2007 Jeep Patriot Trims and Specs

Destined to be a younger set's entry into the world of Jeep, this car-based SUV still looks like a descendant of the Willys. Although the basically-appointed edition is not Trail Rated off the lot, it can be loaded with the packaged options that will render it so.

The Patriot, which is based on the Dodge Caliber, was designed to provide a more car-like ride than other small Jeeps, putting it in competition with the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, to name two. Rack-and-pinion steering and an independent suspension help to make this happen.

A choice of two World Engines will power the Patriot: a 2.4-liter, 172-horsepower DOHC, and a 2.0-liter, 158-horsepower diesel engine that will be available outside of the U.S.

A chief goal of the Patriot is fuel economy worth talking about, which will be a first for Jeep. The carmaker asserts that a 4x2 Sport with manual transmission can achieve 30 mpg. If the buyer opts for the continuously-variable automatic transmission, he will save money at the pump (6 to 8 percent, according to Jeep literature) over a traditional four-speed automatic. The timing on the latter is electronically-controlled and adjusts itself continuously according to the driving situation, maximizing efficiency and minimizing roughness and noise.

The Sport trim skips the aesthetic accoutrements of the higher-priced Limited; for instance, with black door handles and simple, 16-inch wheels. This should be perfectly fine with most budget-minded buyers, who may in fact be purchasing their first brand-new car.

It almost appeals to the nostalgia factor to note that the basic Sport comes with manual windows and door locks (the side mirrors are manual, too). The standard upholstery is a stain- and odor-resistant synthetic known as Vinyl Tech, which is also said to minimize static. Leather seating with front heaters can be added as an option.

Although it hadn't been safety-rated as of this writing, the Patriot is certainly going to do well, as the well-being of occupants was given huge priority. It was built with a safety cage, crumple zones, door beams, and a steel crossbeam mounted to the rear body pan. Front and side-curtain air bags and available seat-mounted side units combine with the aforementioned to make for a pretty secure transportation situation.

But that wasn't enough for Jeep. Also joining the roster of safety features is the Electronic Stability Program, which integrates all-speed traction control, ABS with hydraulic brake assist, and Electronic Roll Mitigation to maximize directional stability.

The E Package of options adds power windows and locks, keyless entry, height-adjustable driver's seat, removable/rechargeable flashlight, dome lamps, and passenger-assist handles. Those last two sound as if they ought to be unquestionably standard, but then again Jeep is the company that charges 30-some dollars to add an ashtray and lighter. Also available are 17-inch wheels, a power sunroof, and an upgraded audio system with 6-CD changer and Sirius Satellite Radio capability.

Of the two new car-based Jeeps to enter the line-up in 2007, the Patriot is evidently the more trail-capable. Its counterpart, the Compass, can be content in its role as a cute-ute, but the Patriot, reminiscent of the gone-but-not-forgotten Cherokee, looks as if it wants to leave the pavement.

Destined to be a younger set's entry into the world of Jeep, this car-based SUV uses the Dodge Caliber's platform and incorporates features such as rack-and-pinion steering and a softer, independent suspension to better suit it for on-road driving.

Freedom-Drive I, which can be left engaged for everyday use, is the default 4WD system. is available It engages the rear wheels when it detects front-wheel slippage, making it sufficient for poor-weather driving, and features a lock mode for low-speed (10 mph max) travel in really challenging snow and sand conditions.

For those planning any real off-road fun, the optional Freedom-Drive II is a must-have. As part of the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package, it adds a continuously variable transaxle (CVT) for low-range gearing, but that isn't all. The requisite grouping of options also includes low-range gearing, brake-lock differentials, hill-descent mode, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps, a serious cooling system, and a full-sized spare tire.

Ground clearance also rises by an inch with the Off-Road package, thanks to the larger tires and rims; ultimate water-fording ability caps out at a fairly impressive 19 inches. This 3100-pound rig can pull 2000 pounds when properly equipped with the Trailer Tow package.

A choice of two World Engines will power the Patriot: a 2.0-liter, 158-horsepower, 4-cylinder double-overhead cam, or a 2.4-liter, 172-horsepower DOHC. A chief goal of the Patriot is fuel economy worth talking about, which will be a first for Jeep. The carmaker asserts that a 4x2 Sport with manual transmission can achieve 30 mpg. If the buyer opts for the continuously-variable automatic transmission, he will save money at the pump (6 to 8 percent, according to Jeep literature) over a traditional four-speed automatic. The timing on the latter is electronically-controlled and adjusts itself continuously according to the driving situation, maximizing efficiency and minimizing roughness and noise.

The Sport trim skips the aesthetic accoutrements of the higher-priced Limited; for instance, with black door handles and simple, 16-inch wheels. This should be perfectly fine with most budget-minded buyers, who may in fact be purchasing their first brand-new car. When purchased without the E Package of options, it even comes with manual windows, door locks, and side mirrors. The standard upholstery is a stain- and odor-resistant synthetic known as Vinyl Tech, which is also said to minimize static. Leather seating with front heaters can be added as an option.

Although it had not been yet safety-rated, the Patriot is certainly going to do well, as the well-being of occupants was given huge priority. It was built with a safety cage, crumple zones, door beams, and a steel crossbeam mounted to the rear body pan. Front and side-curtain air bags and available seat-mounted side units combine with the aforementioned to make for a pretty secure transportation situation.

