Jeep Patriot ranks 24 out of 27

According to U.S. News & World Report Rankings & Reviews, the 2009 Jeep Patriot ranks 24 out of 27 affordable compact SUVs. The ranking is based on an analysis of 45 published reviews and test drives, as well as reliability and safety data.

Two important characteristics that make the Patriot appealing are its affordability and good off-road capabilities. Since it functions as a good vehicle for daily comutes and a competent off-road SUV, the Patriot is a good value. The Jeep Compass is mechanically similar, but the Patriot feels more like an authentic Jeep, according to Consumer Guide. 

Some of the downsides: reviewers continue to criticize the uncomfortable rear seats and optional Continuously Variable Transmission paired with a sometimes lacking engine. Jeep is working on these complaints, adding a new instrument panel and extra features.

Gas mileage is a plus also. Along with the Compass, the Patriot is Jeep's most fuel-effecient vehicle coming in at 23/28 mpg, placing it near the top of the small SUV Class.

Jeep continues to be a great force in the SUV department. Go Jeep!

Jeep gas mileage tips

In an article, Jeep's - Economy Tips for Fuel Efficient Driving" John and Helen Taylor talk about a range of fuel economy driving techniques. By far, the most important factor in reducing fuel consumption is the driver. "The rule is simple: slow down and take it easy."

Here is a summary of their practical and down-to-earth suggestions which will work not only for a Jeep, for all makes and models:

1. Drive smoothly.
   
2. Use higher gears.
3. Tune and service the engine.
4. Keep the tires at the correct pressure.
5. Avoid carrying excess weight.
6. Use the correct engine oil.
7. Avoid excess idling.
8. Maintain a sensible distance between your car the the vehicle in front of you.
9. Use air conditioning sparingly.
10. Check the air filter.
11. Avoid rush hour or traffic jam hotspots.
12. Conserve momentum.
13. Keep calm.

We all know these things instinctively, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded once-in-a-while. So, there is your reminder! Happy, safe, and fuel-efficient driving!

Third time - oops!

On my days off, we sometimes head in to Omaha to eat, or to Council Bluffs try out the Casino. I also like to fill up with gas in Omaha because gas is usually cheaper there.

1st time - Ok: A while back as we started off, I noticed the gas gauge was getting low. So I flipped on the "Miles until empty" display. It showed we had plenty of gas to get there, about 35 miles one way. However, on the way back I wanted to stay on Dodge street because I can go all the way home without having to stop. Getting off to get gas means going down a street that is full of stop lights. It was getting into rush hour traffic, which isn't any fun. So I checked the handy "Miles until empty" display and it showed we had enough to get all the way home. I could stay on the fast road and fill up at home.

2nd time - Ok: A few weeks later, the gauge was getting low again as we were heading out of town. The "Miles until empty" display showed we again had enough to make it there. This time we filled up in Omaha on the way home to save a few cents. As it turned out, it was the same price as at home. I sometimes wonder why we make such a big deal out of filling up where gas is 2 or 3 cents cheaper. If I put in 15 gallons, that means I only save 30 to 45 cents. That's hardly worth risking running out of gas just to find it a little cheaper.

3rd time - Oops: Monday we made the trip again. This time the "Miles until empty" showed we wouldn't make it. So we filled up before we left town. You may be thinking I should be planning ahead a little more so I'm not always on low. I suppose you are right. But since I don't, the "Miles until empty" feature sure is great. It means not having to hold my breath after I hear the beep and the "Low gas" indicator comes on. I've gone as low as "zero" on the display without running out just to test it. So it seems quite accurate. I like the Miles until empty feature!

