CVT: better off-road than on-road
That said, I can't forgive the Patriot for the disappointing on-road performance of its CVT.

The Patriot is available in 2WD and 4WD models.

Off-road, I didn't mind the excessive rattle of the mechanical components assembled by Jatco. After all, low-range gears are usually noisy. Besides, Jeep had the courage to modify a fairly new technology by giving it the role of a transfer case -- without the added weight and parts, by the way.

But out on the highway, where comfort and silence are a must, the CVT-mated engine revs loudly near 3,500 rpm, even at 4,000 rpm, as long as the right foot doesn't slack the throttle. That's not fair to the 2.4L, 4-cylinder engine (the same as Jeep's Compass and Dodge's Caliber), which produces a poorly refined sound.

Too bad because everything else proves to be competent, particularly the solid handling, the high-feedback steering and the convincing brakes.

Efficient manual transmission
On the road, the 5-speed manual transmission is more appropriate. It offers more character, better control and a greater feel of the tarmac.

Positioned below the climate controls, the shifter allows easy and smooth shifts. That's great because the driver often has to step down a gear or two in order to fully exploit the 172 horsepower racing under the hood.

You think 172 horsepower are enough to move this 1,500-kilo SUV with authority? Accelerations aren't too brisk in the city, but they'll be even slower when a new, more fuel-efficient version of the Patriot arrives later in the year: its 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine will produce only 158 horsepower...

The manual box is more at ease on the road than on rugged terrains.

So, don't wait for this Patriot. Its reduced fuel consumption and $200 lower base price will definitely not make up for the lack of power. Rather, let's hope that a Patriot R/T will soon join the lineup!