How To Tell If My Jeep Patriot Has A CVT Transmission?

The Jeep Patriot is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and affordable vehicle.

The Patriot is one of the most cost-effective SUVs that stand out thanks to its truck-like form and famous Jeep design.

The Patriot models come in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with 4-cylinder engines to choose from. The transmission options are either the 5-speed manual or a CVT transmission.

However, how do you know if your Jeep Patriot has the CVT Transmission? 

To tell if your vehicle has a CVT Transmission, keep an eye on your tachometer when you accelerate. With a typically geared gearbox, as you speed, it will gradually climb and then abruptly start to drop as it changes gear. You would experience this a few times. 

What is CVT Transmission?

A CVT Transmission, also known as continuously variable transmission, is an automatic transmission that can shift gear ratios easily over a wide range of speeds.

On the other hand, other transmissions have a limited number of fixed-step gear ratios to choose from. 

While driving, a CVT gearbox smoothly shifts through various alternative gear ratios, whereas conventional manual transmissions have a limited number of gear possibilities with tough shifts in between.

A CVT with appropriate control may allow the engine to maintain a consistent RPM while the vehicle drives at different speeds. 

Single-speed and shiftless transmissions are all terms used to describe CVT transmissions. A CVT’s shiftless design gives unequaled versatility by maintaining consistent angular velocity regardless of output speed.

A continuously variable transmission also improves fuel economy by easing acceleration. 

Automobiles, tractors, motor scooters, snowmobiles, bicycles, and construction equipment utilize CVTs.

The most typical CVT has two pulleys connected by a belt or chain; however, different designs have found application in the past.

How does CVT Transmission work? 

A CVT, unlike a traditional automatic (or manual transmission), does not have a defined number of preset gears.

Instead, it employs an infinite number of gear ratios to accommodate various driving styles and conditions. 

A CVT is technically an automatic gearbox because the driver does not have to manually change between forwarding gears or operate a clutch pedal.

However, both the form and function of the two are fundamentally different. 

Most CVT systems employ a pulley system to shift between preset gears, whereas traditional transmissions use a variety of complicated elements to do so. Each pulley is connected to the next by a chain belt in this setup.

The cones may move to change gear ratios, enabling fast transitions into the desired ratio for more power and efficiency. 

One pulley drives the engine, while the other drives the wheels. The breadth of these pulleys varies depending on how much force is necessary; as one expands, the other contracts.

A CVT can then deliver forceful and steady acceleration. 

Even though CVTs do not have gears, some mimic traditional gear shifting.

To transfer the pulley system to preset settings, these transmissions require a traditional shift lever or paddle shifters on the steering wheel. 

A CVT has numerous advantages for the average driver. Some include:

• Fuel economy improvement. CVTs are used in modern hybrids to improve fuel efficiency. For example, the Jeep Patriot MPG is an EPA-estimated 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway with the 2.0-liter engine, ahead of many competitors.
• CVTs provide effortless driving and acceleration at any speed because there are no forced gear shifts. This smooth shift also reduces sudden downshifting while attempting to obtain more horsepower for highway driving. 

Does the Jeep Patriot have a CVT Transmission? 

Yes, the Jeep Patriot has a CVT transmission, but not all models of this vehicle come with it.

Instead of a traditional two-speed transfer case, the Patriot has a Freedom Drive II continuous variable transmission with four-wheel drive, holding the lowest ratio a CVT can attain. 

Some of the Jeep Patriot models are; 

#1. 2016 JEEP PATRIOT 

The Jeep Patriot has held up admirably over time. The exterior conceals a practical cabin with plenty of cargo space. The rear seatbacks simply fold forward.

The Patriots’ high roofline makes it extremely easy to get in and out. Passengers have plenty of headroom in both the front and back seats. 

The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower. A 2.4-liter engine with 172 horsepower is available in a four-wheel-drive system.

A 5-speed manual transmission is normal with a front-drive, even though a 6-speed automatic transmission is optional. 

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is also available, combined with the Freedom Drive II four-wheel-drive system.

Patriot Jeeps are Trail Rated, which means they can chug through sand and mud easily.

In addition, thanks to the CVT’s Low range (absent from the Freedom Drive I CVT), a Patriot with the right equipment can withstand modest rock crawling. 

#2. JEEP PATRIOT 2015 

The 2015 model is the most cost-effective vehicle from the company. The Patriot is available with front-wheel drive or two all-wheel-drive systems, one of which is Trail Rated CVT2L. 

Two four-cylinder engines are offered. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque.

The EPA estimates 23/29 mpg City/Highway with the 5-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive.

The 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive lower the projected mileage to 21/27 mpg. 

According to the EPA, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generates 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque.

It achieves 22 mpg when driving in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with the continuous variable transmission. 

#3. 2014 JEEP PATRIOT 

For 2014, a new 6-speed automatic transmission provides a standard continuously variable transmission as an option (CVT). 

Two four-cylinder engines are available in the 2014 Patriot. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque.

According to the EPA, the base 5-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive earn 23/28 mpg city/highway.

However, with all-wheel drive and 6-speed automatic transmission, the predicted gas mileage lowers to 21/27 mpg.

The Patriot is available with front-wheel drive or one of two all-wheel-drive systems. 

How do I know if my Transmission is CVT?

Locating the owner’s manual with your vehicle is a good way to start. The manual will specify the type of transmission you have.

The transmission in your car or truck is the most complicated and least known main component.

The transmission in today’s cars is a complex blend of hydraulics and computer-controlled electrical components. 

You can even look under the hood of the car to find it. Under the hood of most cars are stickers that tell you many things you need to know about your engine, including the transmission type. 

Another option is to open the driver’s side door and look for the white card with little black letters on the side of the door.

This card includes the car’s year of manufacture, transmission, engine specifications, and other facts. 

Conclusion 

The Jeep Patriot could be the vehicle for you if you seek a cheap SUV. The Patriot is a five-door small crossover that comes standard with front-wheel drive in all-year versions, so you know what you’re getting.

In addition, the Jeep Patriot becomes more versatile than traditional transmissions with the CVT, providing exceptional fuel economy and smooth performance in various driving circumstances.