2005 Jeep Patriot Review

Specifications

New Car-Based SUV Concept Remains “Trail Rated”

Of the two concept vehicles that Jeep has presented at this years Frankfurt motor show, the Patriot sticks closest to the Jeep textbook. Unlike the Compass, its mechanical twin which aims to diversify Jeeps “Trail Rated” portfolio away from off-road ruggedness to more refined styling and car-like driving dynamics, the Patriot hits right at the heart of the compact 4×4 market. With an aim to spread the Jeep brand to all markets, the Patriots purpose is to take the traditional image of Jeep and delve into uncharted territories of the compact SUV segment with a car-based product derived from the new Euro-centric Dodge Caliber hatchback chassis and drivetrain architectures.

In terms of the Patriot concepts appearance, Jeep has chosen to revisit its history books. Like the full-size Commander SUV, this little ute harks back to the 80s and 90s style Cherokee, whose boxy midsize shell became an icon next to the great full-size Wagoneer and legendary Wrangler. Here, the simplistic styling carries new attributes, such as ruggedness, authenticity, freedom and adventure, without pretentious gimmicks.

Senior VP of design Trevor Creed had this to say about the Patriots styling: “Simple, geometric forms and planar surfaces define Jeep Patriots timeless, purpose-built design.” Ah, fancy talk for slab-sided goodness, a styling theme that has proven to keep buyers coming back for more. But really, its a perfect canvas for the market that Jeep is trying to lure in - young buyers who want Jeep capabilities, but without the large, heavy frame and associated costly fuel bills.

Place the Patriot against the Compass and it stands out with plenty of gear familiar to the off-roading crowd. Bare plastic is used on the flared fenders and door handles, promoting durability, while brushed metal skid plates protect delicate internal and undercarriage components. Like the Liberty Renegade, the Patriot features stand-up fog lamps affront its vertical grille, while a sturdy roof rack gives muddy or oversized cargo a mode of mess-free transportation.

Jeeps paranoia of curves has one distinct advantage over most compact SUVs; cargo space. It was one of the top priorities for the designers, allowing travelers to bring along more stuff without folding down the rear seats. And even if hauling some residue from the wild outdoors inside the Jeeps cargo bay, its sturdy, wipe-down plastics should more than deal with it.

With deep tinted windows and a relatively large metal to glass ratio with high window lines, Jeep is emphasizing passenger safety and security - a deviation from the original Cherokee. Whats not covered in heavy duty metals and or scuff-resistant plastic is painted in a rather militaristic Armor Green metallic paint. Essentially, to fans that believe a real Jeep must incorporate live axles and a transfer case, the Patriot looks the part, and as such, is the lesser of the two evils.

Overall, the Patriot is 173.7 inches long, 69.1 inches wide, and 65.6 inches tall with a wheelbase of 103.7 inches, the latter number about the same length as the Wrangler Unlimited - marking new territory for the SUV maker. In other words, this one slots in directly under the Liberty, but delivers the kind of ruggedness and versatility that outdoor activity-friendly vehicles such as the Nissan Xterra offer - well maybe.

Undisclosed is information about its drivetrain, but Jeep refutes that the Patriot is good enough to not only make it best in class against the likes of cute utes but also strong and rugged enough for its revered “Trail Rated” designation, unlike its Compass twin. Because the Patriot is based on the same platform as the Caliber, which will be available with all-wheel drive when it goes on sale, its suspected that an advanced version of the Calibers drivetrain is incorporated. While no transfer case would be offered if made available, an electronically adjustable unit (without a conventional low-range) similar to the system in Land Rovers Freelander may be used.

Knobby mud and snow tires fitted to 17-inch alloy wheels give this little puppy the extra ground clearance and traction it needs for tackling more than just paved parking lots and mild dirt roads. But dont expect to hear much about axle articulation and rock-crawling prowess if and when a production Patriot is finally introduced; chances are the monocoque frame will maintain the Calibers lighter duty independent suspension system.

Also undisclosed is the Patriots engine and gearbox. In the press release that accompanied yesterdays debut, Jeep mentioned that it could use one of the new series of global engines produced in a joint effort with Hyundai and Mitsubishi. These include a robust 170-horsepower 2.4-liter inline-four gasoline engine as featured in the Dodge Caliber, as well as a 2.0-liter common rail turbodiesel. And while a manual transmission would probably be offered as standard equipment, a CVT autobox would take its place for those not prepared to mix their own gears.

Would Jeep ever consider putting the Patriot into production? It appears that there are no reservations coming from the American brand. For its expansion into Europe and Asia, it needs new, modern vehicles that are consumer friendly and economical. The Patriot fills all such requirements without sacrificing many of the core characteristics of Jeep products, particularly in its styling and design execution. Obviously, it also provides Jeep with a stepping stone to a new market segment.

If indeed the Patriot gets the green light, which it most likely will, expect it to arrive alongside the Compass - although it must be said that the chances for the Patriot are higher than that of the Compass. This is a market that Jeep desperately needs to explore, and one which the Patriot would definitely succeed in. It may not be as no-nonsense as the original Cherokee, but the Patriot concept delivers the traditional goods, albeit with a bit of aid from an unexpected source - a modern compact hatchback.