2015 Jeep Patriot review

1. Pair of versatile engines options

The 2015 Jeep Patriot can be found with two different engine options, and both provide ample power and practicality to handle everyday driving. The first option is a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 141 lb-ft of torque and capable of achieving an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined and 30 mpg on the highway when paired with the standard five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive.

Even with the optional continuously-variable automatic transmission, you still get an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined and 26 mpg on the highway.For a little more power, choose the 2.4L four-cylinder engine, packing 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, while still capable of achieving an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined and 28 mpg on the highway.

2. Freedom Drive offers off-road ability

For adventures and road trips off the beaten track, the 2015 Jeep Patriot includes the Freedom Drive suite of option packages geared towards off-road driving. The Freedom Drive I package adds all-wheel drive for enhanced road-holding even on rough surfaces, and for maximum all-terrain ability, the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Group also adds a full suite of off-road focused features like low-range gearing, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, and skid plates. Both feature packages can be had across the entire 2015 Jeep Patriot trim lineup.

3. Spacious and comfortable cabin

Don't be fooled by the 'compact' part of the compact crossover title; the 2015 Jeep Patriot's cabin is anything but. 104.4 cu-ft of passenger volume means that even if all five seats are occupied, everyone has room to relax and get comfortable, especially with 40.6 inches of front seat legroom and 39.4 inches of rear seat legroom to play with. For extra comfort, Latitude trims upwards feature heated front seats and reclining rear seatbacks, with premium Limited trims also getting leather upholstery and a six-way power driver's seat.

4. Useful storage capacity

From weekly grocery shopping to vacation luggage and sports equipment, the 2015 Jeep Patriot has the storage space to handle it all. The trunk offers 23 cu-ft of luggage volume in standard configuration, which is more than enough for most. However, should you need more, the 60/40 split-folding rear seats fold flat to expand up to 54.2 cu-ft of cargo volume. And for particularly lengthy items, the Latitude trim upwards even features a fold-flat front passenger seat.

5. Great selection of trims and packages

With three main trims, two sub-trims, and a wealth of option packages, there's certain to be a 2015 Jeep Patriot out there to match your lifestyle. The base Sport trim still features cruise control and foglights as standard equipment, with the Altitude Edition sub-trim adding unique exterior accents and the Power Value Group pack adding keyless entry and power heated mirrors. Additionally, both the Latitude and Limited trims can be found with such packages as the aforementioned Freedom Drive groups, and the Sun and Sound group, which adds features like a sunroof and two drop-down liftgate speakers.