2018 Jeep Patriot Pros vs Cons

Some SUVs are, to be quite frank, just not worth the money. The 2018 Jeep Patriot, however, presents an affordable option to drivers who are looking for a good performance and plenty of safety and infotainment features. The Patriot looks cool on the outside and is surprisingly spacious on the inside. With multiple trims to choose from, it's easy to find something that fits your unique needs, as this vehicle can be a great everyday driver for someone with a family or a thrilling off-roader for adventure-seekers.

What's New for 2018?

Nothing has been changed for the 2018 model year, as Jeep completely overhauled the Patriot in 2017.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 Jeep Patriot – The Pros

1. Spacious Interior and Cargo Area

A lot of crossover SUVs have a serious problem with spaciousness on the inside. The 2018 Jeep Patriot does not have that problem. Just take one peek inside the Patriot, and you will immediately notice how big the vehicle feels. Front and rear seat passengers have plenty of head, leg, shoulder, and hip room. The cargo area offers a generous grand total of 60 feet of cubic space with the 60/40 rear split-seat folded down.

2. Off-Roading On the Trailhawk

The Trailhawk trim is ideal for anyone who wants a thrilling off-road performance. This trim comes with the standard all-wheel drive, 17-inch wheels, off-roading tires, a 9-speed automatic transmission, a revised front fascia, and a raised suspension. It also has a Selec-Terrain system installed that allows you to navigate jagged and steep surfaces. There are underbody protection shields that help keep your vehicle's undercarriage safe damage by loose gravel, dust, or rocks.

3. Steers Like a Sedan

For being an SUV, the steering feels remarkably smooth. It is reminiscent of driving a sedan. Drivers should feel confident and informed about how the 2018 Jeep Patriot navigates difficult turns since the steering provides a good amount of feedback to the driver.

4. Impeccable Handling

In addition to its fantastic steering, the Patriot handles extremely well. The suspension has a finely-tuned control, and the chassis is just stiff enough to provide a nice solid ride around curves and on difficult terrain.

5. A Smooth Ride

Overall, the 2018 Jeep Patriot has a smooth ride quality. The vehicle has no problem absorbing bumps in the road. The tires feel like they are perfectly able to absorb a good amount of shock, and the interior seems well-insulated so that road and engine noise won't bother anybody, even while driving at highway speeds or off-roading.

6. Controls Are User-Friendly

The controls on the Patriot are very user-friendly. Everything is intuitively placed and easy for a driver to access while driving. The controls are clearly labeled, seem to be fully functional, and don't appear to be made of cheap, low-quality materials that will cause the buttons and knobs to break.

7. Folding Rear Seats

The 60/40 split-seats fold down to help maximize cargo space, and they have a very flat fold to them. While many other folding seats that can be found in other vehicles don't fold all the way down, these seats do. This is a nice bonus for those who plan on lugging a bunch of bulky gear around in the cargo area and need that extra space.

8. Plenty of Small Item Storage Areas

Little storage bins and cup and water bottle holders can be found everywhere throughout the cabin. The bottle and cup holders keep items securely held into place, and the glove box provides ample space for storing necessary items.

9. Uconnect Infotainment System

The Uconnect infotainment system is one of the most user-friendly systems available on the market. The optional 8.5-inch touchscreen provides the sharpest view of the graphics, and the interface is well-designed with non-tech-savvy users in mind.

10. Multiple Buttons On the Steering Wheel

One of the most convenient aspects of the 2018 Jeep Patriot's interior is that many control buttons are located on the steering wheel. This makes it so that the driver does not have to take their hand away from the steering wheel in order to adjust these controls.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 Jeep Patriot – The Cons

1. Difficult to Find a Comfortable Driving Position

Unfortunately, the biggest downside to driving the 2018 Jeep Patriot is that it is difficult for many people to find a comfortable driving position. It will take some fidgeting with the seat and steering wheel to find the position that really works best for you.

2. Lack of Power From the 4-Cylinder Engine

The standard 2.4-L 4-cylinder engine is surprisingly weak for a vehicle in this class. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission on the Sport trim or an optional 6-speed FWD or 9-speed AWD. Sadly, the engine only musters a meager 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, meaning its competitors leave it in the dust.

3. Firm Seat Cushions

While the seats aren't completely awful to sit in and are fine for shorter rides, your backside might start to ache after sitting on these seats for several hours. The seat cushions feel too firm and just don't offer that much support. While this can be resolved by getting some extra cushions to put on the seats, it might dissuade potential buyers who require additional support for their spines.

How it stacks up to the competition:

2018 Jeep Patriot vs. 2018 Honda CR-V

The 2018 Honda CR-V is one of the Patriot's top competitors for this year. It provides a smooth ride, is loaded with features, and provides more comfort in its seats than the Patriot. It also gets a stellar EPA fuel economy. However, its infotainment system is known to be a little bit less reliable and not so user-friendly as Uconnect.

2018 Jeep Patriot vs. 2018 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is another one of the Patriot's biggest competitors. It comes standard with AWD, making it an attractive choice for thrill-seekers right off the bat. However, its fuel economy isn't the best, and it struggles to get up-to-speed on the highway.

Conclusion

The 2018 Jeep Patriot is one of the most affordable options in its class for the model year, and it offers a lot of potential as an adventurous off-roader. It is equally capable as a daily driver. While it has a few setbacks, the Patriot is a user-friendly vehicle that looks to be well-constructed.