Gas Mileage Proof

For those of you who are wondering if I really get the gas mileage I say I do with my Jeep Grand Cherokee, here's the proof. After about 200 miles including two trips from Fremont to Omaha, and some city driving in both cities, you can see the Information Center reports 19.5 MPG. Yeah, I can hear your protests. "Those Information Centers are not all that accurate." Being the StatMan, I've been tracking MPG both from actual miles driven vs. gallons purchased as well as what the Information Center reported. Over a period of almost two years, there has been a difference of only .2 (2 tenths). Overall, my calculations based on miles vs. gallons have averaged out at 17.9. My Information Center readings have averaged out at 18.1. So deduct that .2 from 19.5 and I'm still getting over 19 on this tank so far. And this is during cold weather when gas mileage is typically worse than in warm weather. The temperature of the good old Nebraska air was only reaching into the teens. For an SUV, I don't think that is half bad. There, I've proven it!

Gas guzzler - not really

Yesterday I attended the funeral of a cousin my age who had died of MS. Unfortunately, funerals are one of the few times we get to see extended family. I noticed that one of my other cousins was driving a Grand Cherokee similar to mine. At the funeral luncheon afterwards, I said, "I see you are driving a Grand Cherokee. Me too!" I was expecting her to tell me about how much she liked it, since I like mine so well. My usual response from people is that they really like their Jeeps. However, her response surprised me. "Oh, my gas guzzler," she said. So we swapped comparisons.

For some reason, her gas mileage is quite a bit worse than mine. She said she is usually between 13 - 15 MPG. A while back she drove across Nebraska at 60 MPH and only got 18.5 MPG. That is the highest she has gotten. I've tracked my MPG since I bought mine almost 2 years ago. I've gotten as high as 22 MPG, and average 18 MPG overall including highway and city driving. So I'm doing much better.

Our engines are basically the same, both 6 cylinder 4.0. Our options are similar. I can't explain it. Perhaps her driving habits are different. Maybe, as she suspects, something isn't quite right with her engine. For some reason, there is quite a difference. I realize 18 MPG overall in no way compares with sub-compact cars getting in the 30s. But for the size and features of my Grand Cherokee, the gas mileage I give up is worth it to me.

Miles until empty in a Jeep Grand Cherokee

A few days ago, my wife and I were going to go to Omaha to celebrate my birthday. As we headed out the door, I realized I probably needed gas in order to make it the 80 miles round trip. When I mentioned it to my wife and heard her sigh of disappointment, I wished I had filled up the day before. However, all was not lost. When we got in my Jeep Grand Cherokee, I pushed the Step button on the Information Center twice, which brought up a handy feature, "Miles Until Empty." It showed that I would have plenty of gas to make it there and back.

The "Miles Until Empty" is a handy feature. I realize that, especially in winter, one should keep the tank at least half full. But when the temperature is low and the north wind is blowing, I tend to put it off hoping for warmer weather before I need gas. Or there are times when gas is ten cents a gallon cheaper in Omaha, so I would like to wait until a planned trip there to fill up. In those cases, knowing how many miles are left before I run out of gas is nice to know. The Information Center automatically updates as I drive to calculate miles left depending on current usage which varies with speed, wind direction, etc.

I tested the "Miles Until Empty" feature once to see how accurate it might be. I pulled into the gas station just as it hit zero, and the engine was still running. So apparently I can drive at least until is says zero. I'll just leave it at that and not take a chance beyond zero.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Gas mileage comparison

I am a statistical person. Or as my wife says when I'm bragging to her about some of my stats, "You are a sick man." I keep stats on everything. A few of my ongoing stats are minimum and maximum temperatures for every day for the past six years so I can compare the average to the current day's minimum and maximum -- the amounts of each snowfall and rainfall -- the days I mow the lawn -- the miles, gallons of gas, and miles per gallon for each fill up for my vehicles. That means I can compare the mileage I am currently getting with my Jeep Grand Cherokee to the smaller, sportier car I had before the Jeep.

My previous car had a V-6, 3.0 liter engine. My Jeep Grand Cherokee has a Straight-6, 4.0 liter engine. I am averaging 18 MPG overall driving about 35 miles per day with a lot of in-town driving. Using the average cost per gallon for the year, the difference comes to $1.00 more per day with my Jeep Grand Cherokee. So I have extra power plus all the benefits I've mentioned in previous posts on this blog. I consider the extra $1.00 per day well worth it.