Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2013 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4X4 Small SUV. It doesn’t feel like it should be classed as small. It is roomy and comfortable. It is not so difficult to realize this is the most popular segment of the automotive market for general transportation. It is so versatile and except for real dirty work uses the SUV serves as a truck and a passenger sedan.
General Information:
It is assembled in Belvidere, IL, USA. Classification is Small SUV. Cars from Jeep: Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot and Wrangler.
Opinion and Observations:
Times change and sometimes we miss the subtle indicators along the way. I made an observation this morning as I was driving on the freeway. It occurred to me that something was missing on the pavement because the road surface had been recently redone and shaved down. That was a great improvement in that it made the ride really smooth. Some things Cal Trans should be recognized as a good thing. Smooth is not a usual description when referring to cement road surfaces. The result of the surfaced road was it was freshly cleaned. That’s when it hit me – the only black marks on the cement were made by tire marks due to panic stops. What was missing was the “Oil” drippings down the center of the road, reminiscent of days of old when leaky engines and transmissions left a black strip down the center of our highways.
As you older folks will remember, home driveways often were constructed with a dirt or grass strip down the center of the drive. They were made that way so unsightly oil dripping would not mess up the drive as it inevitably did both on the highways and driveways.
Today, however, it is uncommon for cars to burn oil or even drips oil. New generation engines simply don’t drip and it is rare to see white smoke billowing from the exhaust pipes of today’s cars from burning oil. You may know that when black smoke comes from the exhaust it is a sign that the engine is burning too rich from too much gas to air mixture.
I’m guessing that younger drivers can’t imagine what it was like to experience oil burners or leaky engines and transmissions, unless of course if they are driving an original classic car.
Handling & Performance:
I like a little more horsepower but you learn to adjust to what you have. Fuel economy is also less than I expected in spite of the smaller 4-cylinder engine. I like the Continuously Variable Transaxle for its smooth transition through increasing speeds.
Styling:
Classic Jeep of course. After the demise of the Hummer the familiar Jeep look continues as before there was a Hummer to mimic Jeep.
Fit and Finish:
Good.
Cost:
Competitive with all in class.
Conveniences and comfort:
Hill Start Assist is available on standard / manual transmissions, but it is not available with the CVT transmission. Hill Start Assist is one of the better new era auto innovations. It is simple, but effective. But then the standard in transmissions used today is automatic. Few drivers opt for a manual transmission cars / trucks these days, because automatics are light years better than they used to be… like this innovative CVT adaptation or evolution if you like.
Some will remember when manual transmissions were referred to as Standard Transmissions and it is interested to look back. Dad would say, “We live and learn, die and forget it all”. Hope he was wrong.
Consumer Recommendation:
Do include the American classic and original that launched the SUV craze. I know firsthand from driving most Jeep models off road at Jeep Jamborees and Jeep Camps from time to time. Nothing does it as well, especially for the money. If you’d rather spend 3-5 times as much for a luxury badge that’s ok, but it still won’t be a Jeep. And it would be a shame to muss up such a pretty and expensive vehicle.
Finally, there is nothing more exciting to me as the image of a gal driving a Wrangler with the top down, rock climbing gear in the back or back country hiking equipment. Longfellow said in a poem, “Let us then be up and doing, with a heart for any fate, ever pursuing always achieving, learn to labor and to wait”.
Nike says, “Just do it”. Amen.
Recognized Competition:
Jeep Patriot Latitude $23,000, Ford Escape $27,000, Honda CR-V $26,000, Hyundai Tucson $24,000, Jeep Compass $24,000, Kia Soul $20,000, Kia Sportage $26,000, Mazda CX-5 $26,000, Mitsubishi Outlander $28,000, Nissan Rogue $26,000, Subaru Forester 2.5 X $20,000, Toyota Matrix $22,000, Toyota RAV4 $28,000.
Good News:
It’s a Jeep. It is priced well for the grand daddy off road SUV.
Bad News:
A little under powered but I learned you don’t need horsepower to climb over rocks and rough conditions. It’s all about gearing and creeping. Power does no good off road.
Standard Equipment:
2.4 liter 172 HP inline 4-cylinder engine, continuously variable transaxle transmission, front & side curtain front and rear airbags, stability control, roll mitigation, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with brake assist, hill start assist (except with CVT transmission), cruise control, theft deterrent system, removable rechargeable light, rear window wiper, washer and defroster, keyless entry, tire pressure monitor, 12 volt and 115 volt outlets, air conditioning, heated front seats, 60/40 split reclining rear seats, front passenger forward fold flat seat power windows, leather wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls, audio with CD/MP3, 17” aluminum wheels.
Gas Stats:
$3.93/ Gal avg. April 2, 2013
www.fueleconomy.gov
For more information.
21 City and 26 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $22,880.
