The Jeep Patriot is a favored American vehicle made by Chrysler and loved by outdoor enthusiasts and executives alike. That is because it is a taller crossover vehicle that has the presence of an SUV while also offering the size of a domesticated everyday vehicle. The Jeep Patriot is a crowd-pleaser at 172 horsepower @6,000 rpm and a top speed of 112 miles per hour (mph) on a gas engine and 117 mph on diesel. With a price tag that starts at $19,000, it is also a car that almost anybody can enjoy. The Jeep Patriot is an SUV but is also considered a crossover by most vehicle experts. This is a car that is easily compared to both smaller and larger class vehicles. It is frequently compared to the four-cylinder Jeep Compass for similar horsepower, fuel economy. The Mitsubishi Outlander is another four-cylinder frequently compared to the Jeep Patriot, but both the Outlander and the Compass have price points over the $20 thousand mark. The GMC Terrain comes in close to the Patriot with 170hp and is a favorite of the GMC fan family. Speed: 0 to 60 mph in 9 seconds
Towing Capacity: 1000 pounds
EPA Fuel Economy: Combined 24 MPG Note: In the course of my research, while compiling this list for you, I noticed that auto manufacturers list the driver’s seat and passenger seat as features in the documentation. I guess this could be a remnant of the good old days when bench seats in the front were popular. I had assumed that the front seats were standard. So, even though I didn’t include them in each listing, I want to let you know that both the driver’s and passenger’s seats are standard features for ALL vehicles on this list. In no order, here are the most common cars considered to be similar to the Jeep Patriot.
Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass is a faster vehicle than the Jeep Patriot when all of its horses are running, as a four-cylinder with 180 hp. The newest models will come with all the bells and whistles of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and its size is a comfortable mid-range size for a five-seater SUV. The Compass is as good an off-roader as any, with excellent fuel economy at 4 gallons per 100 miles. Its top speed is 126mph and it can reach 62 mph in less than 10 seconds. With a 2,000 pound towing capacity, the Jeep Compass is worth its ticket price that starts at $26 thousand. If you want a larger and faster vehicle than the Patriot, the Jeep Compass is an excellent choice and offers a little more room than the Patriot starts with.
Versa Note
The Versa Note is a subcompact vehicle that doesn’t quite have the size or horsepower of the Patriot but offers a look that can come off close to SUV, without the price tag. This is a 109 hp five-seat hatchback with a dual-level cargo floor. The space offers a roomy interior and a vehicle that offers 115 mph at its top speed. Still, the car offers a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds with a class-A hitch. The gas mileage isn’t comparable to a Patriot, as the Versa will get you 32 miles per gallon in the city and 40 mpg for highway driving. The price tag is sweet though with stickers starting at $15,000.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander rings in with a higher sticker price of $26,000 to start, but you’ll like what you are paying for. The fuel efficiency on the car is not going to be your favorite at 26 mpg, but this is what a seven-seater SUV with a third row is going to cost you. This is your road trip vehicle extraordinaire and will come fully equipped for everybody in every row of the vehicle. The Outlander offers a towing capacity that starts at 1,500 pounds and caps at 3,500 and a top speed of 121 mph. Overall, if you need something larger than the Patriot, this is the car to go to.
GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain is a five-seater crossbreed between the SUV and the Jeep style, with a 170 hp and turbo four-cylinder engine. The sticker price begins at $27,000 with a top speed of 120 mph and a towing capacity that starts at 1,500 pounds. The fuel economy will give you 25 mpg for city driving and 30 mpg highway driving, and you’ll love the comfortable drive on any road. This is a very spacious vehicle compared to the Patriot with a bevy of power controls that make driving easy and driving an SUV easy for those that are new at navigating larger cars. You have to take some time getting used to them because finding them can be a distraction in itself, but such is the case when taking any new vehicle on the road. It is said to fit up to 24 carry-on-sized suitcases when all seats are folded down, which, may never happen to you but is good to know when you are adventure-planning.
Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade is the smaller brother of the Jeep Patriot but comes ahead in the horsepower department with up to 180 hp. The price tag comes with that, with a starting sticker of $24 thousand. From the outside, the Renegade looks smaller, but the Patriot is actually thinner in design. For fuel economy, the Renegade offers 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, making it less fuel-efficient than some other vehicles. Despite its horsepower and a top speed of 122 mph, the Renegade is quieter on the road than the Patriot but still has the off-roading energy you may be looking for in a five-seater. Aesthetically, it is a daintier SUV than the Patriot, but its performance is anything but. Its towing capacity is up to 2,000 pounds.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester will seat five and is a favorite SUV with superior safety scores and a moderate starting price of $23,000. It is also renowned for its all-weather driving and is versatile in every climate. For fans of Japanese models, the Forester is coming out on top. The model is built to be user-friendly for all drivers. You won’t need the owner’s manual to wheel this one around. The Forester has an insulated driver’s panel and door panels making this a very quiet ride, a feature you may notice if you are revving the 170 hp. Fuel economy here chimes in at 24 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway with top speeds of and a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds. For speed, this model pales in comparison to others, with a top speed of 127 mph and reaching 62mph in just under 12 seconds.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a crossover vehicle that will confuse you on what kind of car it is. It’s cute, but it is a heavyweight when it comes to the world of SUVs and what they can offer you. This is a very crisp look with a lot of cargo space that you will enjoy using for every car ride. You pay for it too, with a starting price of $34,000, but that buys you the bragging rights to 185 hp. Gas mileage with the Santa Fe is nothing to brag about here, with 18mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, a range that SUV owners know what they are buying into. The towing capacity starts at 1,500 pounds and caps out at 3,500 pounds. For speed, Santa Fe offers 130 mph and can reach 62 mph in less than 10 seconds. It is equipped with the modern features you will want in an off-roader or SUV, such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen that will make driving so much easier. The Santa Fe performs better than the Patriot, but it also comes with the price tag that balances that out.
Ford Escape
Albeit smaller than many SUVs now today, the Escape is still a five-seater with room for everything you want to pack in its cargo bed. Today’s Escape now offers full multi-media attention for everyone in the car and has a starting sticker price of $26 thousand. The Escape can offer seven seats with a sliding second-row if you want it when you want it. Its horsepower of 198 hp and a top speed of 85 mph give you a glimpse of its kind of performance. Living up to its legacy in the SUV world, the Escape today has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and fuel economy that reaches 27 mph in the city and 33 mph on the highway.
Toyota RAV 4
The Toyota RAV 4 is an easy SUV to select when you can’t decide which one to get, as it offers you what an SUV offers without too much to worry about and outperforms the Patriot in many ways. Its top speed will reach 112 mph and it can reach 62 mph in less than 9 seconds. It carries its weight in the SUV class with a horsepower of 176hp, and a fuel economy that is slightly better than most at 24 mph in the city and 31 mph on the highway. The sticker price for the RAV 4 starts at a comparable $26 thousand, which means that price won’t be the sticking point in your decision here. This is a two-row and five-seat SUV with a nice size that makes for a ride that feels luxurious. Its horsepower will give you an expected towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a tough one to beat for many, as it offers almost everything that the Patriot does for a slightly higher price of $24 thousand, depending on your options and trim with the Patriot. This is a five-seater SUV that brings 185 hp to the table, and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. Its top speed reaches 130 mph, and its fuel economy is 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The heavyweight in horsepower is difficult to see from the outside where the CX-5 looks like just another crossover. The interior is no different, with a very spacious 5 seater plan and a fully loaded infotainment center that includes compatibility with both Apple Car Play and Android Auto. It looks smaller than the Patriot but functions like a beast.
Ford Explorer
One thing the Ford Explorer has going for it is its longevity in the SUV world. It is a fan favorite by even the most diehard brand lovers, with many GM and Chrysler lovers making the switch to enjoy the Ford Escape. You pay for that reputation though, with a starting price of $33 thousand, which can accommodate up to 7 seats in the sportier trims. Ford isn’t letting you down here though, with the price tag comes the highest performing horsepower on the list with up to 290 hp and a top speed of 148 mph. it also tows up to 5,600 pounds which might be why the Explorer was invented in the first place. Today’s models are looking slightly sportier and sleeker than the Explorer’s earliest days, but not by much. Ford is sticking to the concept and what it knows drivers love with this one. This is a tough car for the Patriot to beat.
