2016 Jeep Patriot Review

 Performance

Powering this compact crossover SUV is one of two inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine choices. There’s the 2.0-liter I4, which produces 158 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 141 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 RPM. And there’s the 2.4-liter I4, which produces 172 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 165 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM. The transmission is either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Drivetrain choices consist of front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (4x4). Although standard towing capability is measured at 1,000 lbs., the Patriot can be configured to double that number. Also, depending on powertrain and drivetrain configuration, the SUV’s gas mileage can peak at 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

 Interior

With two rows of seats, the 2016 Jeep Patriot provides enough room to accommodate up to five adult occupants. Passenger volume is measured at a generous 104.4 cubic feet, and cargo space maxes out at 63.4 cubic feet. Front bucket seats and second-row split-folding seats comprise seating accommodations. Front-seat heating capability is added on the Sport SE trim and top-level High Altitude, and the back seats on the Latitude can recline in addition to fold. The 75th Anniversary Edition stands apart with its ombre mesh front bucket seats, and the High Altitude is the only trim with leather trim and 6-way power adjustability and manual lumbar support on the driver seat.

 Features

At the base level, the 2016 Jeep Patriot is furnished with comfort and convenience features like Bluetooth connectivity, auto-dimming on the rearview mirror, and a four-speaker stereo system that includes a remote USB port, auxiliary audio jack, and a one-year SiriusXM satellite radio subscription. Upgrade to the Sport SE and higher to also get steering wheel-mounted controls for the extra convenience. And depending on the upper-level trim you choose, you can add options like a navigation system, a universal transceiver for remote-controlling garage doors, a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, a 40GB hard drive for storing digital media, a five-year SiriusXM Travel Link subscription, and a nine-speaker 368-watt Boston Acoustics sound system that features two flip-down speakers in the lift gate.

 Safety

For protection in the event of an auto crash, the 2016 Jeep Patriot has dual front impact airbags, which face the driver and front passenger; a pair of side impact airbags installed on the front seats; and two front and two rear side curtain airbags mounted on the roof. Also standard on the Patriot are electronic stability control with electronic roll mitigation to regain or maintain absolute control during sudden maneuvers, anti-lock braking for preventing wheel lock-up when braking, brake assist for extra stopping power when needed, traction control for optimal contact with the road surface, and hill start assist to prevent vehicle rollback when starting a vehicle from a stopped position on a hill. On the Latitude and High Altitude, there’s the additional keyless entry, and the 75th Anniversary Edition is unique with its remote vehicle start system; both are ideal for beefing up vehicle security.