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Considering buying a new 2014 Jeep Patriot Limited

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Eric5273

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
Hi all, this is my first post. I'm considering buying a new 2014 Jeep Patriot Limited, but not sure if this is the right car for me. Let me give you some background....

I've been one to typically own sports cars in the past, and then a couple of years ago I suffered a back injury. Over the past two years I have come to accept that my back will most likely never be 100% again. One of the problems I have is that I cannot drive a car with a low seating position for more than about 30 minutes without having severe pain. So I need a car with an upright seating position.

So last month I sold my previous car (a Scion TC) which I had been using only for local driving. And now I'm shopping for a replacement. As I've always been one to like smaller vehicles (the Scion is about as large as I like them, and many of my cars were 2 seaters), I've been looking for a small Crossover/SUV.

Here are my requirements:

1) Since I live in the Northeast, as long as I'm going to get a Crossover/SUV, I might as well get one that's AWD/4WD so that it's very good in the snow. It would be nice for a change to be able to drive when there is bad weather! Other than that, I don't need any special "rock climbing" ability as I doubt I will ever go off road. This car will spend its time in NYC and the suburbs.

2) I'm a big tech guy, so I like a good infotainment system with navigation.

3) Must get decent gas mileage. I take a lot of road trips, and the costs of our expensive gas adds up after a while.

4) Must be at least somewhat fun to drive.

5) Must be an automatic transmission -- the last car was a stick shift, and it will be a problem for my back when I get stuck in the NYC traffic.

6) I will be leasing the car, but based on what kind of lease payment I'm looking for, I've figured out that something in the $25k-28k range is what I can afford.


I originally started this shopping process in June before I sold my car, and I had narrowed my choices down to the Subaru XV Crosstrek and the Mitsubishi Outlander. Last week I finally went to test drive both of these, and found the Outlander to be the slowest car I had ever driven, so that's no longer in consideration.

I think early on I crossed the Jeep Patriot off my list because with the CVT the gas mileage was pitiful. However, this week I happened to be reading some car sites and discovered that they now offer a 6-speed auto on the Patriot and gas mileage is much improved.

So I think I need to go test drive the Patriot, which I will do later this week.

Regarding the Crosstrek, I really do like it. It's a bit slower than what I'm used to, but not so terrible, and the handling & ride quality are quite impressive. I also like the sporty styling with the body cladding, and I like that I can get leather & a nice navigation system and still be within my budget.

So I was at the Jeep website, and found that the Patriot Limited with FD1, bluetooth, Nav, and the upgraded stereo would MSRP for about $28k, and that is certainly within my budget.

So I have a few questions for anyone who has a newer Patriot Limited:

1) How is the Boston Acoustics audio upgrade? (the Crosstrek audio system is pitiful, and as I am leasing the car, aftermarket solutions are not really a viable option)

2) I have read reviews that the Uconnect systems are some of the better infotainment systems. In the YouTube review I watched, the graphics looked way nicer than the Subaru system which looked a bit dated. Can anyone who has the Uconnect 430/430N system comment? Any problems with the system? Does it work as advertised? (It's a shame there is no backup camera bundled with this since it has a nice big screen!)

3) How does the Patriot handle on the road compared to other car based crossovers? I test drove a Liberty a number of years back (maybe 2005?) and it felt like I was going to tip over while going around turns. The Crosstrek was very nimble and really hugged the turns nicely, even though it has a full 8.7" of ground clearance.

4) How is the acceleration with the 2.4 and the 6-speed auto? (I'm guessing not many people have this car yet, so not sure if I will get an answer on this one)

5) Does anyone here have a bad lower back? If so, how comfortable are the Patriot seats on long trips?

Thanks for any help you can provide!
 
#2 ·
Its funny you crossed off the patriot because of its cvt, while the crosstrek stayed on as it has 30 less horsepower and the cvt.

I think most forum member would say skip the boston acoustics, its just a speaker upgrade, and you can get better for less money after market.

no opinion on the nav, I have a 230, and it works good, bt works great, and I appreciate the features it has.

