New 2010 Jeep Patriot

While the Jeep name is synonymous with rugged, true off-road vehicles, today’s lineup offers something for the SUV driver in everybody. The 2010 Jeep Patriot delivers Jeep utility with modern technology, practicality and efficiency.

The 2010 Jeep Patriot is available with either two- or four-wheel drive and features a 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder motor, or the optional 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-four engine.  Both engines are mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission. The Patriot offers 20-23 mpg in the city and 22-29 mpg on the highway, which bests competitors like the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4.

Interior space is not lacking in the Patriot, with 63 cubic feet of cargo room. The 41 inches of front headroom is greater than the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Chevy Equinox and Nissan Murano, and rear legroom bests all those except the Equinox. The Sport model includes standard/optional features including a power glass sunroof, Sirius Satellite Radio, a Boston Acoustics upgrade stereo, leather-wrapped steering wheel, simulated alloy dashboard trim and CD player.

The Limited trim raises the bar with heated, power leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, 6-CD changer and Sirius Satellite Radio.  A navigation system is optional. The available Uconnect multimedia system features a 30 GB hard drive to store and play music and can act as a Wi-Fi hotspot to which you can connect laptops and other wireless electronics.

Off-road capability is a priority at Jeep, and thus the Patriot is available as Trail-Rated, giving you the proper equipment to handle whatever rocky dirt roads stand between you and your campsite. An available Freedom Drive II setup gives you a one-inch higher ride height on non-Trail-Rated Patriots, which enhances water fording and steep incline/decline articulation.

Even with all these great features, Jeep still managed to package safety into this low-priced SUV. Dual front airbags and two-row head airbags combine with a well-engineered chassis to deliver Five-Star crash ratings in government testing, except for a Four-Star driver front-impact rating. Antilock brakes, traction and stability control systems combine to keep the driver in control.

High fuel economy numbers and a low price combine to make this very capable, small but spacious SUV a great choice for both urban and jungle navigation.