Hey folks,

I am about to purchase a 2009 4x2 Patriot. How does it measure up in Canadian winters? I am from Calgary and we can get some pretty bad stuff here.

Do I need winter tires?

Thanks in advance!

You ALWAYS need winter tires, IMHO. First winter with brand new tires...you could be okay...but remember it's not just tread depth that you have to consider. As temps drop, the rubber in an "all-season" gets harder and harder, whereas a proper winter tire stays softer, giving you better grip. So if it hits -40 again this winter, your all-seasons will be like hockey pucks, regardless of how new the treads are.

All 3 factory tire options are gabage.....basically only good for dry, hot, pavement. They will not perform very well in snow and ice.
You can get a set of decent snow tires for $400.

I have the 4x4 and I ran the stock firestones all winter with no problems. It would benice to have the winter tires but than I would want winter rims to go with it, plus I have the TPMS which is another $90 per tire, just too much money.

I thought the reasonable question would be "Do I need 4x4?" :)

Ditto Urr!!! Don't do it, best buy 4x4 for a few more Canadian.

Get the 4x4. It's worth the little bit extra!!

Southern Alberta has had pretty mild winters for the past couple of years. A fwd would have handled them fine. However, owners in Ontario and Quebec, and in the northern U.S. were probably glad they had 4x4s last winter. Having said that, we've had some pretty scary winters here in the past. I'm glad I've got a 4x4, even though it hasn't really been tested yet. Maybe this year.

Oh yeah, go for the 4x4. I love going into unplowed parking lots and stuff after a large snowfall. Just thinking about it gets me excited.

I am kind of amazed at the ability of my Pat in 2 wheel drive, ice, snow, mud, it has seen it all in the short time I have had it (bought it in July and put on 18000 km so far) But when the mud gets deep or the ice a little to slick I always have that 4x4 switch as a back up. I would never just buy a jeep in 2wheel only... I mean half the fun is having all 4 wheels helping you get your adrenalin fix

I have on order the 4x4, thought long and hard about 4x2 but even on the "wet coast", DW and I were concerned about the black ice we tend to get a lot of here. Cool temps during the day 0 to 5 c then frosty over night just -2 to 0 c leads to bad combination.

I will be reading the tire threads in more detail since I am seeing comments that stock tires are not the best, plus will have new driver in family soon (dad can i borrow the keys) and do not need any worries.

Seems to be a conclusion that winter tires on winter rims worth it

So go for the 4X4 even if you're just a street riot.

I am kind of amazed at the ability of my Pat in 2 wheel drive, ice, snow, mud, it has seen it all in the short time I have had it (bought it in July and put on 18000 km so far) But when the mud gets deep or the ice a little to slick I always have that 4x4 switch as a back up. I would never just buy a jeep in 2wheel only... I mean half the fun is having all 4 wheels helping you get your adrenalin fix

Considering it's AWD, you should notice little or no difference getting through snow and mud whether 4x4 is locked or not. If the front wheels slip without 4x4 locked, the rear will kick in automatically to push you through the slop:)