2010 Jeep Patriot Limited 4x4
By Joe DeMatio, Evan McCausland, Rusty Blackwell
Credit: Automobile Magazine (http://www.automobilemag.com)
Driving this Jeep left me with a deep sense of déjà vu. No, we haven't sampled a Patriot for a while, but we did drive a Compass Limited 4x4 last month. Apart from the exterior styling, the two were virtually identical -- along with the common platform, powertrain, and instrument panel, both were fitted with the same $5000-worth of options and equipment packages.
Apart from exterior design, the only major difference between the two is the all-wheel-drive system. Patriots are available with a CVT transmission with a lower crawl gear, along with an Off-Road Group that adds hill descent control, specially tuned electronic limited slip differential, and an extra inch of ground clearance.
That's fine and dandy, but most Patriots will spend the majority of their lives on paved surfaces. For the money, I'd rather spring for a compact SUV -- a Hyundai Tucson or a Kia Sportage, for instance -- that offers a little more style and sophistication on the open road.
Evan McCausland, Web Producer
Jeep recently unveiled the nicely revised 2011 Patriot, so this is our last go-round in the outgoing 2010 model, which has harder armrests, an old steering wheel, a stale exterior appearance, and ride and handling quality that are better suited to a Jeep Wrangler than a Jeep that's more on-road biased. I have high hopes for the '11 model, so at least this late experience in a '10 model will give me a better frame of reference for my first drive in that vehicle. In the meantime, I'm with Evan: I'd take a Kia Sportage over this Patriot any day of the week.
Rusty Blackwell, Copy Editor
Resist the temptation to snap up a 2010 Patriot that's languishing on your Jeep dealer's lot. Like my colleagues, I'd much prefer the new Kia Sportage. That is, unless you really go off-road a lot, in which case you should get a Jeep Wrangler four-door.
Joe DeMatio, Deputy Editor
2010 Jeep Patriot Limited 4x4
Base price (with destination): $25,180
Price as tested: $30,630
Standard Equipment:
2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine
5-speed manual transmission
Electronic stability program
4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Power windows/locks/mirrors
Cruise control
Remote keyless entry
Heated front seats
Sirius satellite radio
6-disc CD/DVD/MP3 changer
Auxiliary input jack
Options on this vehicle:
Sun and sound group -- $1295
Power sunroof
9 Boston Acoustic speakers with subwoofer
2 articulating liftgate speakers
Security and convenience group -- $1235
Remote start system
Uconnect phone with voice command
iPod control
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Tire pressure monitoring system
Continuously variable transmission -- $1050
Off-road crawl ratio Freedom drive II off-road group -- $825
Brake lock differential
Hill decent control
All-terrain tires
Full-size spare tire
Skid plates
Tow hooks
Engine oil cooler
Trailer tow wiring harness
Media center 730N -- $890
CD/DVD/HDD/Nav radio
30 GB hard drive with 4250 song capacity
6.5-inch touch-screen display
GPS navigation system
Automatic air conditioning -- $155
Key options not on vehicle:
Engine block heater -- $35
Fuel economy:
(city/hwy/combined)
20 / 22 / 21 mpg
Engine:
Size: 2.4L DOHC I-4
Horsepower: 172 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 166 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Drive: Four-wheel
Transmission: Continuously variable
Curb weight: 3392 lb
Wheels/tires: 17 x 6.5-inch polished aluminum wheels 215/65R17 all-terrain tires
Competitors: Subaru Forester, Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape
Credit: Automobile Magazine (http://www.automobilemag.com)
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