The 2009 Patriot is a classic Jeep model in the form of a compact sport utility vehicle. The Patriot will be used by most drivers on the road, but it does include components that provide it with off-road capability unparalleled by other vehicles in its class, once again showing that it is a true Jeep. Changes for 2009 include a significantly upgraded interior, with improved design and quality of materials. The Sport's radio is upgraded with an MP3 player and the seats are now cloth instead of vinyl. The Limited receives a 6-CD/DVD/MP3 player with SIRIUS satellite radio. The Jeep Patriot is available in two trims, Sport and Limited, which both have a standard 172-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. The Patriot shares its small-SUV platform with the Jeep Compass but offers off-road capability its sibling does not. It is available in front-wheel drive or with a four-wheel-drive system which utilizes a "lock" mode to enhance traction in inclement weather.
Powering and Driving the Patriot
The Jeep Patriot's 2.4-liter engine has good power, as it produces 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. It's responsive, but does sound gruff under heavy throttle, despite additional sound deadening material for 2009. The engine drives on a five-speed manual transmission and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is optional. A 158-hp 2.0L engine, available with the CVT only, is available on the FWD Sport trim. For those looking for off road capabilities, the optional Freedom Drive Off-Road Group includes a continuously variable transaxle with a low range that engages when the off-road mode is activated. The package also features hill-descent control, brake lock differential, and an extra inch of ground clearance. The five-speed manual gearbox is a a great choice, the lever comes out of the center stack above the driver's right knee, an improvement over being on the floor near the right thigh. Properly used, it brings out the potential of the engine. The 2009 Patriot suspension handles just about everything. Even in rough road conditions, the Patriot was stable and confident. On paved roads the Patriot feels light and nimble. The ride is steady over rough asphalt patches. The body is well isolated from the wheels.
The trail-rated Freedom Drive II off-road package adds one inch to the ground clearance for a total of 9 inches, allowing a 29-degree approach angle, a 33-degree departure angle, a 23-degree breakover angle, and enabling the Patriot to ford 19 inches of water, that last part thanks to more body sealing and higher drive train vents. Both AWD systems have a locking center differential that sends half the power to the rear wheels. They also have a brake lock differential that can shift the power from side to side on each axle, important in slippery terrain. The Freedom II package also gives the CVT a low range with a ratio of 19:1, good for crawling over obstacles. The Freedom II package includes Hill Descent Control that is automatically engaged when in Low range on steep downhill grades. It keeps the Jeep under 5 mph and under control, going down steep hills, even icy ones.
Patriot Design
On the outside, the Patriot offers consumers traditional Jeep appearance. The windshield and backlight on the Patriot are relatively vertical. The tailgate does not have separate opening glass. The Jeep seven-slot grille is flanked by round headlights. The bumpers are defined and not molded into the fascia. They're silver on the Limited and body color on the Sport; we think the Sport is cleaner looking. The Jeep Patriot is built on the platform of the Dodge Caliber, but it certainly looks larger. Overall, the Patriot looks more like a Liberty. The standard wheels are steel. Attractive aluminum wheels are standard on the Rocky Mountain and Limited models and optional for the Sport. The vehicle looks much better with the aluminum wheels.
2009 Patriot Lineup
The 2009 Jeep Patriot comes in three models, Sport, Rocky Mountain and Limited, with a choice of front-wheel drive (2WD) and two all-wheel drive (AWD) systems. Patriot Sport 2WD and AWD have cloth upholstery, air conditioning, outside-temperature indicator, AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary audio jack and four speakers, 60/40 split rear seat, tilt steering column, roof rails, and P205/70R16 all-season tires on steel wheels. AWD models also have a locking center differential and four-wheel antilock disc brakes.
Patriot Rocky Mountain 2WD and AWD add Yes Essentials cloth upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, height-adjustable driver's seat, fold-flat front passenger seat, Boston Acoustics sound system, Sirius satellite radio, liftgate speakers, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, sunroof, 115-volt power outlet, removable/rechargeable light, rubber floormats, rear privacy glass, and P215/60R17 tires on alloy wheels.
Patriot Limited 2WD and AWD add cruise control; leather upholstery; heated front seats; height-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar adjustment; fold-flat front passenger seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; a 6-disc CD changer; Sirius satellite radio; power windows, mirrors and locks; remote keyless entry; rear privacy glass; fog lamps; four-wheel disc brakes; and P215/60R17 tires on alloy wheels. The AWD model also gets a locking center differential.
Inside the Patriot
Past models of the Patriot are known for plasticky materials and cheap like cabins. The 2009 model has solved all those problems with a much revised interior. The seating position is high in the Patriot, two inches higher than in the Dodge Caliber; with the upright windshield, the forward visibility inspires confidence. The Jeep Patriot Sport's standard front seats have manual adjustment and come with cloth upholstery. They're OK, but the optional material called YES Essentials, which is stain, odor and static resistant, fits this Jeep's character better. The leather upholstery in the Limited is great, but it seems to overdress the Patriot. The cabin layout is functional and roomy. The Patriot now has a new dash, a reworked instrument cluster and padding on the center console and door armrests. The new dash is black instead of tan or gray and it has nicer graining and a more attractive shape, but it is still hard plastic. The climate and sound system controls are easy to understand and operate. The Patriot is more than four inches shorter than the Honda CR-V. It has a healthy 39.4 inches of rear leg room, nearly an inch more than the Honda. The standard rear seat is a 60/40 split. It folds flat easily. Simply flip up the seat cushion and flop down the seatback. Reclining rear seats are optional, as is a flat-folding front seat. With the rear seats folded flat, there's a spacious 54.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Fold down the passenger seat, and the Patriot has room for an eight-foot kayak. With all the seats in use there's 23 cubic feet in the back, comparable with any compact SUV.
Summary
Safety features on all 2009 Patriot models include dual front airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, and electronic stability control with rollover mitigation. Torso-protecting front side impact airbags are an option we recommend. Standard safety features include front and side-curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability program, and tire pressure monitoring. A power sunroof is available, and the MyGIG entertainment system with hard drive, UConnect wireless connectivity and navigation system, is a new option. For a closer look, read a 2009 Patriot review by Edmunds.com. Consumers love the Patriot for its traditional Jeep styling, modern amenities, new cabin, and off road capabilities. It is available at a great starting price, and handles well as a daily commuter or a vehicle for a small family.
