Chrysler has just revealed the first images and details of its 2011 Jeep Patriot, and the compact softroader has received very subtle nip/tuck for the new model year that touch nearly every aspect of the vehicle.
Exterior upgrades include what Chrysler describes as a more "aggressive" front fascia with standard foglamps, a new rear fascia, body-color grille and optional 17-inch wheels. The SUV also gets four new exterior colors, as well as an increased 4x4 ride height. "Ride and handling is refined courtesy of returned steering and suspension systems," said Chrysler in a statement, although specific details are not being disclosed yet.
At the interior the automaker has increased the quality of materials, and the steering wheel integrates the audio/trip controls just like in the new Grand Cherokee.
The 2011 Jeep Patriot will be offered with front-wheel- or four-wheel-drive, and will be available in three configurations – Sport, Latitude and Latitude X. Sales will begin in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Other top features are the 2011 Jeep Patriot model's affordability, fuel economy for its segment and safety features, Chrysler said. (The 2010 model took Top Safety Pick honors from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety -- provided the vehicle has the optional side torso airbags). Chrysler hasn't announced pricing, but Edmunds experts expect that the base-model MSRP will be $17,795 and predict that fuel-economy will be a combined 25.
Press Release
Coming Soon From Jeep®: 2011 Patriot with Aggressive New Styling, Segment- leading Capability and Unsurpassed 4x4 Fuel Economy
September 14, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC released images today of the new 2011 Jeep Patriot, the affordable compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) that offers consumers segment-leading capability and unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy, along with classic, rugged Jeep styling.
Jeep Patriot's classic exterior styling and capability are enhanced for 2011 with new front and rear fascias, a body-color grille, and an increased 4x4 ride height. Ride-and-handling is refined courtesy of retuned steering and suspension systems. Interior enhancements round out the new-for-2011 features, and include significantly upgraded touch points.
"Patriot boasts class-leading 4x4 capability and unsurpassed fuel economy, and a host of safety features in a fun and affordable package – a combination that only Jeep can offer," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "For 2011, Jeep Patriot is even more appealing to consumers, thanks to rugged new exterior styling, interior enhancements and refinements to the suspension and steering systems."
New-for-2011 Jeep Patriot exterior highlights include an aggressive new front fascia with standard fog lamps positioned inside the headlamps; a new rear fascia that extends lower than on previous models; a body-color grille; new available 17-inch wheels; four new colors and 4x4 ride height that has been increased by 1 inch.
Interior upgrades for the 2011 Jeep Patriot include new soft touch front-door trim panels with a padded upper surface; new center armrest; a new Jeep steering wheel with integrated controls that allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping their hands on the wheel; new cloth interior, with premium cloth bucket seats in the front; standard speed control on all models; new backlighting of door switches, door locks, windows and power mirror controls and standard automatic temperature control on the Latitude X model.
Available as a stand-alone option on all models for 2011 is the Uconnect® Voice Command with Bluetooth for hands-free calling and music/radio/SIRIUS satellite radio control.
The 2011 Jeep Patriot offers customers more capability than any other vehicle in the compact SUV class. Capability features include low-range mode which generates a best-in-class 19:1 crawl ratio, brake traction control, 19-inch water fording capability, Hill Descent Control, 4x4 Lock shift-on-the-fly which sends 50 percent of torque to front and rear wheels, and a maximum tow rating of 2,000 lbs. The Jeep Patriot also boasts a retuned suspension for 2011, with higher spring and damping rates, added rebound springs, and an increased diameter of the rear sway bar. Despite these numerous capability features, the 2011 Jeep Patriot boasts unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy in its segment.
A 2010 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick, the Jeep Patriot for 2011 is loaded with more than 30 standard safety and security features, thoughtful functionality and best-in-class off-road capability with Freedom Drive II, offering tremendous value for consumers that desire an SUV to accommodate their active lifestyle at an affordable price.
Offered with front-wheel- or four-wheel-drive, Jeep Patriot is available in three configurations – Sport, Latitude and Latitude X.
Built at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill., the new 2011 Jeep Patriot models arrive in Jeep showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2010.
About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and Mopar® vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler's culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat's complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.
Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram Truck. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.
