2011 Jeep Patriot Review

Jeep Patriot's classic exterior styling and capability have been enhanced for 2011 with new front and rear fascias, lower bodyside cladding, a revised grille and an increased ride height. Ride and handling is also refined courtesy of an upgraded suspension.

The Patriot remains unmistakably a Jeep, with a boxy rugged body and classic seven slot grille, round headlights and trapezoidal wheel arches.

Interior upgrades include new soft-touch front-door trim panels with a padded upper surface; new centre armrest; a new Jeep steering wheel with integrated controls that allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, hands free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping their hands on the wheel; new cloth interior with premium bucket seats in the front; standard cruise control on all models; new backlighting of door switches, door locks, windows and power mirror controls; and standard automatic temperature control on the Limited model.

The compact SUV offers brake traction control, Hill-descent Control, 4x4 Lock shift-on-the-fly which sends 50 percent of torque to front and rear wheels, and a maximum tow rating of 1500kg.

Freedom Drive is Patriot's standard full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode designed to give drivers year-round assurance, with the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions.

The Patriot is available in two spec levels - Sport and Limited - along with a special 70th Anniversary Edition, powered by a 2.4-litre 125kW/220Nm petrol engine. Transmissions consist of a five-speed manual and CVT automatic with AutoStick 6-speed manual shift mode. Pricing for the Sport starts at $30,000 (add $2000 for auto) and $35,000 for the Limited.