2010 Jeep Patriot Sport X 4x4

Published: August 15, 2010

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Base Price: $16,865

Price as Tested: $19,740

This week, we're driving Jeep's 2010 Patriot Sport X 4x4, one of the industry's best buys for under $20,000 delivered. Sport X Patriot starts at just $15,365 in front wheel drive (FWD) form, although we enjoyed the versatility and safety of the 4x4 model, which costs just $870 more.

A 4-door, 5-passenger SUV, Patriot is one of Chrysler's most popular vehicles. As we noted in our last Jeep test drive, Jeep's legacy dates back to the Willys-Overland era, when war time Jeeps carved a birthright as "vehicle of choice" for the military. Notable is Mort Walker's popular and still King Features distributed "Beetle Bailey" newspaper comic strip, in which Beetle drives a military style Jeep taking orders from "Sarge" Snorkel and his human quality dog "Otto."

Patriot for 2010 is also available in Latitude ($22,495 4x4) or upscale Limited ($25,180 4x4), with more standard features added as the price goes up. Most Patriots rely on a gas stingy and very "green" 2.4-liter 172-horsepower inline 4-cylinder that delivers 23 city and 28 highway EPA numbers, although the 5-speed manual transmission on the base FWD model connects to a smaller 2.0 liter 158-horse 4-cylinder. Our tester, sporting the 172 horse engine as do all 4x4 models, came with a recommended AutoStick continuously variable automatic Transaxle II (CVT) for $1,100 more. The AutoStick allows for either fully automatic shifting or driver-interactive manual control with six simulated stepped-gear ratios for better fuel mileage.

Inside, Patriot is not as roomy as some of its larger siblings, but considering its more compact size, Patriots offer more than enough passenger and cargo room. Occupants won't have many complaints when it comes to the interior, with firm seating, good ride and nice instrumentation awaiting them. Our tester came with optional $250 front side mounted airbags, an option I recommend on the Sport. The side air bags come standard on the more expensive models.

As for standard features, an advanced airbag systems and side curtain protection, electronic stability control, traction control, roll mitigation, and anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes with brake assist are worth mentioning. Goodyear tires come in 16-inch size attached to mediocre looking steel wheels, while the suspension is fully independent. Other notable standard features include rear window defrost, side roof rails, premium cloth seating, 60/40 split folding seats, tilt steering, a touring suspension, rear stabilizer bar, 130 watt media center with CD/MP3, tip start, and much more.

On the highway Patriot rides like a well built sedan, and then turns into an off-road capable fun machine or a very safe snow season transporter. Available is an optional Off-Road 4WD LOCK mode that activates the off-road Antilock Brake System (ABS), traction control and optimized engine and transmission calibration for rock crawling. Your dealer will explain the advantages when you visit.

Acceleration is adequate to good, and the continuously variable transmission works better than the one we previously drove back in June of 2009 thanks to the AutoStick feature. Handling is good, but remember this Jeep is no sports car and does have fast corner limitations.

Overall, Patriot is a fine highway performer with the genes of the Willys just an off-road adventure away. Because the entry level is minus some of the usual amenities like power locks and doors, air conditioning did cost an additional $895, but is well worth the cost if you live in a hotter climate.

Important numbers include a wheelbase of 103.7 inches, 3,332 pound curb weight, 23 to 52 cu. ft. of cargo capacity depending on seating arrangement, 2,000 pound tow capacity, and a 13.5 gallon fuel tank.

Even with a few desirables missing, Jeep Patriot Sport X 4x4 is indeed a great buy for less than $20,000 delivered. Our tester added up to just $19,740 with $630 for delivery included. If it were me, I'd add a nice set of aftermarket wheels and get ready for some great return on investment ownership.

Likes: Design, off road genes, ride, price.

Dislikes: Steel wheels, engine a bit noisy under acceleration.

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(Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist)

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