It's weird that the same company builds both vehicles, or at least sticks their JEEP logo on them, because there are a few things on the Patriot that wouldn't hurt at all if they made it over to the Wrangler. Apparently a few are coming over for 2011 (steering wheel radio controls and 110V power outlet). These are no big deal really but Jeep seems to think they are a big improvement since they are the one of the only things changed from the 2010 model. These are certainly not things that help the Wrangler off road.

My wife drives a Patriot and I see the following as practical improvements for the Wrangler, given the use of the vehicle.

1. The entire cargo area is tough washable plastic, not silly carpet like the Wrangler. Tie downs are built in.

2. The seat backs are plastic too, so when you flip them down the extended cargo area is still plastic.

3. The front passenger seat flips forward and lies flat, increasing your ability to haul long items like 2x4s and rolls of carpet, for those of us that have life beyond commuting and wheeling. Againm the seat back is tough plastic so no worries about wrecking things by sliding them around.

4. Detachable flashlight dome light is pretty smart for the trail.

5. Turn signal stalk feels much tighter than the Wrangler. Is it just mine? Half the time I accidentally turn on the high beams when I use the turn signal because it just wobbles around.

6. Headlight design - I think I started a thread on these at one time. The Patriot bulbs are H13s just like the Wrangler but the lens design actually works. Things are monstrous bright.

This stuff isn't really gimmicky in my opinion, it's good design that unfortunately has not made it over to the Wrangler. My Patriot is a 2008 and already has this stuff. I might measure up the Patriot seats to see if a swap is even possible.

Anyway, I am prepared for getting flamed over this, ie "So why don't you go and buy a Patriot" etc. etc. besides the fact I already did. You'd think that Jeep would incorporate their good ideas across the board.

 

I'm wondering if the Patriot headlights can be swapped out. Be kind of nice finding a wrecked Patriot and buying the lenses and putting them in the Wrangler.

 

I agree with everything you said, however, let the countdown to the inevitable Real Man responses begin....

 

i totally agree... i drive a 2008 patriot as my company provided work vehicle, and actually like the thing... definitely has "utility" covered in CUV.
mines 4x4, though not the trail rated version... but the independent suspension really soaks up big bumps... somebody rode with me on barely maintained gravel roads and even commented that the big holes were hardly felt when hitting them at speed...

i do wish the front pass seat on our JKs folded flat forward... it would come in handy
and i do love the plastic cargo area... though things tend to slide around a lot back there... so it's give and take i guess.

forgot to add that the patriot even has a dead pedal making long trips more comfortable... come on Jeep... it's the little things sometimes


Mark

 

They're quite a bit deeper but it would sure be an interesting project!

 

Not sure about your #5. My turn signal stalk is a stiff sob. I have to really exert a bit of force to signal left or right. Much stiffer than average.

Maybe you just got a loosey goosey one?

 

since no one else is going to do it . '' then why dont you go buy a patriot if there so awesome''

 

Haha - thanks. I couldn't live without that. I already have one though!

 

I think the factory power inverter is a good idea since a lot of folks add power inverters.

Pics of this Patriot dome/flashlight? Maybe it can be retrofitted?

 

Straight from the Jeep site: