The 2011 Jeep Patriot gets updated exterior styling and a few better-quality interior trim pieces, plus standard cruise control. New options include 17-inch alloy wheels and a voice-control system for audio functions.
The 2011 Jeep Patriot is a compact SUV that's offered in three trim levels. The midrange Latitude model includes the Power Value Group and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning (available on base), heated front seats, a fold-flat front passenger seat, 60/40-split-folding rear seats with recline, keyless entry, remote ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a 115-volt AC power outlet, a trip computer and an upgraded sound system with a six-CD changer and satellite radio (available on base). The Latitude trims are available with a number of option packages. This sound system is available separately. Available on all 4x4 models is the Freedom-Drive Off-Road Group, which includes a more advanced four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing, skid plates, hill descent control, hill start assist, all-terrain tires and tow hooks. On the base model, this Group includes 17-inch alloy wheels and a height-adjustable driver seat.
The 2011 Jeep Patriot is offered with one of two four-cylinder engines. The 2.0-liter version, which is standard on two-wheel-drive Sport and Latitude models, puts out 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, but there are two different four-wheel-drive systems offered. The Freedom Drive I system is intended for light-duty conditions like snowy roads, whereas the Freedom Drive II is a more traditional 4WD system with a low-range transfer case that makes it much more capable off-road.
Jeep Patriots with the smaller 2.0-liter will be slower still.
The 2.4-liter engine gets almost the same fuel economy with front drive and CVT (21/27/24), and 21/26/23 with all-wheel drive. All 2011 Jeep Patriots comes standard with stability control with rollover mitigation, traction control, whiplash-reducing active front head restraints, and side curtain airbags. Front-seat side impact airbags are optional on all models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Patriot its top "Good" rating in its frontal-offset crash test.
Even when fitted with the 172-hp 2.4-liter engine, the 2011 Jeep Patriot feels sluggish under hard acceleration.
Thankfully, Jeep hasn't significantly changed the exterior of the Patriot, which unlike those other related vehicles, doesn't have any awkward angles. Thanks to its compact-car size and well-defined corners, the Patriot is one of the easiest vehicles to park and drive in tight spaces. While base Patriots come with front-wheel drive, there are two different four-wheel drive systems offered. Cargo space is where the Patriot shines; the tall roofline and boxy proportions make the cargo space behind the backseat more usable, and rear seatbacks fold forward neatly. For extras like heated leather seats, keyless entry, cruise control, a 115-volt power outlet, and other extras, you'll need to step up to the Limited; but all Patriot models now include air conditioning, a CD sound system, fog lamps, cruise control, and power accessories.
Exterior
Standard side roof rails
Standard 16-inch steel wheels; 17-inch aluminum rims optional
Interior
Standard cloth upholstery; leather optional
Standard 60/40-split folding backseat
Standard outside temperature gauge
Optional flat-folding front-passenger seat
Optional heated front seats
Buyers have three drivelines to choose from: front-wheel drive; Freedom Drive I four-wheel drive with lock mode; and Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package, a Trail-Rated four-wheel-drive system. Mechanical features include:
Available 172-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder
Safety
Standard side curtain airbags
Standard electronic stability system with electronic roll mitigation
Standard antilock brakes
Standard traction control
Standard tire pressure monitoring system
