2008 Jeep PatriotIn keeping with Jeep’s new strategy of two vehicles per platform (a la Grand Cherokee and Commander), here come the little guys. Based off the new Neon platform with quite a bit of chassis reinforcement, the Jeep Patriot is the more classically Jeep of the two concepts. Enlarged wheel arches, tall and flat body panels, an upright stance, and a seven-slotted grille are all Jeep design cues deliberately intended to perpetuate Jeep’s robust, strong, and capable 4x4 off-road image. With that said, the Patriot is reported to offer a new 4x4 system that most likely includes a low range gear, and surely will include some type of added traction control device that acts much like a limited-slip, with the intent of making the Patriot the most capable vehicle among its competitors (CR-V, RAV4, Sportage, and Escape). For U.S. markets, expect the engine to be the new 2.4-liter I-4 “World Engine,” mated to the new continuously variable transmission. A new 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection diesel will be offered (only for international markets so far) as well. Look for pricing to be aggressive, hovering just above and just below the $16,000 mark. Production versions could make it to dealerships as early as mid-2007, as a 2008 model.