Most other cross overs are what I consider just a tall car, the crosstrek for example is a impreza with bigger tires and some plastic cladding, where the patriot is more of an suv with off road capabilities, slightly higher ground clearance, slightly higher center of gravity, suspension with more travel, etc. so its no sports car, but it does a decent job of hustling around town. I never get that tippy feeling, even after lifting it.

No experience with the 6-speed, but the cvt is actually pretty quick, I have no problems getting around people, and keeping up with traffic. It is a big box on wheels though, so I would call its acceleration adequate. I could always stand more power (coming from a 300+ hp saab turbo) but I never feel like I have too little. you are planning on getting a 4x4, so I don't believe the 2.0 is an option, but if it is, don't get it. 2.4 is much better.

I don't have a bad back per say, but I am fat, and so prone to a sore back on long trips, the seats are good, I've had better (saab seats are fantastic) but because you sit up higher and your legs don't stick straight out in front of you, its a much more comfortable seating position overall, especially for long trips, so I like it.

there are two 4x4 systems. the Freedom Drive one (or just 4x4) or the Freedom Drive Two. If you want to keep good gas milage, stay with the Freedom Drive One. its not called that on the window sticker, because its more common. but just something to keep an eye out for.
 
#3 ·
Its only a 4 banger but its pretty quick for what it is and the auto stick feature is nice if you want to get in it a bit. I have degenerative disc disease and my lower back isnt the greatest any more. I have been on a couple hour and half trips and the seats are pretty comfortable.
 
#4 ·
I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and because of that it's very important to have a good high seat. The adjustables in the Limited are fine, put the seat in the highest position and I can sit on it for hours!!

The only thing is the leather, a bit slippery. (I'm not a 'fat' guy....;))

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App
 
#5 ·
with your bad back is a "lumbar" feature important to you? if it is then you'll have to get the limited edition because the other models don't have this feature I don't think. (at least not my latitude)
Yes I like my boston acustics sound system but I'd never pay a lot of extra money for it.
Sounds like your ideal car is a 2014 limited FD1 automatic tranny.
 
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#6 ·
1) I wouldnt recommend it based on it being bundled with the sunroof. Just not worth it. I upgraded the speakers in mine, but the stock ones are better than the Subaru stock ones. (I was deciding between a Pat and a Crosstrek as well)

2) I have the 430 (w/out nav) and I love it. Having all my CDs loaded onto the harddrive is great, I love my sat radio. Only issue I have is that my iphone 5 sometimes doesnt play nice with the unit since it is a few years old, but it works fine 90% of the time.

3) The Crosstrek is definitely a little sportier, but the Pat is a great driver around town and awesome on the highway. I was surprised how nice it was for my roadtrips.

4) Test drove one, and its better IMO than the Xtrek's CVT. I like the Xtrek's better than the Pat, but they are all good. I live my CVT, just took some getting used to. I really liked the 6spd though

5) My dad does. He drove with me when I moved from Cleveland to Seattle a few months ago, and he commented on how comfy the seats were for him. That is one of my favorite features actually. Love the seating position and the comfort. Way better than my old toyota.

Good luck in your decision! You could definitely get a great deal on a Pat...there is very little wiggle on the price of the subarus since they are in such high demand and are still being imported from japan.
 
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#7 · (Edited)
I have both a 2010 Outlander GT and a 2014 Patriot Latitude FDii.

