2007 Jeep Patriot First Drive

2007 Jeep Patriot – First Drive: Like so many irrefutable facts we learn early in life – a glowing stove burner does bad things to skin, chunky milk doesn’t taste good – Jeeps are meant to go off road. Or so we thought. Last year, the brand unveiled the all-new Compass, a crossover that, no matter how it was equipped, wasn’t worthy of the brand’s off-road worthy Trail Rated badge. Then along came the Patriot, a boxier, more rugged looking crossover based on the same platform that, when equipped with a Freedom-Drive II off-road package, is worthy of that esteemed moniker, and thus, makes this little rig a legit Jeep. Finally, everything’s right with the world again.

The Basics: Origins

According to Jeep’s estimates, the portion of the crossover market that the 2007 Patriot is entering saw sales of more than 500,000 units in 2006. Not bad, but the company expects that figure to jump to 800,000 vehicles in the coming years, and it wants a good percentage of those sales to be made at Jeep dealerships. The Patriot will share that burden with the Compass, a non-Trail Rated model that, like the Patriot, shares a platform with the Dodge Caliber. Dealers started receiving limited shipments of the 2007 Patriot in late 2006, with an increasing number hitting the lots daily.

The Basics: Model Mix – Sport Standard Features

Few people are surprised by inexpensive Kias or Chevrolet Aveos, but the idea of a sub-$15,000 Jeep may raise some eyebrows. The front-wheel-drive 2007 Patriot starts at $14,985, including a $560 destination charge, and thereby undercuts its stablemate, the non-Trail Rated Jeep Compass, which goes for $15,985 in base form. For its part, the Jeep Patriot Sport offers standard items such as 16-inch steel wheels, a CD player, a rear window wiper, and a tilt steering wheel. But more notable, especially given the price, are the standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes, the stability control system, and side-curtain airbags. Four-wheel-drive Sport models start at $16,735, though buyers will have to move up to the Limited for real off-road capability.

The Basics: Model Mix – Limited Standard Features

With a starting price of $19,985, including a $560 destination charge, the 2007 Patriot may represent the least expensive way to get a Limited badge on your Jeep. For less than $20,000 buyers get the Sport’s features as well as a 115-volt inverter in the center console, 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, a roof rack, chrome and body-color exterior trim, front fog lights, and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. Limited models also include a keyless entry system, leather on the seats and steering wheel, a reclining rear bench seat, and cruise and audio controls on the steering wheel. A four-wheel-drive Limited goes for $21,735 and can be equipped with an optional off-road package.

The Basics: Model Mix – Options

There’s a reason the Patriot Sport starts at less than $15,000: A lot of typically standard features are reserved for the options list. Package E adds essentials like air conditioning, power windows and door locks, and front map lights. Also available for an extra charge is a popular equipment group which includes a cargo cover and daytime running lights, and singular add-ons like front-side airbags, Sirius satellite radio, and Yes Essentials stain-resistant cloth seats. Limited models can be equipped with a navigation system, a sunroof, and Bluetooth connectivity. Four-wheel-drive Limiteds can be upgraded with the Freedom-Drive II off road group, which transforms the Patriot into an off-road capable Jeep. Every Patriot is available with a continuously-variable automatic transmission.

What’s New: Exterior Design

Traditional Jeep enthusiasts will look favorably upon the 2007 Patriot, given the square shape that resembles the late Cherokee and, to some degree, the current Commander. Of course, the unmistakable Jeep mug with its slotted grille and two round headlights, is present, and the flat hood disposes of the contours found on the Jeep Compass and Grand Cherokee models in favor of the more basic Wrangler look. Jeep designers suggest that the “beveled” shoulders give the Patriot a sense of protection and ruggedness. To us, it’s just old-school boxy Jeep, and is preferred over the rounded look of the Compass. The A-pillars have been pushed forward, which among other things, provides a longer roof for strapping on cargo.

What’s New: Interior Design

We blasted the Jeep Compass for an interior that was overrun with hard, shiny plastic. The same goes for the Patriot, but at least it offers superior styling, be Trail Rated, and starts $1,000 less. Still, we’ve seen better materials in stripped Korean econoboxes. Get past that issue, and there’s little to dislike inside the Patriot. The vinyl cargo floor can hold up to 250 pounds and a fold-out iPod holder is borrowed from the Patriot’s platform mate, the Dodge Caliber. Rear visibility is quite good, but the vast expanse between the driver and the top of the windshield serves to limit the forward view, especially when stopped next to an overhead red light.

What’s New: Front Seat Comfort

It may be one of the smallest Jeeps available, but that doesn’t mean the Patriot skimps on space. Occupants are treated to tons of head, leg, and foot room, and when the ride in question is a Limited version, a height-adjustable driver’s seat provides an extra level of comfort. That’s in addition to the tilt steering wheel and spacious front buckets. Those seats lack worthwhile bolsters, but beefy bolsters aren’t really needed in a Jeep, and their absence is overlooked since they’re comfortable nonetheless. If only the hard door sills and armrests were as hospitable. At least the front center armrest slides, an adjustment that allows the driver to perfectly position a resting arm within reach of the shift knob.

What’s New: Rear Seat Comfort

If riding as a passenger in a 2007 Jeep Patriot is on the schedule, be sure to call shotgun. The rear bench splits, which is good, but the bottom cushion must have been shaped by a steamroller. To make things worse, the flat seat bottom is too short and offers little thigh support. The backrest is as curvy as a plank, and the fold-down center armrest – oops, there isn’t one. The rear doors fail to open wide enough. Plus, passengers need to step over the intruding wheel well when entering, and once they get inside, they’ve got to position their feet between ugly and intrusive front seat brackets. At least Limited models offer a nice reclining seat back.

What’s New: Cargo

The Patriot’s open tailgate doesn’t leave a lot of headroom; our five-foot-eight-inch tall editor had to take care not to damage his few remaining functioning follicles. A handle is featured on the inside of the tailgate, and when a Boston Acoustics sound system is ordered, a fold-down speaker box is added, as is a subwoofer on the right wall of the cargo area. The plastic floor features a diamond plate pattern and sits atop an optional full-size spare tire. With the split rear seat folded, the Patriot offers up to 54.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with handy tie-downs included for keeping items secure. A rear cargo light and flashlight are featured on the Patriot Limited.

What’s New: Primary Controls

Something looks awfully familiar here, and anyone who has seen or driven the Dodge Caliber or Jeep Compass will undoubtedly agree. It’s a case of “one for you, one for you, and one for me” where the aforementioned vehicles and the 2007 Jeep Patriot share the same instrument panel, not to mention the steering wheel and more. That fact does little in providing these vehicles with any sense of distinction, but at least the setup is straight-forward and useful: Three primary dials control the temperature and air flow, while an audio system with two dials and large buttons takes care of the tunes. Typical power features are operated with switches on the door.