Test drive Jeep Patriot: small commando

Chrysler-owned off-road brand Jeep already has a new base model. Its name is Patriot, and the car once again demonstrates classic Jeep design.

The compass was the model that set the direction for the small models of the traditional American brand. Jeep Patriot is built on the technological platform of the aforementioned compact SUV. But while the Compass is more of an urban SUV and therefore not likely to appeal to the most avid Jeep aficionados, the Patriot is classic, with most of the soft curves replaced by stern edges.

Compact SUV in classic Jeep style

Surprisingly, the Patriot turned out to be even a little more profitable than its "fancy" fellow, which is another argument in its favor. For its part, though, what's under the car's sheets leaves some doubt that the Jeep name is entirely appropriate here. Under the hood is a transversely mounted engine that under normal conditions drives only the front wheels - typical of a compact class model, but not a true off-road model.

The car is powered by a 2,4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine already known from models like the Sebring, and perhaps its smarter alternative is VW's four-cylinder turbodiesel that works with pump-injector technology. When a loss of traction is detected by the front wheels, part of the torque is automatically transferred to the rear axle via an electronically controlled plate clutch. The latter can be locked, providing a 50/50 distribution of traction to the front and rear wheels - finally, the hallmark of any real jeep.

Good active safety thanks to the ESP system

Although this jeep lacks a downshift, the vehicle does an excellent job of off-road tasks such as family walks. On hard surfaces, there are no unpleasant surprises either: the ESP system is standard, and the comfort is quite satisfactory even on long transitions. The Jeep Patriot will hit European markets later this year.

Text: Goetz Layrer

Photos: Jeep

2020-08-29