwy |
| Option:Latitude 4×4 | MSRP: $22,780; MPG: 21 city / 26 hwy |
| Option:Limited 4×2 | MSRP: $23,560; MPG: 21 city / 27 hwy |
| Option:Limited 4×4 | MSRP: $25,330; MPG: 21 city / 26 hwy |
Engine & Performance
The Latitude and Sport models use 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that gives you 158 horsepower and 141 lbs-ft of torque. This engine is mounted on a 5-speed manual transmission, with an option of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
An optional 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 172 horsepower is also available. 2-wheel drive Jeep Patriots with 2.0 liter powertrain rates at 29 mpg on highway and 23mpg in cities under manual transmission. On the other hand, 4-wheel drive, which is only available with a 2.4L engine, averages at 22/28 city/highway. A 4-wheel drive Patriot goes from 0 to 60 mph in 10.3 seconds.
Exterior
The eye-catching style of this SUV is first of all reflected by the body-color 7-slot grille and the distinctive trapezoidal wheel arches. The Sport trim Patriot comes with 16-inch steel wheel, rear privacy glass, fog lamps, and roof rack side rails among other standard exterior features. The robust Patriot’s off-road capabilities are enhanced by the lower body side cladding. The midrange Latitude trim is offered in 17-inch alloy wheels.
Interior
This SUV features a tasteful chrome accented interior with soft-touch for extra comfort. Some of the basic interior features include: stereo, cloth upholstery, outside temperature display, tilt-only steering wheel with audio controls, auxiliary input jack and air conditioning.
The patriot can also be equipped with extra high-tech systems such as UConnect Web that turns it into a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a stand-alone Chrysler’s UConnect voice command system. Although the Patriot is a small SUV, it has remarkable cargo space. Behind the rear seats, is a 23 cubic feet of cargo space that can be increased to 53.5 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded.
The Latitude trims come with remote ignition, height adjustable driver’s seat, leather wrapped steering wheel, fold-flat front passenger seat and a trip computer. The Limited edition adds extra features to those in the Latitude by including automatic climate control, 6-way power driver seat, an upgraded sound system with 6-CD changer, and satellite radio.
Safety & Reliability
All 2012 Patriot trims are fitted with several safety features that include: stability and traction control, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, anti-lock brakes, child safety locks, driver and passenger airbags, and rear head airbag.
In addition, the Jeep Patriot is backed with a 3-years or 36,000 mile warranty that includes towing assistance. The engine is covered by a 5-year or 100,000 miles warranty.
Pros
- Affordable price.
- Off-road ability.
- Unpretentious exterior.
- Jeep-lite styling.
- Easy to maneuver and park.
- Good driving visibility and position.
Cons
- Few standard features.
- Unrefined cabin.
- Underpowered powertrain
- Limited cargo space.
- Uncomfortable rear seats.
The 2012 Jeep Patriot is suitable for people who want compact crossovers for on-road use, but still want off-roading options now and then. The SUV is cheaper than most crossover SUVs in its class.
Competition
The Patriot joins the Kia Sportage (MSRP $20,800; 22 city / 32 hwy), Subaru Forester (MSRP $20,595; 21 city / 27 hwy), and the VW Tiguan (MSRP $22,840; 18 city / 26 hwy) in this small to mid-size SUV segment.
Overall Rating
60 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2012 Jeep Patriot has a roomy and versatile layout that makes good use of its compact footprint; but interior materials and a lack of cabin refinement still scream ‘low rent,’ even next to affordable rivals.”Car Connection
“Accurate, natural-feeling steering. Composure is good at highway speed with moderate body lean in corners. Brakes have a reassuring pedal feel.”Consumer Guide
“This small SUV has a compliant ride and mostly simple controls, but handling lacks agility, the noisy 2.4-liter four-cylinder gets just 21 mpg overall, and the CVT exacerbates the coarse engine noise. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“If all-season driving means you need power to each and every wheel, the Jeep Patriot with 4WD is a viable contender in the category.”KBB
“Those wanting a cheap way to travel off the beaten path might want to consider the 2012 Jeep Patriot. But in most other areas, the Patriot is outclassed.”Edmunds