If you crossed out the Outlander because it was slow, then none of the above choices will satisfy you. My Outlander GT has a 285HP V6 and a 6 speed auto. It moves. And gets 27 MPG. It has a 710 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system (factory) with a 10" sub.
My Patriot has the CVT. I quite like it. It gets 24 MPG average. Has way less HP than the Outlander. I have the Boston Acoustics sound package. It's 310 watts with an 8" sub. It is perfectly balanced for the vehicle. Those that do not recomend it do so because it comes with a sun roof and the Patriot has a history of leaks on models so equipped. However, I have not experienced any leaks yet, and love the upgraded sound package. Yes you can build a better sound package, but it will not be covered under warranty, and with the current can-bus system it can interfere with other options that you may want or end up with. And most people are upgrading door speakers and that's it or maybe adding a sub. The factory sound package includes tweeters and two extra speakers in the back. I thought the articulating feature was gimmicky at first, but I have since used that feature several times.
If you like good sound in your ride, I recommend the audio package. I also recommend you try out an Outlander with a v6. Especially if you are not interested in the off road ability of the Patriot's FDii package.
My patriot has the 430 without Nav. It is nice, but the Mitsubishi system wins again. It had all of the vehicles timed maintenance periods programmed into the head unit and it would remind you when it was due and could be reset through it. The patriot reminds you on the dash and requires a series of key turns and accelerator pedal pushes to reset the reminders. It's not hard to do, but the Mitsubishi system was way more user friendly. Other than that, both systems have worked flawlessly with my android based phones. From taking and making calls to playing music from the phone through the stereo, they both work great. THe Patriot does allow you to upload JPEG images to change the background. The mitsubishi system does not.

I paid 28000 even for the 2010 Outlander GT brand new with rockford fosgate sound system, Blue tooth, HID head lights, "super all wheel control", power everything, sun roof, and a few other things.
My 2014 Patriot was 26930 with the sun and sound package, FDii, remote start, Latitude package (heated seats and mirrors and power windows, locks, and mirrors), and a few other little things.
 
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#8 ·
DangerAaron said:
I have both a 2010 Outlander GT and a 2014 Patriot Latitude FDii.

If you crossed out the Outlander because it was slow, then none of the above choices will satisfy you. My Outlander GT has a 285HP V6 and a 6 speed auto. It moves. And gets 27 MPG. It has a 710 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system (factory) with a 10" sub.
Click to expand...
he said smaller suv's so I wonder if he meant the outlander sport, which is based off the same platform as the patriot but with softer suspension and different cvt tuning.
 
#9 ·
I have a 2012 FDII Limited that I love, the only thing I would change about it is to get the FDI because I don't nor will I use the extra capabilities that the FDII package adds over the FDI.

For the lower back issues I can give you some insight.

My dad has cancer and with its location and intensity has developed extreme back pain, to the point of were he can't walk unassisted anymore. I have been taking him to and from some of his treatments and he says that with out question my car is the easiest to get in and out of and the most comfortable, which for him to say comfortable means a lot in his current state. To give you perspective the other cars that he most frequently rides in are a Tahoe, Highlander, 4Runner, Accord, Corolla and many other cars of friends that take him once or twice.

He says the height of the car and seats are easy for him to slide in and out of, he doesn't have to step up or step down and the support on the seats are good and adjustable.

Just give it a nice test ride and see for yourself, I am very satisfied with mine
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
DangerAaron said:
If you crossed out the Outlander because it was slow, then none of the above choices will satisfy you.
Click to expand...
Sorry, it was the Outlander Sport. The Outlander is much larger of a vehicle than I want. I wanted something on the small side... even the Honda CRV/Ford Escape/Subaru Forester are larger than what I want. So that's why I was looking at the Patriot/Crosstrek/Outlander Sport.

Sorry for the misunderstanding.

BTW, thanks for all the good information received so far! Keep it coming. :)
 
#11 ·
The Pat is very comfortable, both seating and room. Very easy to get in and out of with my bad back. I commute 3 hours a day and no "road butt' or bad back pain. I'm not a big leather guy so the Limited was out. Good thing too. Here in Nor cal, Limited's are harder to find than Sasquatch, the Loch Ness Monster and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, combined. Zillions of stripped Sports, very few Lat's. I've never even seen a Limited on a lot.
 
#12 ·
I love the heated 6 way power seats with lumbar support in my Limited. The 230 uConnect system is great and is awesome with a simple aftermarket speaker upgrade.

Gas mileage is great, I get 23-24 average and I drive a lot of hills. The fuel tank is small however.

I wish I would have gotten the FD1 4x4 system but my 2WD is very capable and impressed me many times.

The CVT takes a little getting used to but runs great, I hear the new 6 speed is great, I wish it was available for 2013... 5 speed manual transmissions are hard to find in Latitude and Limited models unfortunately for me.

