CVT: better off-road than on-road
That said, I can't forgive the Patriot for the disappointing on-road performance of its CVT.
Off-road, I didn't mind the excessive rattle of the mechanical components assembled by Jatco. After all, low-range gears are usually noisy. Besides, Jeep had the courage to modify a fairly new technology by giving it the role of a transfer case -- without the added weight and parts, by the way.
But out on the highway, where comfort and silence are a must, the CVT-mated engine revs loudly near 3,500 rpm, even at 4,000 rpm, as long as the right foot doesn't slack the throttle. That's not fair to the 2.4L, 4-cylinder engine (the same as Jeep's Compass and Dodge's Caliber), which produces a poorly refined sound.
Too bad because everything else proves to be competent, particularly the solid handling, the high-feedback steering and the convincing brakes.
Efficient manual transmission
On the road, the 5-speed manual transmission is more appropriate. It offers more character, better control and a greater feel of the tarmac.
Positioned below the climate controls, the shifter allows easy and smooth shifts. That's great because the driver often has to step down a gear or two in order to fully exploit the 172 horsepower racing under the hood.
You think 172 horsepower are enough to move this 1,500-kilo SUV with authority? Accelerations aren't too brisk in the city, but they'll be even slower when a new, more fuel-efficient version of the Patriot arrives later in the year: its 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine will produce only 158 horsepower...
So, don't wait for this Patriot. Its reduced fuel consumption and $200 lower base price will definitely not make up for the lack of power. Rather, let's hope that a Patriot R/T will soon join the lineup!
That said, I can't forgive the Patriot for the disappointing on-road performance of its CVT.
 |
| The Patriot is available in 2WD and 4WD models. |
Off-road, I didn't mind the excessive rattle of the mechanical components assembled by Jatco. After all, low-range gears are usually noisy. Besides, Jeep had the courage to modify a fairly new technology by giving it the role of a transfer case -- without the added weight and parts, by the way.
But out on the highway, where comfort and silence are a must, the CVT-mated engine revs loudly near 3,500 rpm, even at 4,000 rpm, as long as the right foot doesn't slack the throttle. That's not fair to the 2.4L, 4-cylinder engine (the same as Jeep's Compass and Dodge's Caliber), which produces a poorly refined sound.
Too bad because everything else proves to be competent, particularly the solid handling, the high-feedback steering and the convincing brakes.
Efficient manual transmission
On the road, the 5-speed manual transmission is more appropriate. It offers more character, better control and a greater feel of the tarmac.
Positioned below the climate controls, the shifter allows easy and smooth shifts. That's great because the driver often has to step down a gear or two in order to fully exploit the 172 horsepower racing under the hood.
You think 172 horsepower are enough to move this 1,500-kilo SUV with authority? Accelerations aren't too brisk in the city, but they'll be even slower when a new, more fuel-efficient version of the Patriot arrives later in the year: its 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine will produce only 158 horsepower...
 |
| The manual box is more at ease on the road than on rugged terrains. |
So, don't wait for this Patriot. Its reduced fuel consumption and $200 lower base price will definitely not make up for the lack of power. Rather, let's hope that a Patriot R/T will soon join the lineup!