Jeep Patriot 2011 gets facelift and better interior

Fiat-owned Chrysler has released images of the “new” 2011 Jeep Patriot, the slow-selling crossover that was routinely criticised for its poor interior quality, but has now been improved under new management.

The Jeep Patriot’s exterior styling changes include a new front fascia with standard fog lamps positioned inside the headlamps, a new rear fascia that extends lower than on previous models, a body-colour grille, new optional 17-inch wheels, four new colours and 4×4 ride height that has been increased by 1 inch. Ride-and-handling is refined courtesy of retuned steering and suspension systems.

Interior enhancements 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 top 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 more offroad capability than before. Features now include a low-range mode which generates a best-in-class 19:1 crawl ratio, brake traction control, 19-inch water fording capability, Hill Descent Control, and a 4×4 Lock which sends 50% of torque to front and rear wheels.

Offered with front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, Jeep Patriot is available in three configurations, namely Sport, Latitude and Latitude X.

The new 2011 Jeep Patriot models will arrive in Jeep showrooms by the end of 2010 across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.

Keep track of prices and updates in the Jeep Patriot buyer guide.