Major Options / Build: Steel Wheels

Additional Description: Based on the same platform, the 2008 Jeep Patriot and Compass have similar measurements, similar price ranges and offer almost identical sets of comfort and convenience features. So why would Jeep produce such similar vehicles? Well, the Compass is intended as an asphalt-tuned ride for city slickers, while the Patriot adheres more closely to traditional Jeep principles. Indeed, the Patriot's more rugged suspension and powertrain options deliver enough off-road performance for it to earn Jeep's 'Trail Rated' badges. With the increased off-road capability engineered into it, we might have expected the Patriot's highway ride to be rougher than those of its Compass and Dodge Caliber relatives. As it turns out, the Patriot might be the most comfortable cruiser of the three. The compromise seems to have been made in the cornering department; wisely, where we wouldn't expect or require much from a Jeep anyway. Where the Patriot really impressed us was out past the pavement, where our 'Trail Rated' model was able to traverse bona fide boulders with unexpected ease and composure. As with all such devices, the unique behavior of the Patriot's two available continuously variable transmissions can take some getting used to.4-Cyl 2.4 Liter,Automatic CVT w/Overdrive,4WD,Stability Control,ABS (4-Wheel),Anti-Theft System,Air Conditioning,Cruise Control,Power Steering,Tilt Wheel,AM/FM Stereo,CD/MP3 (Single Disc),Dual Air Bags,Side Air Bags,F&R Head Curtain Air Bags,Steel Wheels,