The 2009 Jeep Patriot comes in three models, Sport, Rocky Mountain and Limited, with a choice of front-wheel drive (2WD) and two all-wheel drive (AWD) systems. All models come standard with a 172-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. A continuously variable automatic transaxle (CVT) is optional. It can be ordered with the Auto Stick manual shiftgate ($1,100) or an off-road crawl axle ratio ($1,050). A 2.0-liter four-cylinder is available as a $200 credit option for the Sport. It makes 158 hp and 141 pound-feet of torque, but must be ordered with the CVT.
Patriot Sport 2WD ($17,540) and AWD ($19,290) have cloth upholstery, air conditioning, outside-temperature indicator, AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary audio jack and four speakers, 60/40 split rear seat, tilt steering column, roof rails, and P205/70R16 all-season tires on steel wheels. AWD models also have a locking center differential and four-wheel antilock disc brakes.
Options include a Quick Order package ($2,175) with Yes Essentials cloth upholstery; cruise control and power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry; height-adjustable driver's seat; fold-flat front passenger seat; reclining rear seat; map lights; a removable/rechargeable rear flashlight; a 115-volt power outlet; rubber floormats; rear privacy glass; four-wheel disc brakes. The Freedom Drive II Off-Road group ($1,395) features a brake-lock differential, low-range gearing, Hill Descent Control, heavy-duty alternator and engine cooling, interior air filter, height-adjustable driver's seat, fog lights, skid plates, full-size spare tire and P215/65R17 all-terrain white-letter tires on alloy wheels. The Sun/Sound group ($1,295) includes a sunroof, two articulating liftgate speakers, six Boston Acoustics speakers, a subwoofer and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. Standalone options include a 6CD changer ($350), front side airbags ($250), and P215/65R17 tires on alloy wheels ($590).
Patriot Rocky Mountain 2WD ($19,135) and AWD ($20,885) add Yes Essentials cloth upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, height-adjustable driver's seat, fold-flat front passenger seat, Boston Acoustics sound system, Sirius satellite radio, liftgate speakers, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, sunroof, 115-volt power outlet, removable/rechargeable light, rubber floormats, rear privacy glass, and P215/60R17 tires on alloy wheels.
Patriot Limited 2WD ($22,230) and AWD ($23,980) add cruise control; leather upholstery; heated front seats; height-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar adjustment; fold-flat front passenger seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; a 6-disc CD changer; Sirius satellite radio; power windows, mirrors and locks; remote keyless entry; rear privacy glass; fog lamps; four-wheel disc brakes; and P215/60R17 tires on alloy wheels. The AWD model also gets a locking center differential.
Options for the Limited offers a Security and Cargo Convenience group ($995) with front side airbags, daytime running lights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, alarm, roof rack, cargo tonneau cover and Jeep's UConnect wireless cell phone link. Other options include Jeep's UConnect Tunes hard-drive radio ($650) and the UConnect Multimedia Suite ($1,295) with Sirius satellite radio, auto-dimming rearview mirror, wireless cell phone link and Jeep's UConnect GPS with hard-drive-based radio and navigation system with real-time traffic information. The Freedom Drive II package costs $875 for the AWD Limited.
Safety features on all Patriot models include dual front airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, and electronic stability control with rollover mitigation. Torso-protecting front side impact airbags are an option we recommend.