What Is It?
Jeep Patriot Concept
What's Special About It?
The Jeep stand at the Frankfurt show gave birth to twin concepts: The Jeep Patriot and the Jeep Compass.
The Patriot was Chrysler VP of Design Trevor Creed's take on a traditional compact SUV steeped in Jeep styling cues. That means plenty of hard geometrical edges and a rugged, blocky appearance. The coefficient of drag looked to be about the same as a brick, but that's the rough-n'-ready look the traditional Jeep buyer understands.
Creed was uncharacteristically tight-lipped about production for the Patriot — he wasn't even ready to admit that the thing was going into production — but he did give a proud wink when we allowed that, looking like a downsized Commander, the Patriot would slot in nicely below the Liberty (which is the next size up).
Despite Creed's caginess, other Chrysler sources confirmed for Inside Line the existence of plans to produce the Patriot in some form, telling us that the little four-door 'ute would be in showrooms before the end of next year (most likely mid-to-late year). It's the worst-kept secret that the Patriot/Compass will most probably be based on the forthcoming Dodge Caliber platform, which means front-drive and all-wheel-drive versions.
Engines and interior details are still anybody's guess.
What's Edmunds' Take?
If you were thinking the Liberty was a little fem for your taste and the Wrangler was a bit austere, stick around and keep an eye on Jeep — the Patriot could become your tough and affordable cup of off-road coffee. — Richard Homan
Jeep Patriot Concept
What's Special About It?
The Jeep stand at the Frankfurt show gave birth to twin concepts: The Jeep Patriot and the Jeep Compass.
The Patriot was Chrysler VP of Design Trevor Creed's take on a traditional compact SUV steeped in Jeep styling cues. That means plenty of hard geometrical edges and a rugged, blocky appearance. The coefficient of drag looked to be about the same as a brick, but that's the rough-n'-ready look the traditional Jeep buyer understands.
Creed was uncharacteristically tight-lipped about production for the Patriot — he wasn't even ready to admit that the thing was going into production — but he did give a proud wink when we allowed that, looking like a downsized Commander, the Patriot would slot in nicely below the Liberty (which is the next size up).
Despite Creed's caginess, other Chrysler sources confirmed for Inside Line the existence of plans to produce the Patriot in some form, telling us that the little four-door 'ute would be in showrooms before the end of next year (most likely mid-to-late year). It's the worst-kept secret that the Patriot/Compass will most probably be based on the forthcoming Dodge Caliber platform, which means front-drive and all-wheel-drive versions.
Engines and interior details are still anybody's guess.
What's Edmunds' Take?
If you were thinking the Liberty was a little fem for your taste and the Wrangler was a bit austere, stick around and keep an eye on Jeep — the Patriot could become your tough and affordable cup of off-road coffee. — Richard Homan
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