23 MPG combined won’t win any fuel efficiency awards in the compact SUV category, but for the 2015 Jeep Patriot FWD with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine, it’s a trade-off. Patriot buyers are seeking a mix of Jeep’s image, affordability, and usable interior space, and accept the fuel economy that comes with it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2015 Patriot FWD 2.4L are 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The difference between these figures shows that this setup is better for highway cruising than city driving. The automatic six-speed transmission helps keep engine RPMs optimal at higher speeds, which helps the highway number, but its gearing might not be as effective at maximizing efficiency during low-speed acceleration. A driver who commutes in heavy traffic will likely see numbers closer to the city estimate.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Jeep Patriot FWD 2.4L is $1,900. This is based on 15,000 miles of driving per year, using the national average fuel price at the time. This is an estimate, and your fuel costs will change depending on how you drive, the roads you drive on, and the price of gasoline. Drivers who use premium fuel or drive more than 15,000 miles per year will see their costs increase. This is still useful information for those wanting to research Jeep fuel economy data because it provides a comparison point.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a benchmark, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Aggressive driving, carrying heavy loads, and using air conditioning will hurt your MPG. The Patriot’s design also doesn’t help at higher speeds. Drivers who adopt a smoother driving style can expect to get closer to the EPA estimates, while those who drive fast may find themselves below the official numbers. Keep an eye on the PATRIOT MPG across all years, and track your fill-ups for the best estimation.

How it Compares

In 2015, the compact SUV segment had a range of fuel economy options. A comparable Honda CR-V FWD, for example, delivered an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined. The Toyota RAV4 FWD achieved a similar 26 MPG. Even within Jeep’s lineup, a similarly equipped Jeep Compass sharing much of the Patriot’s underpinnings, delivered slightly better fuel economy because of differences in tuning and weight. The Nissan Rogue boasted 28 MPG combined in its FWD configuration. These differences are important to buyers who are considering the Patriot for its Jeep DNA and value but care also about long-term running costs.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, which is on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel to maintain speed. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes.

Avoid fast acceleration and braking. The 2.4L engine responds well enough for everyday driving without needing to be pushed hard. Accelerating gently and keeping a consistent speed will improve your fuel economy. Anticipate traffic flow and avoid sudden stops, which waste energy.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling uses fuel without moving the vehicle. This is important in stop-and-go traffic.

Reduce weight. Carrying heavy items in your Patriot will decrease fuel efficiency. Remove any items you don’t need from the cargo area. Excess weight puts more strain on the engine and reduces efficiency, leading to higher fuel consumption.

Service your vehicle regularly. Regular maintenance ensures your engine is running efficiently. A well-maintained engine consumes less fuel and performs better.