2012 Jeep Patriot Review
The 2012 Jeep Patriot is a compact crossover SUV available in 3 trims, Sport, Latitude and Limited. The entry level Sport comes equipped with many standard features such as rear privacy glass, fog lamps, roof-rack side rails, outside temp display, cruise control, 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks and more. Upper trims, along with options packages, and stand-alone options, offer buyers many luxury and high-tech conveniences.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The 2012 Jeep Patriot’s very low base price makes it a top consideration for buyers who need a cheaper option for an off-road vehicle.
What’s New For 2012:
For 2012, the Jeep Patriot had its available continuously variable automatic transmission recalibrated to improve performance.
What is the Predicted Reliability:
In an initial quality study conducted by J.D. Power and Associates based on owner-reported issues, the Jeep Patriot earned an overall initial quality score of 4 out of a possible 5, with 4.5 awarded for features and accessories mechanical/design quality, 3.5 for both powertrain design and body/interior design quality and 3.0 for powertrain mechanical quality, as well as body/interior mechanical quality. Based upon other independent surveys reliability of future models is expected to be 9% above average.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The 2012 Jeep Patriot with optional side torso airbags is a 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick. All Jeep Patriots are equipped with safety features that include stability/traction control, antilock brakes, active front head restraints as well as side curtain airbags with optional front-seat side-impact airbags.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Very low base price
+ Good off-road capabilities
+ Excellent safety scores (with optional side airbags)
Cons
– Cargo capacity is limited
– Underwhelming highway power
– Not as refined as other crossover SUVs
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Jeep Patriot’s starting price is substantially less than competitors Chevrolet Equinox and Kia Sportage. In the area of fuel economy, the Patriot coes out on top with a rating of 23MPG city/29MPG highway compared to the Sportage with ratings of 21/29MPG and the Equinox at 22/32MPG. The Patriot also has max towing capabilities that are the same as the Kia at 2000lbs, yet more capable than the Equinox with a rating of 1500lbs. The Patriot has a 158hp engine, compared to the Sportage’s 176hp engine and the Equinox with 182 horses. The Patriot and Equinox offer a 3year/36,000mile warranty with the Sportage offering 5years/60,000miles.
What Others Are Saying:
"Off-road is where the Patriot separates itself from the rest of the compact-crossover set. Its capability was a pleasant surprise. Through deep snow — the hard-packed, icy, non-fluffy kind — the Patriot slid a little, yet never got stuck." – MotorTrend
"It is easy for off-road SUVs to cost $25,000 or more, but the 2012 Jeep Patriot manages to be the least expensive off-road vehicle in the class." – US News
"With low gear engaged I charged up hills and barreled around curves; the Patriot handled these with relative ease, holding fast to the slick asphalt." – The New York Times
Read more about the affordable 2012 Jeep Patriot at the Jeep manufacturer site.
