I am researching seeing if the 4x2 is an option I may be open to.

Ive heard good reviews on the Patriot 4x2 on off roads.

anyone tried both 4 x4 and 4x2 to compare?

Hello, John. Read the review at http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67422

That thread begins with a positive off-road review of the Patriot 4X2. I also posted a story about my accidentally getting into a situation that challenged the 4X2, but Ignatz (my Patriot) and I survived. I think a FWD Patriot can do better than other FWDs.

IMHO if you're serious about off-roading, a 4X2 Patriot isn't the best choice, but if you're concerned about driving on snowy roads or traveling marginal dirt roads/paths, the Patriot can certainly do it so long as you have appropriate tires. With better tires my story would have been a little less exciting. In my adventure the tires were close to the end of their life expectancy and we made it based on a combination of experience, and, well, luck.

It was early this morning. I posted the 4X2 link for you, not the Allpar review. Here's the review: http://www.allpar.com/reviews/2008/patriot-offroad.html

It was early this morning. I posted the 4X2 link for you, not the Allpar review. Here's the review: http://www.allpar.com/reviews/2008/patriot-offroad.html

yup I saw this and I saw the other thread actually. I have been reading threads before I signed up. Guess I just need to remind myself and need reinforcement and need to put many hours in studying on here, which i already have put in some nice study time. Thank you very much Ignatz

4x2 would be fine for anything other than steep loose rock hills, rock climbing, situations where a tire can get in the air or deep snow. Other than that, they are the same.

4x2 would be fine for anything other than steep loose rock hills, rock climbing, situations where a tire can get in the air or deep snow. Other than that, they are the same.

You can just disconnect the sway bar if you get tires in the air. :D


If you're going to drive on roads that are not maintained, get a 4x4 equipped Pat. I can't think of any reason why you wouldn't. It's about $2k on the car loan, or about $30 a month on a typical loan.

Yeah they aren't much more expensive and the mpgs stay almost the same

Yeah they aren't much more expensive and the mpgs stay almost the same

And resale value is much better.

Did you check that link to that Allpar review I posted on 8/5? I only sent you to the thread; here's the link to the Allpar review: http://www.allpar.com/reviews/2008/patriot-offroad.html That seems to say it pretty well, and they took their Patriot through tougher stuff than I have. Mine is essentially a highway vehicle, it needs to last, and I'm not going to abuse it to prove a point. They had a different set of priorities.

I expect my Patriot to handle unmaintained roads well enough, and it has. You'll need to keep your front wheels on the ground, stay off steep gravel, and out of deep mud. Don't overestimate yourself or your vehicle. I trust you realize that an unmaintained road is the not the same as off-road -- leave bona-fide off-roading for the 4WDs. The adventure I posted in the 2WD forum would have been much easier in July after the snow had melted and the mud had firmed up.

Don't send your GF onto a logging road at night in a snowstorm, OK? Now if you're taking that same logging road for a picnic on a summer day, then put your canoe on the roof and have a great time!