The 2.4L engine is great, I test drove a 2.0 and didn't like it at all. The 2.4L comes with better gear ratios and much better torque.
 
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#13 ·
2LZ said:
I'm not a big leather guy so the Limited was out. Good thing too. Here in Nor cal, Limited's are harder to find than Sasquatch, the Loch Ness Monster and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, combined. Zillions of stripped Sports, very few Lat's. I've never even seen a Limited on a lot.
Click to expand...
That stinks!!! I usually see several Limited models, and a handful of FDII's at my dealership.
 
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#14 ·
I had a Crosstrek before I bought my Patriot. Both vehicles are excellent.

Both have good "sporty" handling at low-to-mid speeds. The Patriot has a better ride quality and just feels good, but the XV has a certain "grip" that's difficult to explain and gives a bunch of confidence on the road.

The Patriot four speaker system (i think it's six though because of tweeters on the dash) has a better tonal quality and really holds the lower scales well, while the XV's un-upgraded system is really rather poor unless you add the sub-woofer upgrade which improves it greatly but is obnoxiously placed and uses a lot of open space. I can't speak to the other speaker upgrades.

The XV reported 32+ mpg of mixed and aggressive driving, consistently running around 400 miles per tank. The Patriot so far after only a week of ownership with the same driving habits is reporting 25-26 mpg, consistently running around 300 miles per tank. I have the FDII package and other additions which add a lot of weight.

Both publish similar cargo space but the Jeep feels better because of it's greater height and it's much friendlier to the pups.

The height advantage of the Patriot is nice for entering/exiting but I'm having some pain after an eight hour day in it yesterday. Probably just adjusting from the lower XV. I do miss the lumbar support though, which wasn't part of my Lattitude package.

Hope this helps and have fun with your new ride.
 
#15 ·
Eric5273 said:
Sorry, it was the Outlander Sport. The Outlander is much larger of a vehicle than I want. I wanted something on the small side... even the Honda CRV/Ford Escape/Subaru Forester are larger than what I want. So that's why I was looking at the Patriot/Crosstrek/Outlander Sport.

Sorry for the misunderstanding.

BTW, thanks for all the good information received so far! Keep it coming. :)
Click to expand...
My Patriot is parked right next to my 2010 Outlander in my driveway right now. They are almost identical in size. I know they redesigned the Outlander, so maybe they made it bigger? Not sure. But the model I have is very close in size to the Patriot. The Outlander sport is about the same size as a Subaru impreza hatchback. (just a little taller)
 
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Discussion starter · #16 ·
DangerAaron said:
My Patriot is parked right next to my 2010 Outlander in my driveway right now. They are almost identical in size. I know they redesigned the Outlander, so maybe they made it bigger? Not sure. But the model I have is very close in size to the Patriot. The Outlander sport is about the same size as a Subaru impreza hatchback. (just a little taller)
Click to expand...
Yeah, they must have made it bigger as it even has a third row of seating now and seats 7. As I'm a single guy with no kids, I rarely even put someone in the back seat, so I certainly don't need a third row of seats. And my Scion TC had all the trunk space I would ever need.

The Outlander Sport was the perfect size for me, but it just wasn't to my liking as far as both acceleration or handling. I was very disappointed and really have to say it was perhaps the worst driving vehicle I've ever had the experience of driving. It was so slow, had this awful loud droning sound whenever I tried to accelerate, and had that tippy feel when cornering. The only thing decent was the brakes.

So really the only reasons for me wanting a Crossover/SUV is the higher seating position and to be able to drive in the winter weather.

I've put some time aside this week and will be going to test drive the Patriot on Wednesday afternoon.

From what I'm hearing here, it sounds like the Patriot will have a little more acceleration than the Crosstrek, but maybe the Crosstrek handles a bit better. Ride quality does matter to me though as most of my driving is on the lousy broken up NYC roads. So I can accept a little worse handling if the ride quality is noticeably better, but it just can't have that tippy feeling when going around a curvy highway ramp. It can have a little sway, but must feel planted. The Crosstrek actually handled much better than I expected, yet the ride quality didn't suffer. However, the Crosstrek was a bit slower than I'd like.

