Jeep Patriot: all the excuses in the world!
Scottsdale, Arizona - A "Trail Rated" SUV with no transfer case? Yes, Jeep made a bold move. The new Patriot also uses ABS, traction control and stability control systems to do the job, even though these features are decried by off-road purists.
And believe it or not, it does a pretty good job.
I have to admit, I myself was entertaining some serious doubts prior to my road test. And understandably so: to manage shifts, the Patriot utilizes the world's first continuously variable transmission (CVT) with low-range gearing, if I'm not mistaking. Because of the box's size, the max ratio is 19:1. By comparison, the 2WD Patriot has a 14:1 ratio and the legendary Wrangler with traditional transfer case, a 30:1 ratio.
Not a Rubicon, but...
These doubts were quickly thrown overboard as soon as I took my Patriot with Freedom-II 4WD system and attacked the Arizona desert and rocky mountains.
First off, the Hill Descent Control system -- a Jeep first -- did a good job of simulating the engine brake of a transfer case. Then, the various driving assists, which adapt to the off-road conditions when the transmission is engaged in the "L" position, allowed me to jauntily overcome boulders, gullies and other similar obstacles.
Quite smoothly, I should add. With its rigid chassis and independent suspension, this SUV maintained a nice balance in tough situations. The Patriot even forgot to shake me up on bumpy roads. Astonishing.
However, it will never be able to conquer the Rubicon Trail, much like the Commander, the only other Jeep to fail the ultimate test.
Personally, I couldn't blame the Commander, considering its large dimensions and 7-passenger capacity. Now, I can't fault the Patriot either, especially since it has a base price of $16,995. Excuses can be aplenty...
Scottsdale, Arizona - A "Trail Rated" SUV with no transfer case? Yes, Jeep made a bold move. The new Patriot also uses ABS, traction control and stability control systems to do the job, even though these features are decried by off-road purists.
And believe it or not, it does a pretty good job.
 |
| The Patriot is "Trail Rated" even though it lacks a transfer case. |
I have to admit, I myself was entertaining some serious doubts prior to my road test. And understandably so: to manage shifts, the Patriot utilizes the world's first continuously variable transmission (CVT) with low-range gearing, if I'm not mistaking. Because of the box's size, the max ratio is 19:1. By comparison, the 2WD Patriot has a 14:1 ratio and the legendary Wrangler with traditional transfer case, a 30:1 ratio.
Not a Rubicon, but...
These doubts were quickly thrown overboard as soon as I took my Patriot with Freedom-II 4WD system and attacked the Arizona desert and rocky mountains.
First off, the Hill Descent Control system -- a Jeep first -- did a good job of simulating the engine brake of a transfer case. Then, the various driving assists, which adapt to the off-road conditions when the transmission is engaged in the "L" position, allowed me to jauntily overcome boulders, gullies and other similar obstacles.
Quite smoothly, I should add. With its rigid chassis and independent suspension, this SUV maintained a nice balance in tough situations. The Patriot even forgot to shake me up on bumpy roads. Astonishing.
However, it will never be able to conquer the Rubicon Trail, much like the Commander, the only other Jeep to fail the ultimate test.
 |
| Other than the Commander, the Patriot is the only "Trail Rated" Jeep to fail to conquer the Rubicon Trail. |
Personally, I couldn't blame the Commander, considering its large dimensions and 7-passenger capacity. Now, I can't fault the Patriot either, especially since it has a base price of $16,995. Excuses can be aplenty...