2017 Jeep Patriot Sport

The Patriot is Jeep's compact SUV, a boxy, affordable choice for buyers who want a rugged look without the Wrangler's price. Inside, the cabin is simple and functional, with cloth seats and a straightforward dashboard, though the center console is shallow. Fold the rear seats and you can haul surprisingly long items, but the back seat doesn't offer much flexibility for cargo. It's the base, so you skip the Latitude's nicer cloth and power options, but save about two grand and get honest manual everything. The Sport's 2.4L I4 makes 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed manual that's satisfying to row yourself.