The cargo area may not boast class-leading capacity with the rear seat up, but it will easily fit the luggage of four people, including a small family. Once you fold the seat down, the available cargo room increases to Ford Escape levels. What’s more, the front passenger seat also folds down to accommodate pretty long items such as a ladder or 2x4s.
While behind the wheel, I enjoyed the firm bucket seats with prominent contours that effectively held me in check and made up for the body roll of the vehicle. The steering felt precise and judiciously assisted.
The Patriot doesn’t provide the kind of visibility that the first-generation Forester’s large greenhouse allowed. However, I appreciated the flat beltline during shoulder checks and backup manœuvres. It’s a far cry from the newly-redesigned Hyundai Tucson, which may look real nice but suffers from a lack of rearward visibility, making a camera almost necessary when parking the vehicle. And of course said camera comes at a price...
By the way, the 4-cylinder of my tester produced unwanted vibrations at idle, a sort of muted rumble reminiscent of the old Forester’s boxer engine. How ironic!
A true off-roader?
One attribute particularly helps the Patriot stand out from most competitors. The Freedom-Drive II package consists in an active full-time 4x4 system and a CVT featuring a wide ratio spread from launch gear to overdrive. Hill Descent Control, tow hooks and skid plates for the fuel tank and oil pan are also thrown into the mix. That’s why the Patriot was able to earn the "Trail Rated" badge from Jeep.
Granted, we’re not talking about a dedicated off-roader like the Wrangler, here. Still, the little Jeep can confidently tackle some hostile terrain and road conditions. Just keep in mind that ground clearance is shorter than the Wrangler’s (229 vs. 260 cm). Moreover, the Patriot doesn’t rely on the ultra-torquey V6 of the legendary soldier.
What the 2010 Patriot North Edition does, however, is carrying genuine Jeep flavour and providing owners with a modern alternative to the Cherokees of yore. Jeep designers managed to bring back its spirit… for not a whole lot of money!
While behind the wheel, I enjoyed the firm bucket seats with prominent contours that effectively held me in check and made up for the body roll of the vehicle. The steering felt precise and judiciously assisted.
The Patriot doesn’t provide the kind of visibility that the first-generation Forester’s large greenhouse allowed. However, I appreciated the flat beltline during shoulder checks and backup manœuvres. It’s a far cry from the newly-redesigned Hyundai Tucson, which may look real nice but suffers from a lack of rearward visibility, making a camera almost necessary when parking the vehicle. And of course said camera comes at a price...
By the way, the 4-cylinder of my tester produced unwanted vibrations at idle, a sort of muted rumble reminiscent of the old Forester’s boxer engine. How ironic!
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| The standard 5-speed manual gearbox can be replaced by a CVT which, as part of the available Freedom-Drive II package, features a wide ratio spread. (Photo: Chrysler) |
A true off-roader?
One attribute particularly helps the Patriot stand out from most competitors. The Freedom-Drive II package consists in an active full-time 4x4 system and a CVT featuring a wide ratio spread from launch gear to overdrive. Hill Descent Control, tow hooks and skid plates for the fuel tank and oil pan are also thrown into the mix. That’s why the Patriot was able to earn the "Trail Rated" badge from Jeep.
Granted, we’re not talking about a dedicated off-roader like the Wrangler, here. Still, the little Jeep can confidently tackle some hostile terrain and road conditions. Just keep in mind that ground clearance is shorter than the Wrangler’s (229 vs. 260 cm). Moreover, the Patriot doesn’t rely on the ultra-torquey V6 of the legendary soldier.
What the 2010 Patriot North Edition does, however, is carrying genuine Jeep flavour and providing owners with a modern alternative to the Cherokees of yore. Jeep designers managed to bring back its spirit… for not a whole lot of money!
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