Feeling like a modern, but not as rugged incarnation of the classic '80s and '90s Jeep Cherokee, the Jeep Patriot is a simple crossover that makes a decent budget choice. It may look like the boxy, truck-like Cherokee of yore, but the Jeep Patriot is a very different animal. It's dated up against rivals—including the latest Cherokee and the pint-sized Renegade parked across the Jeep showroom—but the Patriot may be worth a look if value is one of your main priorities.
Pros Boxy exterior reminds us of the old Cherokee (in a good way) Pint-size dimensions are great in town Decent off road Strong value
Cons Interior is tight and dated Surprisingly mediocre fuel economy Awful CVT Lack of safety technology
The 2017 Jeep Patriot ranks 18 out of 18 Compact SUVs. If you're looking for a budget-friendly SUV that you can take off road, the 2017 Jeep Patriot is one of the more affordable choices. However, if you spend most of your time on-road, other compact SUVs will serve you better in terms of reliability, comfort, and safety.
Pros Skilled off road with available four-wheel drive Rugged, easy-to-clean cabin
Cons Few standard and available features Interior materials look cheap Engines are sluggish and thirsty Boorish optional CVT
You might be attracted to the 2017 Jeep Patriot because of its low price. But there's not much else about the Patriot to make it worthy of your consideration, especially because an all-new model is likely just around the corner.With a replacement likely coming next year, the Jeep Patriot carries forward unchanged for 2017.
Pros Optional flip-down tailgate speakers Above-average off-road capability with Freedom Drive II Attractively priced.
Cons Unrefined and sluggish base engine that's paired to a droning CVT Steering wheel doesn't telescope Subpar crash test scores Unsophisticated ride quality when going over bumps Minimal cargo space Chintzy cabin materials.
The 2017 Infiniti QX60 has a rich look and excellent interior space, but it doesn't deliver the driving polish that it should. Infiniti was fairly early to the three-row luxury crossover game with its JX, which has been continuously updated—and renamed—to become the 2017 QX60. Sharing its underpinnings with the Nissan Pathfinder, the QX60, like its less-luxurious counterpart, offers front- or all-wheel drive and a hybrid variant.
Pros Elegant styling Excellent third-row access Comfortable for a family Rear Collision Intervention safety system
Cons Less polished on road than it should be Infotainment lags rivals Costly, ineffective hybrid
The 2017 Infiniti QX60 ranks 20 out of 22 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Infiniti QX60 is the blue light special for luxury midsize 3-row SUVs, delivering a pretty good package for less money than most. It has great safety scores, an inviting list of included and optional amenities, and one of the most agreeable third-row seats you can find. But uninspiring performance and a few other hiccups cut into the QX60’s overall appeal.
Pros Easy-to-use infotainment system Adult-friendly third-row seats Outstanding fuel economy
Cons Steering feels vague
For 2017, the QX60 receives a revised engine with more power with no reduction in fuel efficiency. A larger multimedia screen, a hands-free liftgate and automatic high beams are now available.
Pros Quiet, comfortable cabin makes for a soothing ride Easy access to third-row seats Smooth transmission operation adds to luxurious feel Plush ride quality that makes long trips enjoyable
Cons Not as sporty as some other large luxury SUVs Desirable features are all extra and bundled into packages Off-road capability not part of its formula Tight third-row legroom for adults