Ford Ecosport
The Ford Ecosport is another answer to driver’s prayers when it comes to a sleek SUV that is easy to drive, but heavy on performance features. Its towing capacity is smaller than some on the list, with a capacity of 2,000 pounds, and its features indicate that. Its top speed can reach 99 mph which has it low on the list for speed, but its size and towing capacity speak to that. With a 166 horsepower still, the Ecosport will be an enjoyable ride, living up to the Ford reputation. You might even like its performance at lower speeds, and this is a car that is noisier than other SUVs and crossovers. For fuel economy, the Ecosport reaches 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. This is a five-seater with a sweet starting price that just tips the $21 thousand mark to start. It’s not the Patriot, but you won’t hate this car.
Kia Sportage
The four-door five-passenger Kia Sportage is also classified as a small SUV. It features a 158.0-hp, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine, All Wheel Drive, and automatic transmission with overdrive. The maximum horsepower @ RPM 181 @ 6000 maximum torque @ RPM 175 @ 4000.
Speed: 0 to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds
Towing Capacity: 1653 pounds
EPA Fuel Economy: Combined 23 MPG
Exterior: Liftgate rear cargo access tailgate/rear door lock included w/power door locks and roof rack rails.
Interior: Front bucket seats with height and 4-way manual adjustable passenger seat, 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, 2-way power lumbar support, 60-40 folding bench front facing manual reclining fold forward seatback.
Safety: With an overall crash test rating of 5/5, the Sportage offers several safety features to help prevent crashes from happening in the first place. Some features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS driveline traction control, side-impact beams, dual-stage driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), collision mitigation, driver monitoring-alert, blind-spot collision warning, and blind spot-back-up camera.
Hyundai Tucson
In the category of small SUVs like the Jeep Patriot, the five-passenger Hyundai Tucson offers a 2.4L GDI DOHC 16 valve engine with maximum horsepower @ RPM 181 @ 6000 and maximum torque @ RPM 175 @ 4000. The 6-speed automatic overdrive transmission includes SHIFTRONIC with drive mode selection.
Speed: 0-60 mph in 9.5 seconds
Towing Capacity: 1000 pounds
EPA Fuel Economy: Combined 25 MPG
Exterior: Includes power liftgate rear cargo access, tailgate/rear door lock included with power door locks, and roof rack rails.
Safety: The Tucson offers a bevy of safety features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS, side-impact beams, driveline traction control, dual-stage driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), collision mitigation, driver monitoring-alert, resulting in an overall crash test rating of 5/5.
You’ll pay approximately $29,435 for the latest model.
Nissan Juke
This small five-passenger SUV comes with a 1.6L 16-valve direct-injection gasoline engine and maximum horsepower @ RPM 188 @ 5600 and maximum torque @ RPM 177 @ 2000. It also features a CVT automatic transmission with overdrive, driver-selectable manual shift mode, and d-step simulated gearing.
Speed: 0-60 mph in 10.2 seconds
Towing Capacity: N/A
EPA Fuel Economy: Combined 28 MPG
Safety: Standard safety features include Automatic full-time all-wheel 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel ABS, front vented discs, and brake assist Electronic Stability Control (ESC), dual-stage driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags, side-impact beams, aerial view camera system, low tire pressure warning, dual-stage driver, and passenger front airbags. You’ll have all directions covered with the around-view monitor with moving object detection back-up camera, as well as front, left side, and right side cameras. The Nissan Juke’s overall frontal barrier crash rating is 3/5. You can purchase one for around $27,915.
Suzuki Grand Vitara
EPA classifies the Grand Vitara as a sport-utility vehicle. Though not a small SUV, its 2.4 liter 16-valve engine features a zero-maintenance self-adjusting timing chain and 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and electronic fuel injection. The maximum horsepower is @ RPM 166 @ 6000 and the maximum torque is @ RPM 162 @ 4000.
