From allpar.com:

"The Trail Rated Jeep Patriot sat 1 inch higher than non-Trail Rated versions and met Jeep off-road capability requirements for traction, water fording, articulation, maneuverability and ground clearance, including 9 inches of ground clearance, a 29-degree approach angle, a 33-degree departure angle and a 23-degree breakover angle. This version of the Patriot also had additional body sealing and high-mounted drivetrain vents to support 19-inch water fording capability."

I believe the trail rated version includes a higher-amperage alternator, tow hooks, and skid plates as well.

 

Great information goser, much appreciated. Any clue what my North Edition badge means? Is it because she has heated seats and AWD lock?

 

alas, no

if your North was trail rated, it would wear the Trail Rated badge on the driver's side, like mine does. It is my understanding that only FDII-equipped Norths could be TR. I don't know what makes ours "North" other than the location of the dealership.... ;D

 

Haha yes my winters are definitely badged as "north". I apologize for the stupid questions, this is my first full day owning my Patriot...but what is FD II?

 

Freedom Drive 2: the CVT2L transmission fitted to TR Patriots, along with other goodies. I found a partial answer to the North badge: tinted windows and folding mirrors make a North while hot seats and a leather wheel make a North Plus. Buying one in Winnipeg makes it North Squared...

 

They ALL have folding mirrors. I think the North had block and battery heaters, doesn't it?

 

Every vehicle sold in Canada has a block heater. If not from the factory, then from the dealer. i was working from the std equip/options list and seeing what was std on the North but not other editions. A very short list.

 

Im gonna have to take a look, sounds like that would make sense though about the heaters

 

You have a 5-speed manual (saw your signature)?Your North is not "Trail-Rated" as the CVT is the only interface with the T-R'd Patriots. You would also have had an "Off-Road" position for the sifter (again, it would be for the automatic CVT)...something whit how it generates the extra low-end 'umph' for it's crawling ratio. And would have front and rear tow hooks. Doesn't mean you cant have a little fun with it though, just might have a little more issue than a Trail-Rated, which also gets different programming for traction control/allow more wheel spin when in off-road mode.

 

I definitely still plan to have some fun with this thing, especially with our insane winters out here on the east coast. Thanks for all the info guys

 

As far as I remember when I bought mine, the North package was essentially the full power package (windows,locks, AC, etc.) has nothing to do with the drive train. If you don't have a trail rated badge too, you don't have an FDII.

 

From what I can see, other than a badge, the North is the same as the Sport "E" here.

 

The Patriot is not much fun in the winter, sort of boring, it just goes. No spinning, no fish tails, no worries about if you'll make it home...

 

Amen, brother, amen.

 

As long as it doesnt get me stuck daily like my Golf did I'm having fun.