The Patriot is the country cousin to the new and citified Jeep Compass.

Jeep promises that the Trail-Rated Patriot will be the most capable 4x4 in the compact crossover sport utility vehicle category, thanks to its Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package.

Like the Compass, the Patriot will be available in front-wheel drive or with a four-wheel-drive system with a Lock mode to enhance traction in inclement weather.

But the Patriot gets an additional Freedom Drive II option with a continuously variable transaxle with a low range that engages when the off-road mode is activated. The package includes 17-inch all-terrain tires, a full-size spare tire, air-filtration system, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps and a seat height adjuster. Jeep says the FDII system is recommended "for true off-road situations that include steep grades, wheel lift and rock or log climbing."

Jeep says it developed the FDII package to provide the benefits of a traditional transfer case without the added weight, an important factor when it comes to a compact and crossover utility vehicle.

Jeep's newest off-road package includes brake traction control to maintain forward motion despite extreme wheel articulation and on split-friction surfaces, hill descent control that modulates brakes to control downhill travel, as well as three-mode electronic stability control and special off-road anti-lock brake controls.

The Trail Rated Patriot also has an additional inch of ground clearance compared to the standard version. The vehicle will ford 19 inches of water and offers a 29-degree angle of approach, a 23-degree breakover angle and a 33-degree departure angle.

The Patriot also wears sheetmetal that looks much more like a traditional Jeep, sort of like a mini Grand Cherokee.

Inside, the Patriot offers two rows of seats as well as 54.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats occupied and 62.7 with the rear seats and front passenger's seat all folded flat to the cargo floor.

Standard equipment includes front and side-curtain airbags, 60/40 split rear seats that recline and a washable and removable vinyl cargo floor cover.

The options list includes a Boston Acoustics premium sound system with articulating speakers in the rear lift gate, recharging and removable cargo lights, a 115-volt power outlet and navigation system.

The Patriot draws its power from a 172-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission is standard with a continuously variable transmission as an option. A 2.0-liter diesel engine will be available in overseas markets, but not in North America.