| The Jeep Patriot was awarded top honors by the | | | | off-road vehicle. Our test model was a distinctive |
| Texas Auto Writers organization as the Compact | | | | lime-green color that was easy to spot in a crowd of |
| SUV of Texas. This was one of the most challenging | | | | cars. It was very comfortable on the highway and on |
| of the various categories at the Truck Rodeo. Other | | | | several short road trips. Judy commented about how |
| categories included full-size trucks, heavy-duty trucks, | | | | attractive and functional the interior was for the |
| luxury SUV's, and others. The Truck Rodeo pitted | | | | driver and passengers. This is not a luxury vehicle, |
| over 40 off-road capable vehicles utilizing a very | | | | but it is very road-worthy and useful for day-to-day |
| difficult network of ranch roads, creeks, and rocks | | | | purposes. There have been repeated complaints |
| down in the Texas Hill Country. | | | | about the rear seats not being very comfortable, |
| "This is certainly an honor for Jeep," said Michael | | | | although we never did try them out ourselves. |
| Manley, President and Chief Executive Officer - Jeep | | | | The Jeep Patriot is a great off-road capable vehicle |
| Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "We're proud the Patriot | | | | for the price and gets good highway mileage as well. |
| proved its off-road prowess at the Texas Truck | | | | It averages near 28 to 29 mpg, which is about the |
| Rodeo. The Trail Rated® Jeep Patriot 4x4 is hands | | | | best for the low priced off-road 4x4 SUV's. The |
| down the most capable and affordable SUV in the | | | | standard model comes with 17-inch all-terrain tires, a |
| compact segment." | | | | full-size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks, and fog |
| Following the Texas Truck Rodeo in San Antonio, the | | | | lamps. |
| brand-new Patriot spent a long week with my wife | | | | Bottom line - the Jeep Patriot has been designed for |
| and I. We were among the lucky journalists to test | | | | customers that are looking for year-round versatility |
| drive it for a much longer period of time. | | | | and good fuel economy, but want four-wheel-drive |
| Generally speaking, the 2010 Patriot has not changed | | | | capability and a low purchase price. The Patriot's |
| much from the 2009 model. It is among the least | | | | interior is up-to-date and the exterior is classic Jeep. |
| expensive off-road vehicles on the market. The | | | | You can find smoother rides, better seating, and |
| Freedom Drive off-road package includes a low range | | | | more comfort, but you will have to pay for it. If you |
| with a continuously variable transmission. This allows | | | | are not planning to spend much time off the beaten |
| the crawling mode in severe off-road conditions and | | | | path, this might not be the optimum vehicle for you. |
| is referred to a being Trail Rated. The Patriot also | | | | But with its legendary Jeep off-road capability, the |
| offers hill-descent control and brake traction control. | | | | Patriot offers a combination of freedom, fun, and |
| The Off-Road package includes break-over angles, a | | | | utility. |
| full nine inches of ground clearance, and adequate | | | | Check out the Jeep Patriot yourself at a Chrysler |
| body sealing to ford up to 19 inches of water. | | | | dealership and see why the Texas Auto Writers |
| The Patriot certainly lives up to its Jeep heritage and | | | | named it as their 2009 Compact SUV of the Year. |
| receives plenty of accolades as being an authentic | | | | |