24 MPG combined is not going to break any fuel economy records, and the 2016 Jeep Patriot FWD with the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine isn’t trying to. This isn’t a vehicle for hypermiling. Value-conscious consumers, who want an affordable price and Jeep’s reliable image more than best-in-class fuel efficiency, buy this car. This Patriot offers a low entry price into the world of SUVs, something many buyers are willing to trade some fuel economy for, especially if they plan to drive off-pavement at times.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Jeep Patriot FWD 2.0L gets 22 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The relatively small difference between city and highway figures shows a few things about this powertrain. First, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) is designed to keep the engine in its sweet spot across a range of speeds, although driver engagement suffers. Second, the 2.0L engine doesn’t produce a lot of torque, so it has to work to get the Patriot moving, especially when stopping and starting. You can achieve the 26 MPG highway figure, but it requires a light foot and resisting the urge to accelerate hard; something that is difficult to do.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Jeep Patriot FWD 2.0L at $1,800. This figure assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a mix of city and highway driving that reflects the EPA’s testing cycle. It’s calculated using the national average fuel price when they did testing. Individual results will depend on driving habits, local fuel prices, and whether you drive more city or highway miles. $1,800 provides a standard to compare the Patriot’s fuel expenses to other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures are a good start, in reality fuel economy is often different. The Patriot’s boxy shape and profile that isn’t aerodynamic create wind resistance, particularly at higher speeds. The CVT, though made for efficiency, can feel slow and cause drivers to push the engine harder, which uses more fuel. Expect to see numbers closer to 20 MPG in mixed driving. It could drop even more in heavily congested cities or during long drives at high speed on the highway. Owners who watch their driving habits and accelerate smoothly may get closer to the EPA estimates, but it will be hard to get better fuel economy than those numbers.

How it compares

When shopping for a reliable and affordable SUV, fuel economy is important. Vehicles like the Honda HR-V (28 MPG combined for the FWD model) and the Mazda CX-3 (29 MPG combined for FWD) get much better gas mileage. Even older models like the Nissan Rogue (25 MPG combined for the FWD model before the 2014 redesign) can beat the Patriot’s numbers. The Patriot is usually cheaper than these competitors, which makes it a good choice for buyers on a budget who are okay with less fuel efficiency. For those seeking better PATRIOT MPG across all years, pre-owned models with different engine configurations or powertrains could offer alternative compromises.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently and keep a steady speed to get the best fuel efficiency in the 2016 Jeep Patriot. The CVT works best with smooth inputs. Avoid sudden acceleration or hard braking because this makes the engine work harder and use more fuel.

Proper tire inflation is important. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb. Proper alignment will also reduce rolling resistance.

Keep weight down. Extra weight in the vehicle increases fuel consumption. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger area to lighten the load and improve fuel efficiency. Regular maintenance, including air filter replacement, also helps the engine run efficiently.

Plan your routes well. Avoid congested areas and choose routes with fewer stops. Using cruise control on the highway will also help keep a consistent speed, which reduces fuel consumption. If you drive in hilly areas, try to anticipate climbs and descents to reduce how much you change the throttle.

For information, browse all Jeep fuel economy data.