Unfortunately, there is no free lunch. I'm afraid that what you see is what you get. FDII is needed for low speed crawling and towing (in 2009). I choose the 5MT FDI because I wanted my compromises to favor fuel mileage. An exhaust header would provide a small increase in torque under 2500 RPM, but I don't think much.
When I bought it, if I wanted to be able to tow more or have more power, I would have gone for the 6MT Liberty with the 3.7 liter V6, with probably 30-40% higher gas bill.
More torque can be found with the 3.7 liter Liberty with Command Trac two speed transfer case. But, the Liberty weighs a bunch more than the Patriot and the mileage is a bunch lower.
In terms of the vehicle pounds per liter of engine
My Patriot FDI = 3350/2.4 = 1395
Liberty 4X4 = 4200/3.7 = 1135
My 1987 Cherokee 2WD = 2950/4.0 = 737
My 1987 5MT 4.0 liter 2WD Jeep Cherokee weighed 400 pounds less than my Patriot with 67% more cubic inches. But, no antiskid brakes, air bags, or traction control. And, I am getting 40% better fuel mileage with my Patriot.
I believe we have a light duty fuel efficient compact station wagon with good ground clearance and traction systems. It's not a 4.0L Jeep Cherokee. But I am getting 40% better fuel mileage than my Cherokee. And the active traction control is better than my Cherokee. With the 2008 tow prep package, I can tow up to 2000 pounds. I am quite happy with my Patriot.
FWIW and YMMV.
