2015 Jeep Patriot

2015 Jeep Patriot Highlights

For 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) changed little from the 2014 model year and has changed little since the Cerberus Capital Management-owned version of Chrysler introduced the model for the 2007 model year (though some years exhibit more problems than others). Latitude trim buyers can now opt for Garmin Navigation. The color choices now include Eco Green Clear Coat, but Rugged Brown is gone. If you were looking forward to the removable cargo lamp that turned into a flashlight, too bad. It’s now a dome light.

Key Details

• Compact crossover SUV body style
• Two-row seating for up to five passengers
• Two engine options
• Three transmission choices
• Available four-wheel drive (4WD) systems
• Multiple trim levels
• Compact SUV design
• Basic safety features
• Simple control layout
• Available off-road capability
• Traditional Jeep styling
• Inexpensive compared to competitors

Benefits

• Affordable entry price
• Available 4WD capability
• Simple maintenance requirements
• Straightforward controls
• Generous cargo space
• Good visibility
• Easy-to-clean interior
• Competitive fuel economy
• Traditional SUV styling
• Basic off-road ability

Learn More: 2015 Jeep Patriot Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

2015 Jeep Patriot Overview

Performance

The 2015 Jeep Patriot offers two engine options:

2.0L four-cylinder engine:

• 158 horsepower
• 141 lb-ft of torque
• Front-wheel drive only
• Five-speed manual or CVT
• Basic daily driving power
• Towing capacity: 1,000 lbs

2.4L four-cylinder engine:

• 172 horsepower
• 165 lb-ft of torque
• Available AWD systems
• Manual, six-speed auto, or continuously variable transmission (CVT)
• Enhanced capability
• Towing capacity: 2,000 lbs

4WD options:

• Freedom Drive I for all-weather capability
• Freedom Drive II for off-road use (only available with CVT)
• Low-range gearing available
• Trail-rated badge available
• Enhanced ground clearance
• Skid plates available

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not given an overall safety rating for the 2015 Jeep Patriot but awarded the model three out of five in frontal crash and rollover tests.

Standard safety features include:

• Multiple airbags
• Electronic stability control
• Anti-lock brakes
• Traction control
• Electronic roll mitigation
• Brake assist
• Side-impact door beams
• Front and rear crumple zones
• Active head restraints

Additional safety features include:

• Rearview camera
• Remote keyless entry
• Auto-dimming mirror

Driving

The 2015 Patriot is what you buy if you absolutely positively must own a Jeep on the smallest budget possible. The ride is unrefined, the engines are coarse and underpowered, and handling is best described as “it’ll turn, I suppose.”

Don’t expect to go off-roading in your front-wheel drive (FWD) Patriot. Off-roading is really only possible with 4WD models, and even then, it’s inadvisable with the basic Freedom Drive I. Low range only comes with the optional Freedom Drive II system, which also demands that buyers choose the CVT whether they like it or not. Even with that system and optional skid plates, the Patriot is only capable of light off-roading.

As for power, the Patriot doesn’t have much. The gutsier engine option only has 172 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to get the vehicle moving and keep up with traffic.

Driving characteristics include:

• Electric power steering
• Independent suspension
• Multiple transmission options
• Available all-terrain capability
• Basic towing ability
• Upright driving position
• Good outward visibility
• Simple control layout

Off-road capable models feature:

• Increased ground clearance
• Skid plates
• All-terrain tires
• Hill descent control
• Low-range gearing
• Enhanced cooling system
• Tow hooks

Interior

The 2015 Jeep Patriot interior focuses on functionality. Expect acres of plastic. That said, higher trim levels do come with leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. However, no matter which trim you purchase, that steering column will not telescope.

Standard features:

• Cloth upholstery
• 60/40 split rear seats
• Manual windows
• Basic audio system
• Tilt steering wheel
• Air conditioning optional
• Four speakers
• Multiple storage areas

Available upgrades:

• Leather-trimmed seats
• Heated front seats
• Power accessories
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Premium audio system
• Automatic climate control
• Remote start system
• Power sunroof

Interior space is surprisingly good. While front-seat occupants get the lion’s share of room, the well-padded rear seats actually accommodate adults without feeling cramped.

