The 2017 Jeep Patriot is a compact SUV that often catches the eye of budget-minded buyers. It looks rugged and has the famous Jeep brand, but does it deliver where it counts? Let’s explore what real owners and experts said about the 2017 Jeep Patriot, especially through the lens of Consumer Reports reviews and related data. This guide breaks down what you need to know before considering this SUV.
What Owners And Consumer Reports Say
The 2017 Jeep Patriot received mixed feedback. Consumer Reports, known for its detailed vehicle testing, gave the Patriot low marks in some key areas. While it’s affordable and offers the classic Jeep styling, it comes with trade-offs.
Reliability And Owner Satisfaction
Consumer Reports rated the reliability of the 2017 Jeep Patriot as below average. Many owners reported problems with the transmission, electrical systems, and engine. On the other hand, some owners liked how simple and easy to repair the SUV was compared to more modern, complex vehicles.
Driving Experience
The driving experience is basic. The Patriot has a stiff suspension and a noisy cabin, especially at highway speeds. Acceleration is slow: the base engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, produces 158 horsepower. There is also a 2.4-liter engine with 172 horsepower, but neither offers strong performance.
Key Features And Trim Levels
The 2017 Jeep Patriot came in a few trims:
- Sport: The most basic option. Manual windows and locks, no cruise control.
- Latitude: Adds features like heated seats, keyless entry, and a better sound system.
- High Altitude: Top trim with leather seats, sunroof, and more comfort features.
A major reason people bought the Patriot was its low price. At the time, the starting MSRP was under $19,000, which was rare for an SUV.
Safety Ratings And Features
Safety is a concern for many buyers. The 2017 Patriot had basic safety features, but missed out on modern tech like automatic emergency braking or lane departure warning.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| IIHS Overall | Marginal |
| NHTSA Overall | 4 stars |
| Side Crash | 5 stars |
| Rollover | 3 stars |
The Patriot’s safety is considered below average compared to newer rivals.
Interior Comfort And Space
Inside, the Patriot feels dated. The materials are hard plastic, and the design is basic.
The seats are flat and not very supportive for long drives. Taller passengers may find the rear seat cramped.
Cargo space is reasonable for a compact SUV. With rear seats folded, you get up to 53.5 cubic feet of storage, enough for groceries or a weekend trip.
Performance And Fuel Economy
The Patriot’s engines are not very powerful. The automatic transmission, especially the CVT, is often criticized for rough shifting and lack of response.
| Engine | Horsepower | MPG (city/highway) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L I4 | 158 | 23/30 |
| 2.4L I4 | 172 | 22/26 |
While fuel economy is decent, many competitors do better. AWD models are less efficient.
Value For Money
The main appeal of the 2017 Patriot is its price. You get a vehicle that looks like a Jeep and can handle light off-road driving, especially with the available Freedom Drive II package.
However, you miss out on comfort, technology, and safety that are now common in other SUVs. The low price also means lower resale value and higher depreciation.
Common Problems And Non-obvious Insights
- Transmission issues: Many owners reported problems with the CVT automatic transmission. Repairs can be expensive.
- Water leaks: Some owners found water leaking into the cabin during heavy rain, especially around doors and the sunroof.
- Limited tech: Even the top trims lack features like Apple CarPlay, advanced navigation, or modern driver aids.
- Rust: Rust on the underbody and around wheel wells was noted by owners in areas with harsh winters.
A less obvious insight: the simplicity of the Patriot can be a plus for DIY mechanics. Parts are cheap, and repairs are usually straightforward compared to more advanced SUVs.
How The Patriot Stacks Up Against Rivals
To see how the 2017 Jeep Patriot compares, here’s a look at a few competitors:
| Model | Base Price | MPG | Safety Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Patriot | $18,990 | 23/30 | 4 stars |
| Honda HR-V | $19,570 | 28/34 | 5 stars |
| Ford Escape | $23,750 | 21/29 | 5 stars |
| Chevy Trax | $21,000 | 25/33 | 5 stars |
The Patriot is the most affordable, but you sacrifice fuel economy and safety.
Final Thoughts On The 2017 Jeep Patriot
If you want a cheap, simple SUV for basic driving or light off-roading, the 2017 Jeep Patriot can fit the bill. But, you need to accept its outdated design, limited tech, and below-average safety scores.
Most experts and Consumer Reports suggest looking at newer competitors, unless your budget is very tight or you value easy DIY repairs.
For more detailed test data, visit Consumer Reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The 2017 Jeep Patriot Reliable?
The 2017 Patriot scores below average for reliability. Common issues include transmission and electrical problems.
What Is The Fuel Economy Of The 2017 Jeep Patriot?
Expect around 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with the base engine. The larger engine and AWD reduce these numbers slightly.
Does The 2017 Jeep Patriot Have Good Safety Features?
Safety features are basic. There’s no advanced tech like automatic braking.
Safety ratings are also lower than most rivals.
Is The 2017 Jeep Patriot Good For Off-road Driving?
With the Freedom Drive II package, it can handle light off-roading. However, it’s not as capable as bigger Jeeps like the Wrangler.
What Are The Most Common Problems With The 2017 Jeep Patriot?
The main issues are transmission failures, water leaks, and rust in colder climates. Electronics can also be troublesome in some models.
