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With the onslaught of crossovers hitting the North American car market, Jeep has kept true to its SUV heritage, and the nimble 2014 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4×4 is no different. For 2014, the Jeep Patriot boasts improved on-road performance with compliments of a new six-speed automatic transmission. With unmatched Jeep capability in all weather conditions and favorable fuel economy, we were anxious to spend a week behind the wheel of this Jeep.

EXTERIOR

Our test model looked serious in maximum steel metallic clear coat paint and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The overall body design is still all Jeep, and with the black side roof rails, halogen headlamps, fog lamps, deep tint sunscreen glass and power heated mirrors, this is one good looking SUV. The 2014 Jeep Patriot Latitude model offers the standard features of the Sport model, as well as the following exterior standard features like illuminated keyless entry and body color exterior door handles.

INTERIOR

The cabin of the 2014 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4×4 is straightforward and to the point with a no-frills feeling. In addition to the standard features, the 2014 Jeep Patriot offers an array of clever features consumers will appreciate whether commuting to work, exploring out-of-the-way places or driving in challenging weather conditions. A Uconnect Media Center with iPod interface, SiriusXM Radio, navigation with SiriusXM Travel Link, power sunroof, a premium audio system with nine Boston Acoustic speakers, articulating lift gate speakers, and fold-flat rear seats are some of the available features that make the 2014 Jeep Patriot the perfect compact SUV, enabling drivers and passengers to enjoy any adventure.

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PERFORMANCE

When you first turn on the engine of the Jeep Patriot, you’ll find that the 2014 Patriot is unmistakably a Jeep designed to appeal to compact-SUV buyers who want traditional Jeep styling with best-in-class off-road capability at an affordable price. Available for the first time in most 2014 Jeep Patriot models is the world-class 6F24 six-speed automatic transmission. Independently developed by PowerTech and refined for application in the 2014 Jeep Patriot, the six-speed automatic is fully electronic and designed for fuel efficiency and improved performance. Compact and lightweight, the 6F24 eliminated many potential extra engineering efforts from a packaging standpoint with the chassis layout. Overall length of the transmission is 378.5 mm. We did find substantial engine noise in the cabin that should be addressed at some point.

The six-speed automatic features a closely aligned 5.46 gear spread that provides nearly imperceptible shifting from launch through highway speeds. With a 4.21 first gear and standard Auto Stick for manual-like shifting, acceleration characteristics deliver fun-to-drive excitement. The new six-speed transmission also helps reduce cost of ownership and maintenance costs with its fill-for-life design. There is no transmission dipstick, and transmission filter or fluid changes are not required under normal driving conditions. Low-viscosity fluid is used to improve fuel economy by enabling quicker operating temperatures on the transmission to reduce drag on internal components.

The proven 2.4-liter I-4 World Engine, which produces 172 horsepower (129 kW) and 165 lb.-ft. of torque, is available on all models and standard on the Limited. This 2.4-liter World Engine has dual variable-valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, which helps optimize the torque curve at all speeds and produces more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without dual VVT. Dual VVT is a technology typically not available on vehicles sold in the United States in the Jeep Patriot’s price class. The Patriot’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transaxle in front-wheel drive configuration delivers 23 mpg in the city, and 28 mpg on the highway when not using the 4×4 system.

OVERVIEW

Jeep has evolved into a full-line brand with vehicles like the Patriot, which was priced at $26,875 as tested, all the way up to the luxury model Jeep Grand Cherokees. So far, the brand has maintained the rugged appeal that off-road drivers seek out. With that, you experience a SUV drive that one can appreciate and value, because the Patriot is one of the best priced 4x4s on the market.