Cargo capacity:

• 23 cubic feet behind the rear seats
• 53.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded
• Flat load floor
• Removable cargo floor
• Roof rails available

2015 Jeep Patriot towing capacity starts at 1,000 pounds. To get up to 2,000 pounds, buyers need to get the “tow prep” package with a Class II trailer hitch.

Technology

The 2015 Patriot offers basic technology features, especially in the lowest trims. In fact, the base Patriot doesn’t even come standard with air conditioning, power windows, or power locks.

Standard equipment:

• Basic audio system
• Auxiliary input
• USB port
• Outside temperature display
• 12-volt power outlet
• Variable intermittent wipers

Available features:

• Navigation system (Latitude and above)
• SiriusXM radio
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Premium sound system
• Steering wheel controls

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy ratings vary by engine and drivetrain:

2.0L four-cylinder engine:

• FWD/Manual (mpg): 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined
• FWD/CVT (mpg): 22 city / 26 highway / 24 combined

2.4L four-cylinder engine:

• FWD/Manual (mpg): 23 city / 28 highway / 25 combined
• 4WD/Manual (mpg): 22 city / 27 highway / 24 combined
• FWD/Automatic (mpg): 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined
• 4WD/Automatic (mpg): 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined
• 4WD/CVT (mpg): 20 city / 23 highway / 20 combined

2015 Jeep Patriot Reviews

Consumer Reviews on Kelley Blue Book give the Patriot an overall rating of 4.2 out of five. Owners praise the Patriot for its reliability, styling, and comfort.

Reasons to Buy It

• Looks like a Jeep
• Inexpensive
• Low maintenance
• Flexible powertrain with both FWD and 4WD systems
• 4WD models can handle light off-roading
• No complicated user interfaces
• Adults can sit comfortably in the rear seats
• Fuel efficiency is competitive in the segment
• Boxy body style aids driver visibility

Problems

• Basic interior materials
• Limited standard features
• Dated design
• Modest acceleration
• Some transmission issues
• Road noise at speed
• Basic safety features
• Mixed reliability ratings
• Limited refinement
• Weak base engine

Explore: Jeep Patriot Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

CoPilot's Take

The 2015 Patriot is an inexpensive way to get a vehicle that looks like a Jeep. To make it perform like one, you need to tick the right option boxes for the Freedom Drive II 4WD system and associated off-road niceties such as skid plates, all-terrain tires, fog lights, and tow hooks.

The Patriot is rough, numb, and underpowered regardless of what’s under the hood. In base trim, you’ll have to lock each door yourself, hand-crank the windows, and cool yourself off by opening those windows and driving faster. To get those missing features and a few extras, such as heated seats and optional infotainment/navigation goodies (with a touchscreen), you’ll need at least the Latitude trim.

Low cost is the primary 2015 Jeep Patriot value. As much as the vehicle is outdated, slow, and basic, it is reliable, easy to maintain, and practical for buyers who don’t need the very fastest or the most rugged. Depending on the model year, the Jeep Compass and Cherokee may be credible alternatives from the same brand.

2015 Jeep Patriot FAQ

What are common problems with a 2015 Jeep Patriot?

Common issues include CVT concerns, water leaks around the sunroof, electrical system glitches, and air conditioning failures. Some owners report suspension noise and premature brake wear. All this being said, 2015 Jeep Patriot problems are few and far between.

How long will a 2015 Jeep Patriot last?

A 2015 Jeep Patriot can last 150,000 to 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. However, achieving this mileage requires diligent maintenance, including regular oil changes, transmission service, and promptly addressing mechanical issues. The simpler manual transmission models typically demonstrate better longevity than those with the CVT.

Is the 2015 Jeep Patriot good on gas?

The 2015 Jeep Patriot offers moderate fuel economy for its class. The front-wheel-drive 2.0L model with manual transmission achieves the best ratings at 23 city / 30 highway MPG. However, models equipped with 4x4 and the Freedom Drive II package see notably lower efficiency. Competitors like the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4 generally offer better fuel economy.

What is the reliability score of a 2015 Jeep Patriot?

2015 Jeep Patriot reliability is reported as solid, with user ratings being strong in this area. J.D. Power gives the Patriot a 79/100 quality and reliability score. Most reliability issues reported have to do with the optional CVT, which can experience premature failure.

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