Model Strengths:

• Interior and Cargo Space
• Maneuverability and Parking Ease
• Safety Features
• Tech Options
• Off-road Ability Plus Fuel Economy

Model Overview:

The Patriot shares much of its mechanical components with both the Jeep Compass and the Dodge Caliber, including a layout that's much more car-like than any of Jeep's larger models. With a MacPherson strut front suspension and rear multi-link setup, quick-ratio rack-and-pinion steering and a very manageable 174 inches of total length, the Patriot is very maneuverable.

With either of the Patriot's two 4-cylinder engine offerings under the hood, the Patriot is reasonably energetic on the road while also returning decent fuel economy. The base front-wheel-drive Sport models can be equipped with a 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, but also available on the Sport as well as standard on the rest of the lineup is a 172-hp, 2.4-liter four cylinder.

The 2.0-liter Sport comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or to a continuously variable automatic transmission. With the 2.4-liter, a 5-speed manual transmission is standard and the CVT is optional. The combination of the 2.4-liter engine and 5-speed manual returns the best fuel economy, of 23 mpg city, 28 mpg highway.

Although the Patriot is the most car-like Jeep, it doesn't forget about its off-road roots. Three different drivetrain configurations are offered: front-wheel drive, Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II. Freedom Drive I is an active all-wheel drive system that sends more power to the rear wheels when it's needed for traction; it also has a Lock mode for deep snow or mud. For those who plan to do occasional off-roading, there's the Freedom II Off-Road Package, which brings a 19:1 low range gearing for the CVT, plus skid plates, a full-size spare, all-terrain tires, tow hooks, fog lamps and an engine oil cooler. With the package, the Patriot sits an inch higher than the other models, for a full nine inches of ground clearance, plus 19-inch water fording capability and better approach/departure angles than many more truck-like SUVs.

Brake Traction Control and Hill Descent Control assist with steep, slippery slopes off-road, while all Patriots come with electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes, including a rough-road mode for the ABS.

The Patriot's very boxy exterior helps provide an extremely roomy, useful interior. The front seats have a more car-like position than Jeep's other models, but they command a good view of the road. Seating is also comfortable in back, with adequate legroom and plenty of headroom, though there's barely enough width to fit three adults across; up-level models get a reclining seatback. For cargo versatility, the back seats fold forward flat and increase the dimensions of the remarkably convenient, box-shaped cargo area. The front passenger seat can also fold all the way forward to act as a table or to make room for especially long cargo.

Sport and Limited trims are offered with either front- or 4-wheel drive. The Sport includes all the safety equipment but is otherwise very basic-manual wind-up windows are standard-but it does include air conditioning, a rear defroster and a 4-speaker CD sound system. Limited models make a huge jump and pile on the comforts like heated leather seats, cruise control, keyless entry, an auxiliary power outlet and an upgraded sound system-in addition to 4-wheel disc brakes and alloy wheels.

The Patriot has a wider range of options than is expected from a vehicle that starts at well under $20,000. An especially noteworthy option is the ?UConnect tunes' system, which includes a 30-gigabyte hard drive for storage of music and pictures; the system can read CDs, DVDs or USB memory sticks. Another system called ?UConnect GPS,' optional only on the Limited, includes a hands-free phone interface and voice-activated commands, plus real-time traffic information for the navigation system.

Model Changes:

For 2010, Jeep's boxy compact returns with a few minor changes. The Sport 4x2 can now be paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and active head restraints have become standard across the line.

Model Value:

The Patriot is an unexpectedly capable city car, combining a boxy, rugged-looking traditional Jeep appearance with car-like handling, good outward visibility, an economical powertrain, an interior that's comfortable for four adults and a city-friendly small-car size. Although the base Sport model is basic, it's quite a bargain for a vehicle that includes all the essential safety equipment; and for those willing to option-up, there are more high-tech options than is typical for a basic sport-ute.