2009 Jeep Patriot: Road Test
2009 Jeep Patriot ▼
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- MSRP: $17,540 - $23,980
- Invoice: $16,507 - $22,432
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Our road test for the 2009 Jeep Patriot includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Jeep Patriot from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Jeep Patriot, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Jeep Patriot help you decide if a 2009 Jeep Patriot is right for you.
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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 | 5 |
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 | 5.4 |
Comfortable and stable. Some float over larger dips and jiggling over highway expansion joints is noticeable. The Off Road Group includes 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 | 4.5 |
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 | 6.2 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Redesigned-for-'09 cabin decor brings this compact SUV more in step with class competitors, via higher-grade plastics, more soft-touch surfaces, and a more-solid feel than previous Patriot models.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD Sport, CVT | AWD Limited, manual | AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Ample headroom. High-mounted seats contribute to generous legroom. 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 | 5.3 |
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 | 8.1 |
The cargo area is enhanced by available flat-folding front passenger seat. The rear seats fold completely flat. 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 | 5.8 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | 60 | 59 | 61.1 |
Total Score: 60
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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