2009 Jeep Patriot
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV FWD Sport/North/Limited
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 23 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 173.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,109 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 28% better than the average 2009 SUV - (19.5 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints185 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 45 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Jeep Patriot is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,109 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 29 highway), 28% better than the 2009 SUV - average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 185 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Patriot — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Patriot →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV FWD Sport/North/Limited | 173.6 in | 69.3 in | 64.6 in | 103.9 in | 59.4 / 59.1 in | 3,109 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patriot 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | +28% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Patriot 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | +41% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Patriot 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +28% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Patriot 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 27 / 24 | +23% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Patriot 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 23 | +18% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Patriot 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 24 / 22 | +24% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Patriot 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 22 / 21 | +19% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Jeep Patriot under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Jeep Patriot (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2009 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2009 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 16 |
| 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 Kia Sportage | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Jeep Patriot.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2009 Jeep Patriot is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Jeep Patriot buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 42 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 35 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Power Train — 34 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 102,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Jeep Patriot. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Patriot years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 59 |
| 2016 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 459 |
| 2015 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 315 |
| 2014 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 513 |
| 2013 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 105 |
| 2012 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 268 |
| 2011 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 254 |
| 2010 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 140 |
| 2008 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 252 |
| 2007 Patriot | 24 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 133 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →