10 Reasons to Buy a 2016 Jeep Patriot Before it Ends Production

2016 Jeep Patriot

The 2016 Jeep Patriot is one of the longest-serving veterans of the Jeep army, still leveraging much of the same hardware it had when it was first introduced a decade ago. But the Patriot can provide its share of potential benefits for today’s drivers, especially because the segment in which it competes is still in flux: The Patriot’s footprint makes it a few inches longer than the slowly growing subcompact-crossover class but also a few inches shorter than mainstream compact crossovers, and its pricing is lower than for both segments. As a result, the Patriot will soldier on for one more model year, even as the newer Renegade and Cherokee continue to establish themselves among the next-gen entries.

1) Price

The party line here is that the 2016 Jeep Patriot is the “best-priced SUV in America,” and that’s because the bottom line includes an MSRP of $17,595. That’s substantially lower than the entry point for vehicles like the Chevy Trax or Honda HR-V—$20,300 and $19,115, respectively—despite the fact those newer vehicles are noticeably smaller in key measures than the Patriot. For isntance, the Patriot is 173.8 inches long, while those rivals are both shorter than 170 inches and offer less cargo space, too. Moreover, Jeep is likely to continue offering customer cash to keep supporting the Patriot’s final sales season. The flipside of the Patriot’s pricing advantage, however, does have to be discussed. Jeep did add features like Uconnect hands-free technology and SiriusXM radio to the vehicle’s standard content list for 2016, but that menu is missing things like air conditioning, power windows and power locks.

2) Fuel efficiency

Jeep has introduced a bevy of new powertrain technologies to help boost fuel economy in its next-gen products, from the EcoDiesel engine of the Grand Cherokee to a sophisticated four-wheel-drive setup with rear-axle disconnect functionality that’s found across the latest lineup. And even though the 2016 Jeep Patriot doesn’t offer any of those resources, its standard powertrain serves up fuel efficiency ratings of 23 city/30 highway/26 combined mpg—which, per the EPA, translates into annual fuel costs that exactly match those of today’s “average” new vehicles. It’s also worth calling out the powertrain delivering that performance, since it includes a five-speed manual transmission. True, not everyone enjoys the DIY approach to shifting, but drivers that do actually can’t in such automatic-only competitors as the Trax or the Mazda CX-3. On the other hand, beyond its standard transmission, the Patriot also supplies an automatic and, for its premium engine, a continuously variable transmission.

3) Four-wheel-drive capability

As you might guess, the 2016 Jeep Patriot delivers exceptional four-wheel-drive capabilities as compared to the typical small crossovers. Now, like those vehicles, the Patriot furnishes an active all-wheel-drive setup designed for daily driving in difficult weather conditions, with the system usually engaging only as needed. But the brand one-ups the traditional all-wheel-drive system by also leveraging a lockable center coupling, for tougher traction scenarios, and then breaking out an off-road package for “trail-rated” performance. Backed by an advanced CVT that provides a dedicated low-range—and a 19:1 crawl ratio—this setup is bolstered by 17-inch all-terrain tires, skid plates, tow hooks, and rugged suspension hardware. In fact, when configured for maximum off-road functionality, the Patriot stands tall with 9.1 inches of ground clearance as well as a steeper approach angle (29 degrees), breakover angle (23.7 degrees), and departure angle (33.9 degrees) than other models.

4) New Sport SE package

One of the ways the 2016 Jeep Patriot maintains its competitive cost advantage is by selling the entry-level Sport model in a fairly spartan configuration that's high on value but low on standard content. For those wanting more, a new Sport SE package delivers a dash of extra style and some popular convenience features at a price point that splits the difference between the starter version and the Patriot Latitude trim. The Sport SE model includes a seating upgrade, highlighted by cloth-and-vinyl surfaces and a heated front row, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio system controls, 17-inch aluminum wheels with a Mineral Gray finish, matching Mineral Gray exterior accents, a bright exhaust tip, and a unique “Sport SE” hood decal. Pricing for the package begins at $19,740, albeit still without air conditioning.

Photo by Jeep

5) Patriot Latitude edition

Stickered at $22,195, the 2016 Jeep Patriot Latitude model may not be quite as inexpensive as the Sport entry edition, but then again it’s certainly not lacking in value. After all, the cost does cover the kind of standard amenities that most folks expect in the 21st century—e.g., air conditioning, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, keyless entry, power locks, power windows, and power-adjustable exterior mirrors. There’s also a substantial seating bonus over the Sport model, thanks to a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a heated front row, and reclinable rear seating that maintains its cargo-friendly 60/40 split-folding capability. Further emphasizing the more premium nature of the Latitude model’s cabin is a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the exterior is distinguished by upsized, 17-inch aluminum wheels and an exclusive body-color liftgate applique. Finally, every Latitude model leaves the factory with the Patriot’s premium engine choice and either a six-speed automatic transmission or CVT.

