Acceleration

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT	Class Average
4	4	4	4.7

Patriot is most spry with the manual transmission, though none are really quick. Adequate pull from a stop with either transmission, though models with the CVT struggle in passing and merging. We have not yet tested a Patriot with the 158-hp engine, but expect its performance to be marginal at best.

Fuel Economy

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	4.9

In Consumer Guide testing, an AWD Sport with CVT averaged 21.1 mpg. Patriot uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT	Class Average
6	6	5	5.3

Comfortable and stable. Some float over larger dips and jiggling over highway expansion joints is noticeable. The Off Road Group includes stiffer springs and all-terrain tires and has only a modest impact on ride quality.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	4.8

Accurate, natural-feeling steering. Composure is good at highway speed with moderate body lean in corners. Brakes have a reassuring pedal feel.

Quietness

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT	Class Average
5	5	4	4.7

Generally well hushed. Wind noise is somewhat elevated compared to Compass. Some road noise is always present, elevated further with Off Road Group's more aggressively treaded tires. In models tested, engine noise is always present and is especially intrusive during acceleration.

Controls

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	6

Gauges are large and easy to read. Controls are handy and logically placed.

Details

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT	Class Average
4	4	4	5.1

Overall cabin quality is below the class norm. Switchgear lacks precision feel, and hard, unyielding plastic dominates the decor--though some testers feel the interior decor is appropriate to Patriot's rugged pretense.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	6.1

Ample headroom. High-mounted seats contribute to generous legroom. The fold-out cell phone/MP3 player holder in the center console is a nice touch, but when used, it renders the armrest useless and obscures the shifter. Visibility is good all around.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	4.8

Adult-size headroom and legroom. However, the flat, too-soft seat lacks support. Narrow door openings complicate entry and exit.

Cargo Room

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT	Class Average
8	8	8	8.2

The cargo area is enhanced by available flat-folding front passenger seat. The rear seats fold completely flat. The hard-rubber floor is easy to clean, perfect for carrying dirty, messy cargo. Limited interior storage includes a small center console and tiny door pockets.

Value within Class

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT	Class Average
5	4	5	5.6

Compared to the mechanically similar Jeep Compass, Patriot feels more like an authentic Jeep. Compass and Patriot lack the on-road polish and cabin refinement of other vehicles in this class, but Patriot compensates somewhat with impressive available off-road capability. Most shoppers will be better served by more street-oriented trucks like the Honda CR-V or Suzuki Grand Vitara, the latter of which rivals Patriot's off-road prowess. But as a daily driver ready for the occasional off-road foray, a properly equipped Patriot makes some sense.

Total Score

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT	Class Average
60	59	58	60.2

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		42
Average Score		60
High Score		70