An easier question is how are they different. It's only sheet metal and glass on the looks, the interiors are the same and they both use the same modified Dodge Caliber chassis.
Both FDI versions can do light trails but the FDII version of the Patriot has an Off-Road mode and different final drive ratio that can do more.
From what I have read when Chrysler was test marketing the idea and designs men liked the looks of the Patriot while women liked the Compass. Instead of just making one they decided on making both and to save money they just changed the exterior and gave the Patriot an off road package because that is what the test marketed men asked for. Women aparently could have cared less about off road so the Compass did not recieve the better off road abilities.
Hey Will!
Hows the XJ treating you?
While my vehicle is an XJ, my wife has a Patriot. It's the off-road one. I gotta tell you, in deep snow, I'd rather have that than my cherokee.
We got the patriot off-road package, so it has brake differentials, skid plates armoring the entire bottom of the car, and is about 1 inch higher than standard patriots.
While the independent suspension isn't as good for rock crawling as solid axles, it does lend itself to greater axle ground clearance in that the axle doesn't work like a plow in snow/mud.
It's a very VERY intelligent car as far as the interior. The fold flat front seat lets me haul 8 foot boards inside the vehicle.
22-26mpg-enough said!
You thinking of getting one?
Err... The stock skid plates only cover the engine, gas tank, and ECC. Most of the undercarriage - including the parts that are first to make ground contact - are in fact unarmored.
There is no such thing as an "off road" Patriot. Maybe dirt roads and city potholes. For off road fun I take my 93 YJ.
Looking at the Patriot to replace a 99XJ. After a Patriot is in the garage, I can put a 6.5" lift kit on the XJ and maybe sell my built YJ.
I keep forgetting that sarcasm doesn't translate well in text.
I have to admit I was surprised that one patriot owner said he found a lift kit for it.
My wife likes the patriot because it is a little bit lower than our Cherokee. I like that it has more room but appears smaller than the Cherokee. Hopefully we have the chance to buy one before it gets killed.
Ya, the printed word leaves a lot to be desired when trying to portray humor. Use the "smiles" if you can, they help. :cheers2::2thumbsup: and :welcome:.
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