Manual Transmision

Compared to the new Compass, this Patriot is much more along the lines of what Jeep aficionados had in mind when they thought of an entry-level Jeep. And while youre not getting the off-road capability for under $16,000, youre getting a bunch of features that make the Patriot a tough competitor in a field that includes the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4.

The Patriot, on the other hand, looks all Jeep and is proportionally closer to the Cherokees of yore than the ungainly Commander, but they all follow the two-box (and I do mean box, thats not just a fancy design term in this case) theme with upright vertical pillars, only the A-pillar showing a bit of rake. The seven slot grille and round headlights give a healthy nod to the Jeep brand image, and the matte metal-look bumper inserts recall military nuts-and-bolts Jeeps while somehow appearing stylish and slightly uptown. The sides arent sheer panels, as the wheel wells are embellished with a bit of Liberty-esque flare.

All Jeep Patriot models get a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) that produces 172 horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. According to Jeep, VVT enables the Patriot to offer more power, and better fuel economy than other, comparable models. The Patriot comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission -- with an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). A 2.0-liter diesel powerplant will also be offered, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. With diesel fuel and engines meeting stringent emissions standards, look for diesels in markets where they once were unable to tread.

The standard and only engine for the Patriot will be the 2.4-liter "World Engine" that also serves as the top dog in the Caliber and Compass. In the Patriot, it will make 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, making use of dual variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust camshafts. The two lesser members of the new engine family wont be offered as the Patriot is heavier due to the off-roading kit it must lug around. Standard transmission on lesser models is a five speed manual, but upgrading to either of the four-wheel drive options means getting Chrysler Groups second-generation continuously variable transmission (CVT2), promising "pleasing engine response" and better fuel economy than a comparable automatic gearbox.

The interior equipment is pretty much the same as the feature list available with either the Caliber or Compass, but since Im in list mode tonight, Im going to paste the full option list in here because it absolutely makes me dizzy and I just want to share that tingly sensation: the aforementioned Freedom Drive I or the Freedom Drive II 4x4 system, seat-mounted side airbags, reclining rear seats, fold-flat passenger seat, air conditioning, power windows, including driver one-touch down feature, speed-sensitive power locks, power foldaway mirrors, remote keyless entry, 115-volt outlet in the center console, a removable/rechargeable interior cargo lamp, map lights, six-disc CD player and MP3 CD play capability, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, UConnect hands-free communication system, deep-tinted sunscreen glass, trailer tow prep package, soft tonneau cover, and a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group (which features the MusicGate hanging speakers packaged in the rear hatch; open the liftgate and the speakers swing facing rearward for tailgating parties and general mayhem and noise pollution).

Theres no denying that these features are nifty, tricky and downright clever; I mean, how appropriate is it to have a pop-out flashlight in a Jeep? But what I truly feel this Jeep has going for it is its looks; while theres no denying some similarities to the Liberty, it doesnt suffer from the Libertys unfortunately tall, gawky proportions. Its a Cherokee recaptured on a slightly more compact scale, with shorter overhangs, plus modern detailing and fluidity. Im sure Jeep will do well with the Compass coming in at the lowest price point ever for a Jeep, but the Patriot is, to me, what Jeep is all about.

While not as single-minded as a Wrangler (TJ, YJ, CJ and so on), its quest to redefine the utility of a Jeep lead the Patriot downtown into street-ute practicality without losing sight of what every Jeep used to promise: mountainside trails, fording backcountry rivers and taking us away from the city that we must survive in order to get out to the country that we love. Its the great escapist, and it offers that promise even to the escapists that never get out in the mud on weekends.

Price Range (est. MSRP): $22,985 - $28,485

Type: 4-door compact crossover SUV

Layout: Front engine, FWD (opt. 4WD)

Engine: 172-hp, 165 lb.-ft. of torque, 2.4L, 16-valve DOHC I-4

Transmission: 5-speed manual (opt. CVT)

Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABSDimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,411 / 2,635 / 1,756 / 1,637 mm (173.6 / 69.1 / 64.4 / 103.7 in)

Competitors: Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V/Element, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda Tribute, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan XTerra/XTrail, Pontiac Torrent, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV-4 / FJ Cruiser

Website: www.jeep.ca