Speed: 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds
Towing Capacity: Depends on model year; check with your dealership
EPA Fuel Economy: Combined 20 MPG
Exterior: Heated power mirrors with integrated turn signals and rear window defrosters are an excellent feature for drivers in colder climates. Voice-activated navigation system, cruise control, and air conditioning w/automatic climate control with micron air-filtration system are nice automations. Three 12V interior accessory outlets mean everyone can charge cell phones at once.
Safety: Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) w/brake assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), daytime running lamps, advanced front airbags w/passenger occupancy sensor, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, front/rear side curtain airbags w/rollover protection, rear door child safety locks, Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children (LATCH)system, and finally, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) all come standard. Crash test info will depend on the model year.
For the most recent model available, 2013, prices start at $26,799.
Dodge Journey
Like the Jeep Patriot, the front-wheel-drive 7-passenger Dodge Journey is EPA classified as a small SUV.
With 2WD, a 2.4L 16V dual VVT fuel system sequential MPI engine, and a 4-speed automatic VL transmission with AUTOSTICK, sequential shift control, and oil cooler, this SUV provides maximum horsepower @ RPM 173 @ 6000 and maximum torque @ RPM 166 @ 4000.
Speed: 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds
Towing Capacity: 1000 pounds trailer sway control
EPA Fuel Economy: Combined 21 MPG
Exterior: Standard exterior features include liftgate rear cargo access, tailgate, and rear door lock included with power door locks and roof rack rails.
Interior: Interior features include a 40-60 folding split-bench, front-facing manual reclining tilt slide fold forward rear seatback seat, and a fixed 50-50 bench 3rd-row seat front with manual recline, manual fold into the floor, and two fixed head restraints.
Safety: Included safety features are plentiful: auto on/off aero-composite halogen daytime running headlamps with delay-off, perimeter/approach lights, remote keyless entry w/integrated key transmitter, dual-stage driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags, two-door curb/courtesy, illuminated entry and panic button, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Roll Stability Control (RSC), ABS, driveline traction control, side-impact beams, Parksense rear parking sensors, tire-specific low tire pressure warning, driver knee airbag, dual-stage driver and passenger front airbags, rear child safety locks, front lap, and shoulder safety belts with rear center 3 point height adjusters and pretensioners, and Parkview back-up camera. The overall crash test rating stands at a respectable 4/5.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
This EPA classified small SUV is an all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon. It comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission with overdrive, a 2.0L 16-valve, 4-cylinder aluminum block and head, fuel injection engine, providing 168 hp @ 6000 RPM, and a torque of 167 @ 4100 RPM.
Speed: 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds
Towing Capacity: N/A
EPA Fuel Economy: Combined 27 MPG
Exterior: Included exterior features are the expected liftgate rear cargo access, tailgate/rear door lock included with power door locks, auto on/off aero-composite led low/high beam daytime running, auto high-beam headlamps with delay-off, and perimeter/approach lights.
Interior: Nothing is especially spectacular about the interior features. Still, there is a driver footrest, delayed accessory power, power door locks with auto-lock feature, a systems monitor, a trip computer, outside temp gauge, perimeter alarm, engine immobilizer, not one but two 12V DC power outlets, and air filtration for easy breathing.
Safety: Standard safety features included in the 2022 model are Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS, driveline traction control, dual-stage driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags, side-impact beams, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), collision mitigation, Lane Change Assist (LCA) to help you avoid the perils of the blind spot, Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), low tire pressure warning, dual-stage front driver and passenger airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, driver knee airbag, rear child safety locks, outboard front lap and shoulder safety belts with rear center three-point, height adjusters and pretensioners, and back-up camera. The overall safety rating is a decent 4/5.
The 2022 model will subtract approximately $26,890 from your bank account, plus interest unless you’re paying in cash.
Ford Escape
Another small SUV similar to the Jeep Patriot, the Front-Wheel Drive Ford Escape is equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine with auto start-stop technology and 8-Speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable mode and oil cooler.
