The 2017 Jeep Patriot is a compact crossover SUV on its final tour of duty. Or at least the last model year for this generation. The all-new 2017 Compass really replaces this model as well as the old Compass. The Patriot does its best to wear its maker’s renowned name with pride. It offers a Trail-Rated version with a 4×4 crawl mode, so it’s more effective in the wild than light-duty rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage. But this pricey rock-crawling hardware takes a bite out of the Patriot’s value proposition as one of the most affordable compact crossover SUVs on sale in the United States. With styling that recalls Jeep products of the mid-1990s, the Patriot rocks a semi-retro vibe that may work for first-time Jeep buyers. But that audience might prefer the newer Compass or Renegade models.

Autotrader’s Advice:

Considering the Patriot is being phased out, there might be some good deals around. The Freedom Drive II setup is the clearest (perhaps only) advantage over the competition, if off-roading is a pastime or a necessity, but it isn’t cheap.

What We Like:

Low entry price; standard manual transmission; real off-road capability with Freedom Drive II.

What We Don’t:

Crude engines; nasty continuously variable transmission (CVT); poor acceleration with base engine; budget interior; elevated road noise; poor crash-test scores.

Original MSRP:

$19,035-$23,535 (when new).

MPG:

The base engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder rated at 158 horsepower and 141 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is either a 5-speed manual or the automatic option is a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is the sole setup with this engine. With the manual transmission, the EPA, estimates fuel consumption at 23 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg combined. When this engine is paired with the CVT, consumption is 22 mpg city/26 mpg hwy/24 mpg combined. The upgraded engine is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder making 172 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is again standard, but two different all-wheel-drive systems can be ordered, including the off-road ready Freedom Drive II, which uses a CVT system that simulates low-range gearing. All other 2.4-liter Patriot models have the 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. Fuel economy starts at 22 mpg city/27 mpg hwy/24 mpg combined with the manual, dropping to 21 mpg city/27 mpg hwy/23 mpg combined with the 6-speed automatic (20 mpg city/25 mpg hwy/22 mpg combined with all-wheel drive) and 20 mpg city/23 mpg hwy/21 mpg combined with the Freedom Drive II/CVT combination.

Standard Features & Options:

The 2017 Jeep Patriot is available in Sport and Latitude trim levels. High Altitude is special-edition model based on the Latitude level. The High Altitude package adds a sunroof, 17-in alloy wheels, chrome exterior accents, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and leather upholstery. Specifying the Freedom Drive I all-wheel-drive system inflates the bottom line considerably, because it also requires the 2.4-liter engine. Freedom Drive II adds simulated low-range gearing, skid plates, oil cooler and other off-road-oriented aids. A touchscreen infotainment interface with digital music storage, navigation, engine heater, rearview camera, Wi-Fi hotspot, USB port, Bluetooth, tow hook, and a premium Boston Acoustics 9-speaker audio system (with flip-down tailgate speakers) are also available. Cargo space behind the rear seats is 23 cu ft. This expands to 53.5 cu ft when those seats are folded down. Neither figure puts the Patriot in a particularly good light.

2017 Jeep Patriot Sport ($19,035, when new) starts with 16-in steel wheels, fog lights, roof rails, cruise control, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, cloth upholstery, Bluetooth, plus a 4-speaker audio system with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio input. Remarkably, air conditioning is not standard, nor are power windows or locks. But they are on the options list.

2017 Jeep Patriot Latitude ($23,535, when new) comes with air conditioning, power accessories, leather-wrapped steering wheel with auxiliary controls, heated front seats (including driver’s-side height adjustment), reclining rear seats, and a 115-volt power outlet.

Safety:

Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes with 4-wheel discs on all-wheel-drive models but inferior rear drums on front-wheel-drive models, stability control and six airbags (front, front side and full-length side curtain). In government crash tests, the Patriot received three stars for front impacts (there is no side-impact or overall rating). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Patriot its highest rating of Good in all categories except the small-overlap frontal-offset test, where it scored Poor (the lowest rating of four).

Behind the Wheel:

It looks like a cool SUV in photos, but the Patriot quickly reveals its mediocrity once you get inside. Cabin materials are about as cheap as you’ll find these days. And it’s almost unbelievable that the Sport comes with crank windows, manual locks and no air conditioning. Even with all those optional luxuries specified, the interior still has a low-budget air. Both engines can be loud, and only the 2.4-liter unit accelerates with anything approaching verve. The 6-speed automatic is more satisfying than the CVT, but it can only do so much. The ride quality is so-so. The steering is vague and slow to respond, with too much play in the wheel. Opt for Freedom Drive II and the Patriot will do a decent impression of a real SUV in the bushes. But at just 23 mpg on the highway, there will be pain at the gas pump. Worst of all, it means being stuck with the CVT, which is one of the least pleasant examples of its kind. Still, the Patriot with Freedom Drive II is on a short list of compact crossovers with genuine off-road chops. Don’t forget to check out the new Renegade, though. It’s quite a capable machine and much more attractive in so many ways.

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