6) Patriot High Altitude edition

Serving up peak content levels and its own specific styling, the High Altitude edition is the range-topper for the 2016 Jeep Patriot, offering the standard content from the Latitude edition along with elevated levels of style and comfort, including a unique set of 17-inch wheels for the new selling season. Set off by Granite-painted pockets, they’re the perfect complement to the High Altitude model’s bright-accented fascia inserts, roof rails and exhaust tip. Meanwhile, the vehicle’s cabin welcomes leather-trimmed and heated front bucket seats, with the driver coddled by six-way power adjustability (and a separate, manual adjustment feature for lumbar support). Because a sunroof is standard with the package as well, owners benefit from the fresh air at any elevation in this premium Patriot. And right in line with the Latitude lineup, the High Altitude editions rely on the Patriot’s more powerful powertrains.

Photo by Jeep

7) Multiple powertrains

To meet the needs of more drivers, the 2016 Jeep Patriot furnishes two engine choices, both making more horsepower than either the Chevy Trax or Honda HR-V—and to be clear, each of those vehicles also limit their customers to a single powerplant choice. The Patriot powertrain roster leads off with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder performer capable of making 158 horsepower and 141 lb.-ft. of torque; the rivals top out at 141 horses. Yet Jeep owners also can access more output by opting for a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that carries 172 horses and 165 lb.-ft. of torque; in the latter measure, the next-closest Patriot competitor comes up 15 lb.-ft. short. For gearbox choice, the previously mentioned five-speed manual is standard with both engines, a six-speed automatic with “Auto Stick” manual-style shifting capability can be matched with the 2.4-liter unit, and both engines can be fitted with individually tuned CVTs.

8) Robust SUV versatility

Although a large part of what makes an SUV an SUV is its ability to handle tough driving conditions, it’s important to remember the “U” stands for “utility.” And remember, too, the 2016 Jeep Patriot provides plenty of it. Owners can count on 23 cubic feet of storage space in the vehicle’s rear cargo hold or fold down the rear seats to expand capacity to 53.5 cubic feet. As a further storage solution, the front passenger-side seatback also can be folded flat, which increases the Patriot’s overall interior cargo capacity to 63.4 cubic feet. Needless to say, no subcompact crossover can match that measure. The Patriot also is a surprisingly competent tow vehicle that can pull up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped, allowing it to haul small watercraft, popup campers and other active-lifestyle equipment. Try doing that in a Chevy Trax (or actually don’t, since that entry isn’t rated for towing at all).

9) Distinctive multimedia options

As is the case in a number of areas, the 2016 Jeep Patriot doesn’t try to keep up with the competition’s cutting-edge infotainment offerings and instead supplies distinctive details to differentiate it from rivals. For instance, when it comes time to party, the Patriot can provide two articulating liftgate speakers that can be turned out to provide the soundtrack. Hit the road, and the cabin turns into a concert hall, complete with the superior audio quality of a total of nine Boston Acoustic speakers, including a subwoofer. But the Patriot isn’t entirely bereft of modern-day must-haves, either, and it can be fitted with Uconnect technology with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, navigation (plus a five-year subscription to SiriusXM Travel Link), a hard drive that can hold 28 gigs of owner-supplied entertainment, voice recognition, and Bluetooth connectivity.

10) Adding accessories is a breeze

Yes, Jeep offers a lot of reasons to buy a Patriot during its final model year on the market, but so does Mopar—Fiat-Chrysler Automobile’s U.S.-based aftermarket brand. For the 2016 Jeep Patriot in particular, Mopar furnishes form and function enhancements that allow owners to fine-tune the vehicle for their own personal preferences. Customers can build on the Patriot’s adventure-ready foundation with accessories like hitch- and roof-mounted cargo solutions, including some from Thule, to carry bikes, kayaks, skis, snowboards and more. There’s even a Mopar tent that fits over the Patriot’s rear cargo area. Or they can dress the vehicle up with 18-inch wheels, in a variety of finishes, along with an assortment of Katzkin leather seating upgrades, in a variety of color themes. Of course, they can dress themselves up, too, since Mopar also supplies an extensive range of Jeep-branded active wear and apparel.