I know the title may seem deceptive, however I am sick of hearing people complain about how these new jeeps aren't 'really' jeeps, b/c of their lack in off-road capabilities....no aside from some of the pictures I am gonna assume these things will do better off-road than any piece of crap honda CRV or other passenger car front drive SUV's.

But we don't see anyone complainning about them. When the CRV and Toyota Rav 4 came out as cross-overs, they were ingenious and smart and segment leading and innovative. But now that Jeep is doing, one for extra profit and also to explore new markets all of a sudden it's anegative thing for the company. Has everyone forgotten that the automotive industry has changed so drastically in the past few years and that companies are doing everything they have to, to earn a profit and entice the customers to buy their product instead of some inexpensive korean car, or whatever else.

This degrading of the company is really making me angry and saying that something is not the right direction for the company is for no-one but the public to decide....and just because automotive magazines only want to print about cars that 99% of us can't afford doesn't mean they must start picking apart a company for trying to make a business point....which is all cars are now is a money maker.....a business venture

Sorry if I have offended anyone, and thanks for reading my rant....

Justin

Let it out man.. we are here for you. lol

For me the jury is still out... I hope DC is not just allowing the Patriot to meet some "minimum requirement" for its badge. Trial Rated needs to mean something.

Its like... if the Army started handing out Ranger Tabs, like they hand out the Black Berets.

Does any one know what the requirements are for a Jeep 4x4 to carry the Trail Rated (R) badge?

Would they be the same basic requirements for ALL Jeeps, or does each make have seperate TR requirements?

I hope DC is not just allowing the Patriot to meet some "minimum requirement" for its badge. Trial Rated needs to mean something.

Not to bust balls, but nobody even knows the exact requirements for Jeep to slap a "Trail Rated" badge on a vehicle. I'd love to know how it is measured. They could very well be giving you the bare minimum and you'd never know it.

Yeah, I think they're probably using the minimum requirements because each Jeep vehicle has different capabilities based on their ground clearance, approach angle, weight and other factors that seem to play a role in "Trail Rated" uses.

Anyone want to e-mail DC and ask?

Does any one know what the requirements are for a Jeep 4x4 to carry the Trail Rated (R) badge?

Would they be the same basic requirements for ALL Jeeps, or does each make have seperate TR requirements?

I was under the impression that any "Trail Rated" Jeep would be able to traverse the Rubicon Trail in its stock form. I assumed the Trail Rated test was consistent throughout all Jeeps.

Now that's about all I know (and probably about all everyone else knows). Which leads to the more specific questions (which I think you were getting at):

Where on the Rubicon Trail do they do the testing? I hear that hardcore off-roaders go there, so I assume there are some pretty tough trails there -- ones that I highly doubt stock Jeeps could make it through. So does that mean they use an "easier" portion of the trail? I've never been there, so my assumptions are sheer speculation...

What constitutes a successful run? Going through the trail without have to get pulled or winched? Going through the trail without ever needing to back up?

Off-roading is a large function of the driver, too. So what percentage of the test runs need to be successful?

And finally, do they actually DO the test runs there? Or did they just calculate certain parameters that means that the Jeep should make it through?

I was wrong. These sites have some information on Trail Ratedness:
http://www.jeep.com/trailrated/index.html
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2003/09/18/168951.html

Well, my 2002 Wrangler Sport doesn't have a trail rated badge, but it will go just about anywhere I chose to take it. I figure any 4x4 Jeep is more capable than any other 4x4 rig, badge or not. I am anxious to get a Patriot and see what it will do.

Thanks for posting the requirements!

I am ready and willing to put to rest any question about the trail rated ability of the Patriot with the FDII package... just as soon as I get a set of key in my hands

well I am glad to see such responses, that trail rated site was pretty cool....hopefully these new jeeps can keep up....altough I would like to point out that an APPROXIMATE percentage of people who own SUV's and take them off-road is close to only 5%...I know mine probably wont, that's why I bought a ATV, and a dirt bike....this thing just needs to get them there.

didnt offend me at all

glad jeep came out with such,
impressed they gave the compass 172 hp,
which no other miniSUV has,
a little dissappointed the compass didnt have 4x4, but the patriot will make up for that

didnt offend me at all

glad jeep came out with such,
impressed they gave the compass 172 hp,
which no other miniSUV has,
a little dissappointed the compass didnt have 4x4, but the patriot will make up for that
Don't be disappointed, the Compass is available with 4wd.

I hope the 172hp is enough, considering the weight. (Enough for cross-shoppers comparing hp figures, I mean. I'm sure it's enough to move the vehicle around just fine.)

Cherokees had the UpCountry option that provided bilstein shocks, stiffer springs, and a resultant one inch improvement in clearance. I suspect the Off Road Package Jeep is offering for the Patriot is intended to be the equivalent. Unfortunately, the Patriot only provides this package with the rather enemic and boring CVT. Given the choice between the Off Road Package/CVT and manual tranny, I would much rather have the performance, economy, and adventure provided by the manual. So, I hope that the spring/shock option will, at least, be made available for the manual.