The 2008 Jeep Patriot offers great value for money, combining Jeep ruggedness with good fuel economy and reliability. New for this year is the continuously variable transaxle (CVT), which replaces the automatic transmission. The 2008 model is a carryover from the previous year.

The 2008 Jeep Patriot comes in two trims: Sport and Limited, each with a choice of two-wheel and four-wheel drive. The standard configuration across these models is a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 172 horsepower. It has a five-speed manual transmission with a choice of the CVT.

An AM/FM/CD/MP3 system with four speakers; a rear wiper; manual windows, mirrors and door locks are standard features on the Jeep Patriot. Optional features are a flat-folding front passenger seat, air conditioning, power windows, and mirrors and door locks with remote entry, all of which come as part of the Jeep power equipment group. Another package offers (in addition to those given in the power equipment group) map and dome lights, tinted windows, fold-flat front passenger seat, driver seat height adjustment, reclining rear seats, fog lamps, 115-volt outlet, and roofrail crossbars. Halogen headlamps and 16-inch steel wheels with all-season tires are standard on the exterior. The Freedom Drive II package is available only for the 4WD options and incorporates tow hooks, all-terrain tires, skid plates, fog lamps, and a full-size spare tire.

Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes, multistage front air bags, side air bag curtains, electronic stability control, and electronic roll mitigation, which makes the Jeep Patriot a safe vehicle. However, further safety options can be incorporated.