When I took my 08 Patriot up to Blackhawk,CO (I live in Colorado) it was having a problem climbing hills. It would rev up high and not shift.

I would think tranny is going bad the cvt engine should not have any thing to do with the way it shifts unless it is not tuned up right

It is a constantly variable transmission (CVT), not the engine. CVT transmissions don't shift gears. I'm not sure if your's is working properly, but under a heavy load or steep climb, it would not be unusual to see higher engine rpms. This would be the same as down-shifting.

yes, cvt is the type of transmission. you shouldn't see 5,000 rpm's unless you really had your foot in it.

I got my 09 patriot brand new, I tried a hill climb and it wouldn't do it. CVT tranny sucks for off road, but that's not why I bought it. It's a pavement pounder. Though I have ran it through the ringer, hill climbs, rocks, mud, sand, and snow. It takes speed and lots of it for hill climbs, the ol girl has the scars to prove it! Buy a cheap xj, if you own a patriot you will be more than happy with the xj's off road capability, even in stock form.