Speed: 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds
Maximum Towing Capacity: 2000 pounds
EPA Fuel Economy: Combined 30 MPG
Exterior: You can expect to find the standard exterior features that are present in most five-passenger vehicles in the same classification, such as liftgate rear cargo access, tailgate/rear door lock included w/power door locks, auto lamp auto on/off projector-beam halogen auto high-beam daytime running lights, preference setting headlamps with delay-off, perimeter/approach lights, LED brake lights and LED headlights with automatic high beams.
Safety: with the following safety features: AdvanceTrac w/Roll Stability Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC), ABS, and driveline traction control, side-impact beams, dual-stage passenger and driver-side seat-mounted airbags.
I don’t know if or how the following features differ from what the other automakers are also offering, but in this case, Ford has put its name on the following: Ford Co-Pilot360 – BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) Blind Spot, Ford Co-Pilot360 – Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), and Ford Co-Pilot360 – Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Alert Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Keeping Alert Lane Departure Warning.
The Ford Escape also offers collision mitigation, driver monitoring alert, tire-specific low tire pressure warning, dual-stage driver and passenger front airbags, safety canopy system, personal safety system airbag occupancy sensor, and driver knee airbag.
Alert systems like the MyKey system with top speed limiter, audio volume limiter, early low fuel warning, programmable sound chimes and belt minder w/audio mute, and back-up camera keep you wise to potential safety issues. The overall crash test rating stands at 5/5.
Honda CRV
The Front-Wheel Drive five-passenger Honda CRV is in the same EPA classification as the Jeep Patriot as a small SUV. It has a 1.5L 16-Valve engine with Turbocharger and Continuously Variable Transmission with sport mode, providing a maximum horsepower @ RPM 190 @ 5600 and maximum torque @ RPM 179 @ 2000.
Speed: 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds
Towing Capacity: 1500 pounds
EPA Fuel Economy: Combined 30 MPG
Exterior: Standard exterior features include liftgate rear cargo access, tailgate/rear door lock included with power door locks, programmable projector-beam halogen daytime running auto high-beam headlamps with delay-off, LED brake lights, headlights with automatic high beams, and front fog lamps.
Interior: The best interior feature of the CRV is the heated front bucket seats. The driver’s seat has a 12-way power adjustment, including 4-way power lumbar support. The rear seat is a 60-40 folding split-bench with a front-facing manual reclining fold forward seatback.
The CRV interior additionally includes an engine immobilizer, perimeter alarm, and air filtration, but only one 12V DC power outlet.
Safety: Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS and driveline traction control, side-impact beams, dual-stage driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) w/Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) w/Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning, collision mitigation, driver monitoring-alert, Blind Spot Information (BSI) System Blind Spot, Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), FCW and Cross Traffic Monitor, low tire pressure warning, dual-stage driver and passenger front airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, back-up camera. The overall crash safety rating is 5/5.
Toyota Rav-4
The five-passenger Toyota Rav-4 is an EPA-classified small SUV with All Wheel Drive. It has a 4-cylinder 2.5 L/152 fuel injection engine with maximum horsepower @ RPM 203 @ 6600, maximum torque @ RPM 184 @ 5000, and 8-Speed Automatic transmission with overdrive.
Speed: 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds
Maximum Towing Capacity: 3500 pounds with Trailer Sway Control
EPA Fuel Economy: Combined 28 MPG
Exterior: Includes tailgate/rear door lock included w/power door locks, roof rack rails, LED brake lights, headlights with automatic high beams, auto on/off aero-composite LED low/high beam daytime running auto high-beam headlamps w/delay-off, front fog lamps, and laminated glass.
Interior: Standard interior features include 60-40 folding split-bench front-facing manual reclining fold forward rear seat, remote releases for power cargo and mechanical fuel access, distance pacing w/traffic stop-go, driver footrest, mini overhead console with storage, two 12v DC power outlets, and one 120v AC power outlet, engine immobilizer, and perimeter alarm.
Safety: The Rav-4 comes standard with cruise control-steering assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS and driveline traction control, side-impact beams, dual-stage driver and passenger seat-mounted side and front airbags, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) Lane Departure Warning, collision mitigation, Blind Spot Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0 and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), tire specific low tire pressure warning, airbag occupancy sensor, driver knee airbag, passenger cushion front airbag, and back-up camera. The overall crash test rating is 5/5.
