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 BMW X4 is an alternative approach to tall-riding SUVs, if you can even call it that.The 2017 BMW X4 is a nice thing. Describing it any further requires a little understanding and a break with conventional rules.It's not a coupe, and it's not much of an SUV. It's not a tall wagon, and the X4 certainly isn't much of a sedan. Instead, it doubles down on the recipe that BMW tested with the bigger X6 and takes an existing SUV and tapers its roofline for a more interesting look and less interior space. In this case, the donor is the more upright X3, and the X4 is fashioned to be a direct rival to the Range Rover Evoque, Porsche Macan, and even the Lincoln MKC.
Pros A seductive roofline M40i is a true performance vehicle Sticky handling Base engine is plenty quick
Cons Cargo and rear passenger space is compromised Thick rear haunches Not quite a Macan Turbo competitor
The 2017 BMW X4 ranks 13 out of 14 Luxury Compact SUVs. The 2017 BMW X4's strong engine options and sporty driving dynamics make it a great performer among luxury compact SUVs, but competitors offer more interior and cargo space, as well as higher predicted reliability scores.
Pros Potent engines User-friendly infotainment system Accurate steering
Cons Cramped back seats Class-trailing cargo capacity
You might already know that sitting up high and having a commanding view of the road can be a great thing. So if you're looking for a luxury SUV that gives you that sense of security along with a sleek design and strong performance, the uniquely styled 2016 BMW X4 is an interesting alternative. Mid way through last year the xDrive35i model was replaced by the more performance-oriented M40i model. For all 2017 models, wireless phone charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot are added to the options list, while the upgraded iDrive interface included with navigation has been updated. Finally, the steering wheel included in the optional M Sport package has a new design
Pros Strong performance and good fuel economy from its two available engines High-quality cabin looks and feels expensive Comfortable ride quality despite its sporty nature Responsive handling bettered only by pricier sport-tuned rivals High-performance M40i trim level is a rarity for the segment.
Cons Low rear seat reduces comfort relative to the X3 and most competitors Small cargo area for a vehicle in this class Rearward visibility is compromised by sloping roofline Costs more than a similarly equipped X3 which offers more room inside Some controls can be difficult to learn Adaptive cruise control doesn't perform as well as those of rivals.
