The Jeep Patriot is quieter and more premiums looking for the 2009 model year than it was when first launched two years ago. The twenty-something barista around the corner owns an original Patriot and loves her compact sport-utility vehicle. When I told her I had the 2009 Jeep, she stopped steaming a skinny and scooted out the door. The changes Jeep made to the new Patriot made her feel cheated. She marveled at the upgrades throughout the entire cabin.

         The 2009 Jeep Patriot is one of the most adept four-wheel drive SUVs on the market in the compact segment. It’s highly affordable and now, in a slumped economy, it’s offered with upgraded revisions. The Patriot is offered in Sport and limited trims in front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. I drove the Sport with a base price of $18.540. The test-vehicle price was $24.015 as it was equipped with several options the automaker wanted to highlight as desirable availabilities.

           One such large option package was the $2,175 customer preferred package 28E. There were about 16 items in this package that enhanced the comfort and convenience value of the base model, from premium stain-repellant cloth seats to power fold –away side view mirrors. The tester also featured the optional $1,050 continuously variable transmission with off-road crawl ratio, as well as Freedom Drive 4x4 off-road group for $855. The 2009 Patriot sounds quieter with noise reduction improvements to the engine compartment exhaust tuning and added interior- floor insulation. The Patriot also provides passengers with a more comfortable highway ride with its revised suspension tuning. Cabin upgrades include an all-new instrument panel accented with chrome appointment around the climate control vents, cluster rings, shifter and doors. An all-new center console has a slit lid with more storage space. The Patriot door trim panels are more substantial looking with padded armrests that provide added comfort.

             Jeep off-road engineering makes the Patriot a good value for the highway and the dirt. Jeep is known for its capability for water fording, ground clearance traction and maneuverability. The Jeep is a two-box SUV that gives it exceptional abilities in the rugged terrain, plus the five-passenger cabin easily converts into a spacious place for cargo carrying. On the downside, towing capacity on this compact vehicle is rated at just 2,000 pounds. A 16-valve 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with 4WD, it had an EPA fuel economy rating of mpg highway. The 2WD Patriot comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that achieves 23/27 mpg and produce 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque. The Jeep Patriot has gotten a make over inside and out for 2009, redesigned center console has a split lid with more storage space. 

                                                                                             -The Arizona Republic

                                                                                                By Connie Keane

                                                                                                  Motor Matter

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