The Jeep Liberty and Patriot are two compact SUVs that the American car manufacturer, Jeep, introduced. The Liberty was introduced in 2002 as a replacement for the Cherokee and was produced until 2012. On the other hand, the Patriot was introduced in 2007 as a compact crossover SUV and was produced in 2017.
But what is the difference between Jeep Liberty vs Patriot? Both vehicles were designed to cater to the needs of different types of consumers, and they have distinctive features that set them apart from each other. This article will discuss the difference between the Jeep Liberty and Patriot.
| Point of Difference | Jeep Liberty | Jeep Patriot |
| Design | Rugged and Boxy | Modern and Streamlined |
| Size | Spacious Cabin, More Legroom, and Cargo Space | Smaller and More Compact |
| Engine | 2.0-Liter Four Cylinder 3.7-Liter V6 Engine | 2.0-Liter Engine 2.4-Liter Four-Cylinder |
| Price | Pricey | Cheaper |
In terms of size, the Jeep Liberty was slightly larger than the Jeep Patriot, with more cargo space and rear-seat legroom. However, the Patriot was more fuel-efficient and easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
Both the Liberty and Patriot offered similar off-road capabilities, with four-wheel drive systems that could handle rough terrain and inclement weather. However, the Patriot was less capable than the Liberty in extreme off-road conditions.
Table of Contents
Design and Features
The Jeep Liberty and Jeep Patriot have different designs, but both have the traditional Jeep look. The Liberty had a more rugged and boxy design, while the Patriot had a more modern and streamlined design. The Liberty had a larger and more spacious cabin, with more legroom and cargo space.
The Patriot was smaller and more compact, making maneuvering in tight spaces and parks easier. Both models had similar features like power windows, mirrors, locks, air conditioning, and a CD player.
The Liberty had more premium features like heated front seats, a sunroof, and a premium sound system. The Patriot had a more basic interior but still had features such as satellite radio, a touchscreen infotainment system, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Performance and Handling
The Jeep Liberty was offered with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.7-liter V6 engine. The four-cylinder engine produced 1509 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine produced 150 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine produced 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. The Liberty had either rear or four-wheel drive and a four-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
The Jeep Patriot was offered with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2.0-liter engine produced 158 horsepower and 141 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.4-liter engine produced 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. The Patriot had either front-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Both models had good off-road capabilities, with the Liberty having a more advanced four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing. The Patriot had a less advanced four-wheel drive system but still had good traction and stability on rough terrain.
Fuel Efficiency
The Jeep Patriot had better fuel economy than the Jeep Liberty, with an EPA rating of 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel drive model with the 2.0-liter engine. The Liberty had an EPA rating of 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway for the rear-wheel drive model with the 3.7-liter V6 engine.
Safety and Reliability
The Jeep Liberty and Patriot both received similar safety ratings, with four out of five stars in overall crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Liberty had a more extensive list of safety features, including side airbags and electronic stability control, while the Patriot had a more basic list of safety features.
Both models had average reliability ratings, with the Liberty receiving a score of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power and Associates and the Patriot receiving a score of #.0 out of five.
Price and Value
The Jeep Patriot had a lower starting price than the Jeep Liberty, with a base price of around $15,000 for the front-wheel drive model with the 2.0-liter engine. The Liberty’s base price was around $23,000 for the rear-wheel drive model with the 3.7-liter V6 engine.
Both models offered good value for their price, with the Patriot offering affordability and fuel efficiency and the Liberty offering ruggedness and off-road capabilities.
Conclusion
Comparing the Jeep Liberty vs Patriot, it is essential to remember that these vehicles are two different SUVs offering various features and benefits. The Liberty is a more rugged and spacious SUV with a more advanced four-wheel drive system, but it has poor fuel economy and a higher price. The Patriot is a more affordable and fuel-efficient SUV with a more streamlined design, but it has a less advanced four-wheel drive system and a more basic interior.