Ken Garff West Valley Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram

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See Our New 2011 Jeep Patriot Inventory in Salt Lake City, UT

2011 Jeep Patriot Design

For 2011, the front end styling has been cleaned up, a little neater and tidier than before. On Patriot Latitude X models much trim is done in bright surfaces but we find the body-color trim of the other models more appealing, and more befitting a Jeep. Tow hooks and roof-rail crossbars are optional, and we'd prefer the fog lamps were further apart.

Eschewing trends to make everything lower and more car-like, the 2011 Patriot rides a little bit higher than the 2010 version and it has half-an-inch more ground clearance. You won't find that a benefit until it's the half-inch that makes a difference but it doesn't hurt in Patriot's quest to make a cute-ute look more macho.

For 2011, the rear end gets an update to match the front and it's the biggest improvement. Although it's acceptable for trucks and genuine four-wheel drives to have lots of mechanical bits visible underneath it's less desirable in a compact crossover. To that end the rear bumper on the 2011 Patriot is deeper and almost totally hides the muffler that looked like a large industrial afterthought on earlier versions.

Handling of the 2011 Jeep Patriot

WWe tested the Freedom Drive II combination on an off-road trail in the Arizona desert, led by a member of the local Jeep club. We crossed some ridges and ditches that raised one front or one rear wheel two feet in the air. It felt effortless, as the Patriot just slowly and securely picked its way over. We made a sharp U-turn that showed off the tight turning radius. In a sand pit, the off-road brake traction control dabbed the brakes of the slipping wheel or wheels, and pulled the Jeep through.

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. You can take both feet off the pedals and it will do its thing. It's a great setup.

We hit a sandy gulley and floored it, racing up to 45 mph, engine screaming at nearly redline with our foot on the floor, and the CVT stayed in low range because it's usable up to about 45 mph. The main thing is, driving flat-out in a straight line over the washboard surface, with the wheels bouncing every which direction, the Patriot remained controllable, responsive and tracked true. We hit a couple of washboard curves, trusting in the stability control to keep the Jeep from bashing into the rocks, and it did. Below 35 mph, the ESP only uses the brakes to keep the Jeep on the line; above 35 it also cuts the throttle, if necessary.

2011 Jeep Patriot Lineup

The 2011 Jeep Patriot comes with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and a choice of engines with manual and automatic transmissions.

Patriot Sport comes with cloth upholstery, carpeting, fog lamps, tinted glass, reclining front seats, 60/40-split folding rear seat, cruise control, smart-key engine immobilizer, and an AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA four-speaker stereo. All-wheel drive versions also have the 2.4-liter engine and rear disc brakes. Options include front side airbags, 17-inch aluminum wheels, air conditioning, media center radio, and the Power Value package with remote keyless entry, power windows/door locks/heated mirrors. An all-weather group  adds tow hooks, block heater, floor mats, daytime running lights, aluminum wheels and P215/65R17 tires.

Patriot Latitude X gets the big engine and rear disc brakes, chrome trim, climate control, leather upholstery, power driver's seat, Sirius radio and a 6CD/DVD audio system. Options include upgrades to radio with Garmin navigation, Boston-Acoustics speakers, plus the Sun & Sound, Security & Convenience, and tow packages.

Optional on any Patriot are UConnect Phone with Bluetooth and/or Web service and a smoker's package. The Freedom II Off-Road group upgrades 4WD models with a bigger alternator, skid plates, electronic traction assists, tow hooks, floor mats, P215/65R17 tires and full-size spare; it requires the CVT2L automatic transmission. (All New Car Test Drive prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices, which do not include destination charge and may change at any time without notice.)

Interior of the 2011 Jeep Patriot

The space between the seats includes a nook for change or cell phones, two fixed cupholders, and the parking brake lever. The center console is split for two levels of storage and is now padded.

The door pockets are on the small side, but they can hold six CD cases; much of the space is taken up by the 6x9-inch speakers. The door handles are easy to use. There's a nice tray over the good-sized glove compartment that's big enough for books.

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 passenger 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 something eight feet long. With all the seats in use there's 23 cubic feet in the back, comparable with any compact SUV.

The hatch glass does not open separately but the hatch itself isn't that heavy. A removable carpeted floor lines the cargo area and hides a real full-size spare tire underneath on most models. That cargo deck is a relatively high 31 inches off the floor so the maximum cargo height opening is 27.4 inches, and taller people should watch their head beneath the open hatch.

Conclusion

The Jeep Patriot offers off-highway capability in a compact SUV with a capable four-cylinder engine that gets decent fuel economy. The suspension is stable and comfortable, and cargo capacity is useful because all the passenger seats can easily fold flat. The interior updates for 2011 have improved the cabin greatly.