Mopar Patriot

[Scott Brady]

While testing the NuKaiser, I also spent a little time in the new Mopar Patriot. I like these little trucks, and was part of the original proof of performance testing, etc. for the Chrysler engineers. This left a soft spot in my heart for the little Jeep that could.

Does this wide angle lens make my butt look bigger?

They used a small 1.5-2" lift from Rocky Road to gain clearance for the monster KM2s

Flex is still very limited, the lift robbing extension to pay compression. Regardless, it is still more capable than any other cross-over UTE I have tested.

Aired down, it would scoot through the dunes. These trucks are super fun on graded dirt roads.

 

[haven]

A little more about the Patriot here

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42664

The Rocky Road 2" lift adds extensions for the struts front and rear,
a new upper control arm for the rear, camber plate bolts, and swaybar
extensions. Cost: $360.

 

[goodtimes]

Marisa bought a base model in late '07. It has been a pretty good vehicle. When we find cold weather, freeway mileage is in the low 30's (my best is 33mpg, @ ~80mph). When it is hot out, mid to upper 20's.

For accessing hiking and biking trail heads, getting the kayaks around, etc., it is great. I wouldn't take one on a RTW trip, or anywhere that I expected to see tough trail conditions, washed out roads, etc . . . but for a general back country cruising around rig, it does well.

 

[deadbeat son]

I notice Jeep has adorned it with their "Trail Rated" badging; what exactly does that mean?

 

[Scott Brady]

It is a standard for water fording, ground clearance, etc., as established by the Nevada Test center. More details on my testing link above.

 

[deadbeat son]

Thanks Scott, reading now!

 

[mountainsoul]

I've always kinda had a soft spot for the Patriot. That's a nice looking compact ute. Really like the red with black accents.

Marisa bought a base model in late '07. It has been a pretty good vehicle. When we find cold weather, freeway mileage is in the low 30's (my best is 33mpg, @ ~80mph). When it is hot out, mid to upper 20's.

Those are solid numbers. That's for the FWD version though correct?

I notice Jeep has adorned it with their "Trail Rated" badging; what exactly does that mean?

I'm surprised it was able to meet the "Trail Rated" criteria to be honest.

 

[goodtimes]

Those are solid numbers. That's for the FWD version though correct?

That is the 4 cylinder, 5 speed, 4 wheel drive (2hi / 4hi -- no low range is offered in the Patriot).

I've always found it interesting that the Patriot is a dog when leaving a stop light, but once it is moving, it runs down the road at freeway speeds with very little effort.

As a bonus, there is enough room for two adults to sleep inside when the rear seat is folded down.

 

[Purple People Eater]

My sister had one in stock form for about a year, and I got to drive it a few times. They definitely don't suck. Not exactly what I would look for, but if you can't have fun driving one on some mild backroads, you're doing it wrong.

 

[mountainsoul]

That is the 4 cylinder, 5 speed, 4 wheel drive

That makes it even more impressive.