Based on the Mitsubishi GS platform, the Patriot looks distinct and adventurous and is capable of handling rough roads and poor weather.

It is available in two models: Sport and Limited. These two trims are available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) versions.

The 2007 Jeep Patriot is the cheapest SUV in North America. It is manufactured at DaimlerChrysler's Belvidere, Illinois assembly plant along with the Dodge Caliber and Compass. It comes with a powertrain as well as a basic warranty for 36 months or 36,000 miles.

The 2007 Jeep Patriot competes with the likes of Jeep Compass, Chevrolet HHR, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Caliber, Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, and Mitsubishi Outlander.

The 2.4-liter World Engine employs dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and dual Variable Valve Timing (dVVT) on the intake as well as exhaust camshafts. The dVVT is continuously controlled to provide either maximum power or fuel efficiency, depending on the situation. The 2.0-liter engine also features the dVVT function.

All trims are mated to a standard 5-speed manual transmission (MT), but the option of CVT2 and CVT2L is also available on both trims.

The Patriot’s front fascia is marked by a seven-slot grille and round halogen headlamps. Trapezoidal wheel openings at the sides further enhance its rugged looks. The windshield features variable intermittent wipers.

The two models, Sport and Limited, look a bit different. The Sport features body-color fascias and bumpers, side roof rails, and black door-handles. It rolls on standard P205/70R16 Black tires and 16-inch styled steel wheels. However, the option of 17-inch aluminum wheels is also available.

The Limited comes with a daytime running lamp system, fog lamps, body-color front and rear fascias with bright inserts, body-color body-side molding, bright roof-rack rails, deep-tinted glasses, black door handles and power-adjustable mirrors. It rides on P215/60R17 Black tires and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels.

A rear spoiler and rear stabilizer bar is present in all the trims. All four-wheel-drive (4WD) trims come standard with a 13.5 gallon fuel tank while all FWD trims are equipped with a 13.6 gallon fuel tank.

The 2007 Jeep Patriot is available in a host of colors such as Black, Marine Blue Pearl, Steel Blue Metallic, Jeep Green Metallic, Light Khaki Metallic, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl, Bright Silver Metallic, and Stone White.

The Sport comes standard with rear 60/40 folding seat while the Sport E Package and the Limited trim boast of a rear 60/40 reclining and folding seat backs, which can be folded conveniently to expand the interior space. The Limited also features manual driver lumbar adjust for the driver’s convenience.

The Limited and Sport E-Package come standard with heated front seats, height-adjustable driver's seat, fold-flat front-passenger seat, passenger assist handles and a 12-degree recline feature for enhanced rear seat comfort. The fold-flat front-passenger seat can be easily folded to form a flat surface.

The Sport comes standard with manual locks and manual windows. The Sport E-package and Limited come standard with power windows, power fold-away mirrors, speed-sensitive power locks, auxiliary 115-Volt power outlet, body-color lift-gate, and remote keyless entry.

Instrument cluster in both the models includes an odometer, a tachometer, a speedometer, and an outside temperature display. The Limited also gets the benefit of standard steering wheel-mounted audio controls, optional on the Sport E Package.

Some features common across all the trims are air-conditioning, rear window defroster, tilt steering column, rear seat heat ducts, a floor console and a 12-Volt auxiliary power outlet. All trims come standard with AM/FM stereo with CD player, auxiliary input jack, and four speakers.

The Patriot is available in a range of interior colors. These are Medium Slate Gray, Light Pebble Beige, Pastel Slate Gray, Dark Slate Gray, Pastel Pebble Beige, and Dark Pebble Beige.

An AM/FM stereo radio w/In-Dash 6-Disc CD/MP3 player is optional on all the trims.For enhanced entertainment experience, a 458-Watt 9-Speaker Premium Sound System is optional on all the trims. The Sport E Package and Limited also have the option of SIRIUS satellite digital radio. The Limited 4WD is also optional with a DVD-based GPS navigation system with 6-CD/MP3 changer.

When properly equipped, the Patriot can tow cargo weighing up to 2,000 pounds.

Freedom-Drive II 4WD Off-Road Group is the best-suited for advanced capability. It offers one inch higher ground clearance, skid plates, 19-inch water fording capability, and the best rock climbing capability.

The Patriot is maneuvered by a power rack and pinion steering which is very responsive. The 5-speed MT provides quicker acceleration than CVT2 or CVT2L. The CVT, however, makes the Patriot suitable for off-road use.

All trims of the Patriot ride on independent McPherson strut front and rear suspension except for the Limited that rides on Multi-link rear suspension. The Patriot also features unique shock tuning and high-strength steel springs for capable handling on hilly or difficult terrains. The Patriot’s suspension absorbs most road imperfections with little protest and offers a comfortable ride. The Patriot is equipped with disc brakes in the front and rear that offer sharp stopping power to all wheels of the Patriot.

The Limited and Sport E Package come standard with speed control. Noise levels are low while driving in the city and reasonable on the highway. With all these features, the Patriot offers a comfortable, smooth ride and agile handling.

All trims of the Patriot feature advanced multi-stage front airbags, supplemental side curtain front and rear airbags, and a Sentry Key theft-deterrent system. The Limited is also available with optional supplemental front seat side airbags.

Some other safety features common across all the trims are Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), traction control, Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), and anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes. The Limited also features a standard security alarm and speed control.

Various trims of the Patriot are available with various option packages. All trims of the Sport are available with Tire and Wheel Group. Some option packages available on the Sport D Package are Flexible Seating Group, Smoker’s Group and Power Equipment Group.

The Sport E Package is available with Premium Steering Wheel Group. The Trailer Tow Prep Group is optional on the Sport E Package and Limited while Driver Convenience Group is optional on the Limited.