When the Chrysler group announced a product onslaught for 2011, they weren’t kidding. About two-thirds of their line-up received a redesign or a facelift and equipment changes, and two new models were introduced.
The Patriot’s changes are minor, especially compared to the moderate reskin of its twin, the Compass. Then again, there’s no need to fix what isn’t broken, and styling-wise, the Patriot was blessed from the very beginning with classic Jeep lines that will keep it looking attractive for a few more years.
The visual changes include redesigned front and rear bumpers, side body cladding and new alloy wheels. The fog lamps have been repositioned, and on four-wheel drive models, ride height has been increased.
Under the hood, the 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine remains on duty, producing 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. A 5-speed manual is standard and a continuously-variable automatic (CVT) is optional. Our tester, though, includes this gearbox with the electronic low range that’s featured in the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package, the only way to merit a Trail Rated badge on the Patriot.
While the engine has no problem getting the 3,300-lb Jeep moving along, its agricultural sound at low revs gives you the feeling that it doesn’t want to get to work. As the tach needle climbs, however, the sound improves and the power band is pretty useful, but the 2.4 remains a little noisy during full-throttle acceleration. Zero to 100 km/h takes about 10 seconds, and at 100 km/h on the highway, the engine is spinning at 2,600 rpm, higher than what we expected.
For those who want less power and more fuel efficiency in front-wheel drive models can opt for a 158-horsepower, 2.0-litre engine instead. Speaking of fuel, our average over the course of this frigid week is 11.8 L/100 km.
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| The 2011 Patriot gets redesigned front and rear bumpers as well as new alloy wheels. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
The Patriot’s changes are minor, especially compared to the moderate reskin of its twin, the Compass. Then again, there’s no need to fix what isn’t broken, and styling-wise, the Patriot was blessed from the very beginning with classic Jeep lines that will keep it looking attractive for a few more years.
The visual changes include redesigned front and rear bumpers, side body cladding and new alloy wheels. The fog lamps have been repositioned, and on four-wheel drive models, ride height has been increased.
Under the hood, the 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine remains on duty, producing 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. A 5-speed manual is standard and a continuously-variable automatic (CVT) is optional. Our tester, though, includes this gearbox with the electronic low range that’s featured in the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package, the only way to merit a Trail Rated badge on the Patriot.
While the engine has no problem getting the 3,300-lb Jeep moving along, its agricultural sound at low revs gives you the feeling that it doesn’t want to get to work. As the tach needle climbs, however, the sound improves and the power band is pretty useful, but the 2.4 remains a little noisy during full-throttle acceleration. Zero to 100 km/h takes about 10 seconds, and at 100 km/h on the highway, the engine is spinning at 2,600 rpm, higher than what we expected.
For those who want less power and more fuel efficiency in front-wheel drive models can opt for a 158-horsepower, 2.0-litre engine instead. Speaking of fuel, our average over the course of this frigid week is 11.8 L/100 km.
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| A 5-speed manual is standard and a continuously-variable automatic (CVT) is optional. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |