Jeep says that many of the biggest changes are skin deep, but the automaker's small car-based SUV gains a more aggressive front fascia with newly standard front fog lamps, a body-colored grille, 17-inch alloy wheels and some revisions to its rear end. The available 4x4 model also sits an inch higher than before, although Jeep hasn't specified if the model's increased ride height significantly changes its off road ability.

Inside, Jeep further refined the Patriot's still relatively fresh interior. Although the Patriot gained a new dashboard and center console just a couple years ago, the latest model adds new soft-surface door panels, a new center armrest, a three-spoke steering wheel from the Grand Cherokee, revised upholstery and increased standard equipment. Cruise control and back-lit door switches are newly standard, while the Latitude X model gains automatic climate control.

The Jeep also receives a r-etuned suspension with higher spring and damping rates, added rebound springs and a thicker rear swaybar for the new year.

Despite its car-based platform, Jeep says that the Patriot can ford 19 inches of water and tow 2,000 lbs. The single-speed transfer case on 4x4 models continues to feature on-the-fly locking to split power 50/50 between the front and rear wheels for added traction.

Patriot 4x4 features a standard 2.4-liter World Engine that produces 172-horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. This 2.4-liter World Engine has dual variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, which helps optimize the torque curve at all speeds and produces more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without dual VVT.

Jeep Patriot's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transaxle in 4x4 configuration delivers 22 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Standard on the current Jeep Patriot Sport two-wheel-drive model is a 2.0-liter World Engine that provides 158 horsepower and 141 lb-ft of torque, coupled with the continuously variable transmission (CVT2), and delivers 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Three models will be offered for the new generation: The base Sport, mid-level Latitude and range-topping Latitude X. All are built in Belvidere, Illinois.