The freedom to roam

Looking to get into another Jeep® but don’t necessarily want to break the bank? The 2017 Jeep® Patriot is just the vehicle you need. It has space for up for five passengers and all the comfort and capability you expect from a Jeep. It also boasts signature Jeep performance, meaning you can feel confident driving it on or off road. And the best part? It starts at an attractive $17,895. *

Performance

Performance is what makes a Jeep, well, a Jeep, and we’re happy to report that the Patriot is equipped to tackle whatever life throws its way.

The Jeep Patriot offers two four-cylinder engines and a trio of transmissions. The base engine is a 2.0-liter that's fitted to front-wheel-drive (FWD) models only, but if you want true 4WD, you’ll need to go with the more powerful 2.4-liter engine. Both engines are fitted with a standard 5-speed manual transmission, while available automatic transmission offerings consist of a 6-speed or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

When it comes to venturing off the paved road, the Patriot is ready with two available and outstanding systems. Freedom Drive I™ provides drivers with active, full-time 4x4 capability, complete with Brake Traction Control and selectable LOCK mode. Freedom Drive I™ also features an Electronically Controlled Coupling (ECC) that monitors wheel slippage and transfers torque to the axle that can use it most. In tough conditions, it can be locked 50/50 front/rear for added low-speed capability and control.

Freedom Drive II® delivers even more capability, building upon Freedom Drive I™ by adding a selectable locking Off-Road mode with Hill Descent Control (HDC) along with grade-sensing features and a boost to the crawl ratio for use in more rugged conditions. When not in low-speed Off-Road LOCK mode, torque is adjusted on demand for added control and efficiency. This system’s capability and control handles difficult situations both on- and off-road, including deep snow, mud and up to 19 inches of water.

But that’s not all. Drivers looking to tow a trailer or pair of jet skis will be pleased to know that the Patriot is more than capable, thanks to its 2,000-pound towing capacity.

Perhaps even more impressive than its rugged utility and off-road capability is the Patriot’s fuel economy. Depending on engine and transmission, the 2017 Jeep Patriot can return up to 30 mpg highway. **

Features

We’ve already established that the 2017 Jeep Patriot is capable, but it’s also packed with great features that will make trips short and long more enjoyable—all at an attractive price.

Starting with the base Sport model, highlights for the 2017 Patriot include 16-inch wheels, roof rails, foglights, and cruise control. Also standard are Bluetooth® connectivity and a four-speaker sound system—compete with CD player, satellite radio, and auxiliary audio jack.

The Sport model can be further enhanced by selecting an available Power Value Group, which adds features like upgraded exterior trim, power accessories, heated mirrors, and remote keyless entry, to name a few. There’s also a Sport SE package that adds a number of premium features such as 17-inch gray alloy wheels, gloss-gray exterior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls, heated front seats, and cloth and mesh upholstery.

Step up to the Patriot Latitude and you can expect even more goodies. The Latitude incorporates all the standard and additional features of the Sport trim, along with the contents of the Power Value Group and Sport SE package, plus air-conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, with integrated audio controls, heated front seats, and more.

Both Sport and Latitude models can also be outfitted with additional standalone features. A few more popular items include Wi-Fi hotspot capability, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an optional rearview camera.

Design

While the Patriot won’t be mistaken for its Wrangler sibling, it smartly employs the Jeep’s iconic styling. Jeep fans will appreciate its boxy shape, its front grille (replete with Jeep’s iconic seven vertical slots), and signature round headlights.

For added toughness, models equipped with the Freedom Drive II® off-road package sport skidplates and tow hooks.

The 2017 Jeep Patriot features a spacious interior with soft-touch points for added comfort. Handsome chrome accents along with an available stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel demonstrate the vehicle’s renowned workmanship. There are even available flip-down liftgate speakers that let you take your music outdoors.

Speaking of outdoors, when you’re ready to heed the call of adventure, the 2017 Patriot is equipped to ensure you do so with ease, thanks to its intelligent 60/40 split-folding reclining rear seats that yield 53.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

Safety

The 2017 Jeep Patriot is committed to getting you where you need to go as safely as possible. Front-wheel-drive Sport and Latitude trims come standard with antilock brakes that include front discs and rear drums. All Patriots with Freedom Drive I™ or Freedom Drive II® get disc brakes front and rear. Traction and stability control are standard regardless, as are front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Verdict

Signature Jeep performance and quality make the 2017 Patriot a smart choice for the would-be adventurer, especially one on a budget.

To schedule a test drive of this or any of our other Jeep models, contact us online or visit Cutter Automotive Galleries at 805 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813.

*MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification.

** EPA estimated mph with 2.0L engine and five-speed manual transmission, 4x2. Actual mileage may vary.

Image Credit: Jeep®