I guess the reality here is that for the price range I'm looking in, you can't have everything and must sacrifice something. If money were no object I'd be getting a Range Rover Evoque. Maybe next time after I get rich (haha!).
 
#18 ·
I am on my 2nd patriot and trusr me when I say the 14 to me is the best yet. Much better insulation rides smoother and I had 208314 miles on my 07 with a cvt with no issue. I miss the cvt as it was always in the power band. Take the plunge you wont regret it.
 
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#19 ·
Eric5273 said:
Yeah, they must have made it bigger as it even has a third row of seating now and seats 7. As I'm a single guy with no kids, I rarely even put someone in the back seat, so I certainly don't need a third row of seats. And my Scion TC had all the trunk space I would ever need.

The Outlander Sport was the perfect size for me, but it just wasn't to my liking as far as both acceleration or handling. I was very disappointed and really have to say it was perhaps the worst driving vehicle I've ever had the experience of driving. It was so slow, had this awful loud droning sound whenever I tried to accelerate, and had that tippy feel when cornering. The only thing decent was the brakes.

So really the only reasons for me wanting a Crossover/SUV is the higher seating position and to be able to drive in the winter weather.

I've put some time aside this week and will be going to test drive the Patriot on Wednesday afternoon.

From what I'm hearing here, it sounds like the Patriot will have a little more acceleration than the Crosstrek, but maybe the Crosstrek handles a bit better. Ride quality does matter to me though as most of my driving is on the lousy broken up NYC roads. So I can accept a little worse handling if the ride quality is noticeably better, but it just can't have that tippy feeling when going around a curvy highway ramp. It can have a little sway, but must feel planted. The Crosstrek actually handled much better than I expected, yet the ride quality didn't suffer. However, the Crosstrek was a bit slower than I'd like.

I guess the reality here is that for the price range I'm looking in, you can't have everything and must sacrifice something. If money were no object I'd be getting a Range Rover Evoque. Maybe next time after I get rich (haha!).
Click to expand...
My 2010 has a third row seat. It folds flat into the rear floor. We have used it a few times, but it is no way comfortable or what I would consider to be a usable seat on a regular basis. I really do like the 2010 I have. I also like my 2014 Patriot. They both offer different things. The Patriot I bought (FDii) is much more offroad capable. That's important to me as I surf fish and want to be able to drive out on the beach to where I want to fish. The Outlander may get out there, but may not get back. Getting towed off the beach is often a very expensive proposition. The Outlander (at least the one I have) is much more technology oriented. The interior is much nicer, and it drives and handles like a car. I've never driven or even been in a outlander sport as they were released after I had purchased the 2010 Outlander. Both vehicles have been reliable so far. Nothing but PM. 60K miles on the Outlander 11K on my Patriot. I did look at the Evoque prior to purchasing the Patriot. They were advertised as starting right around 30K. That's not out of my range of possibility. However, I could not find one on a dealer lot below 45K, and that is way more than I was willing to spend. The Evoque is a very nice vehicle, but for the price, there are way better options. The Patriot handles well for what it is, but it will not drive anything like your old TC.
 
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Discussion starter · #20 ·
I finally test drove the Patriot today, and I really like it!!

Compared to the Crosstrek, the Patriot has much better acceleration. I'd say the Crosstrek handles corners a little better, and both seem pretty solid over rough pavement. Brakes were good in both.

So I've decided that I'm going to order a Patriot!

It's a tough decision as I like both cars, but the Patriot offers more equipment for the same price. If I was buying the car I very likely would go with the Subaru as they seem to have better reliability, but since I'm leasing and the car will be under warranty during the entire lease, there's not much to worry about.

It looks like I have to order the car as I want a Limited without the Sunroof, and there are none available within a 100 mile radius. I wouldn't mind a sunroof actually, but after reading the leak stories in this forum, I think I'll pass.

I'm going to start a new thread so that some of you can help me decide which options to get.
 
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