Also joining the roster of safety features is the Electronic Stability Program, which integrates all-speed traction control, ABS with hydraulic brake assist, and Electronic Roll Mitigation to maximize directional stability. All of this should make it popular as a family car that one can trust to transport one's most precious cargo �¢â�¬â�� the little ones, that is.

The E Package of options adds power windows and locks, keyless entry, height-adjustable driver's seat, removable/rechargeable flashlight, dome lamps, and passenger-assist handles. Those last two sound as if they ought to be unquestionably standard, but then again Jeep is the company that charges 30-some dollars to add an ashtray and lighter. Also available are 17-inch wheels, a power sunroof, and an upgraded audio system with 6-CD changer and Sirius Satellite Radio capability.

The Patriot Limited, the higher-priced trim of Jeep's new entry-level SUV, is readily distinguished from the base-model Sport. Just look at the deep-tint glass and the exterior chrome on the moldings, fascias, and roof rails. The cast-aluminum wheels are also an inch larger and are wrapped in all-season touring tires.

The Patriot's appearance calls to mind the once-popular Cherokee, which was last produced in 2001. Based on the Dodge Caliber, it was designed to be a fuel-efficient and carlike, hence its rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel independent.

The Limited's 2.4-liter, 16-valve engine delivers 172 horses, and its electronically-controlled variable valve timing instantly and constantly adjusts to the driving situation to provide fuel efficiency or maximum power, whichever is needed. According to Jeep, the front-wheel-drive Patriot 4x2 with manual transmission can get 30 miles to the gallon.

The engine�¢ï¿½?�?s Variable Valve Timing works by creating optimal torque curve, which results in increased power and efficiency with decreased noise. In lieu of the 5-speed manual, buyers can choose the optional automatic, the Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT). Jeep says that this tranny provides up to 8 percent better fuel economy than a conventional four-speed auto transmission.

As important a factor as fuel economy was in the development of the Patriot, safety was just as crucial. All Jeep Patriots come with the Electronic Stability Program, which combines all-speed traction control, hydraulic brake assist, and Electronic Roll Mitigation in order to maximize directional stability.

The Patriot Limited is built with a safety cage, crumple zones, door beams, and an energy-transferring steel crossbeam mounted to the rear body pan - a helpful feature in case of side impact. Multi-stage front air bags, which deploy at different rates depending on the severity of the impact, and supplemental side-curtain air bags also come standard.

The set of special standard features that make the Limited the Limited includes a rechargeable lamp in the cargo area that can be removed for use as a flashlight. Also included is air conditioning, heated seats, cruise control, remote keyless entry, a height-adjustable driver's seat, stain-resistant upholstery, fog lights, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and power windows, locks, and mirrors.

Other standard features of note are anti-theft components such as Sentry-Key encrypted keys and an alarm with starter-interrupt, both made by Mopar. The vinyl floor covering in the cargo area is a blessing for dog owners, as it can be hosed out for easy cleaning.

Optional equipment includes leather seating, an upgraded audio system with 6-CD changer and Sirius Satellite Radio, a power sunroof, remote start, and the UConnect hands-free communication system, which is Bluetooth-compatible. A Driver's Convenience Group combines such things as an outdoor thermometer, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, ash tray and lighter (yes, you read that correctly), a universal garage-door opener, and Jeep's Vehicle Information Center.

The well-appointed Limited is based on the Dodge Caliber and was designed to be more of a car than a trail-hog, although Jeep assures the motoring public that a Patriot 4x4 is the best rock-crawler in its class (at that rate, the Wrangler must be in a class of its own).

Two 4WD systems are available. The standard Freedom Drive I is a full-time system with a locking center differential for situational driving. It is good for general use in inclement conditions.

An upgrade to Freedom Drive II adds a continuously variable transaxle (CVT) for low-range gearing. This is a must for anyone who plans to take their Patriot off pavement. As part of the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package, it increases the Patriot's off-road quotient considerably, as it comes in an options package that adds brake-lock differentials, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps, descent control, low-range gearing, a heavy-duty cooling system, and a full-sized spare tire in addition to boosting ground clearance by an inch.

The calibration of engine with transmission is enhanced with Freedom Drive II, giving it superior capacity for crawling over rocks and steeps. The trail-appointed Patriot's stats are as follows: an approach angle of 29 degrees, a departure angle of 33 degrees, and a breakover angle of 23 degrees.

One of the five factors a Jeep vehicle must meet to receive the Trail Rated badge is water fording. Patriots with the Off-Road grouping receive further waterproofing of the electrical system and body, making them capable of crossing water up to 19 inches deep. A Trailer Tow package is also available.

Basic standard features include air conditioning, heated seats, cruise control, remote keyless entry, a height-adjustable driver's seat, stain-resistant upholstery, fog lights, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. Other bonuses of note are Sentry Key encrypted keys, an alarm with starter-interrupt, a vinyl cargo-area floor can be hosed out for easy cleaning, and a rechargeable lamp in the cargo area that can be removed for use as a flashlight.

Optional equipment includes leather seating, an upgraded audio system with 6-CD changer and Sirius Satellite Radio, a power sunroof, and the UConnect hands-free communication system, which is Bluetooth-compatible. A Driver's Convenience Group combines such things as an outdoor thermometer, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, ash tray and lighter (yes, you read that correctly), a universal garage-door opener, and Jeep's Vehicle Information Center.