The 2014 Patriot is unmistakably a Jeep with its traditional rugged styling, but it also has a new six-speed automatic transmission that contributes to the compact SUV’s improved ride, handling and fuel efficiency (30 mpg). Improved passenger safety comes with new, standard front-seat-mounted side airbags.
Loaded with standard features such as electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist, anti-lock brakes, illuminated cup holders, sunscreen glass, fog lamps, removable/rechargeable flashlight, outside temperature display, rear fold-flat 60/40 folding seat, rear window defrost and wiper, tilt steering column, cruise control and sliding visors with mirror.
The Patriot also offers an array of clever new technology features such as a Uconnect Media Center with iPod interface, SiriusXM Radio, navigation with SiriusXM Travel Link, a power sunroof, a premium audio system with nine Boston Acoustic speakers, articulating liftgate speakers, and fold-flat rear seats.
The 2014 Jeep Patriot is offered in three models: Sport, Latitude and Limited.
Sport — Powered by the 2.0-liter 158 hp I-4 World Gas Engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Standard features include: front-seat mounted side air bags, allrow side curtain air bags, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist, advanced multistage front and passenger air bags, anti-lock front disc and rear drum brakes, audio jack, fog lamps, illuminated cup holders, removable/rechargeable flashlight, floor mats, outside temperature display, fold-flat 60/40 folding rear seat, rear seat heat ducts, rear window defrost and wiper, front sliding visors with mirror, tilt steering column, cruise control, deep tint glass and roof side rails.
Latitude — has standard features of the Sport, as well as air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power heated exterior mirrors, illuminated keyless entry, 17-inch aluminum wheels, front heated cloth seats, rear 60/40 seat recline, driver seat height adjuster, fold-flat front passenger seat, 115- volt power inverter, body color exterior door handles and liftgate brow and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and speed controls.
Limited — includes standard features offered on the Latitude model, but comes with a bigger 2.4-liter I-4 172 hp World Gas Engine, leather seats, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, driver’s seat manual lumbar adjust, leather-wrapped parking brake handle, six-way power driver’s seat, Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), AM/FM/six-disc CD/DVD/MP3/HDD radio, SiriusXM Radio, automatic temperature control, bright exhaust tip and bright accents on the front and rear fascias.
The 2014 Jeep Patriot delivers up to 2,000 pounds of towing capacity and available options include Jeep Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II four-wheel drive systems.
The MSRP on the 2014 Jeep Patriot starts at $15,995.
Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email to LetsTalkCars@aol.com.
