* Competes with: Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson
* Looks like: A Jeep Liberty in all its boxy glory
* Drivetrain: 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission; front- or all-wheel drive
* Hits dealerships: Fourth quarter of 2006
* MSRP: Less than the $15,985 Jeep Compass

Two rows of seats provide room for five occupants, and the interior is trimmed in shades of gray or beige. Presumably in an effort to keep the starting price — still a mystery — low, the base Patriot has "Vinyl Tech" seats and manual windows and locks, and lacks air conditioning. Options include cruise control; air conditioning; power windows, locks and mirrors; keyless entry; a 115-volt power plug; and premium cloth seating that is designed to prevent staining and discoloration.

The Patriot Limited includes all the previously mentioned options, and also has deep-tinted glass; a flat-folding front passenger seat; and a 60/40-split, folding and reclining chair-height rear seat (as opposed to the rear seat on the base model, which folds flat). With the front passenger seat and rear seats folded, Jeep says the Patriot can hold an 8-foot ladder. A power sunroof and a Leather Interior Group, which includes leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with stereo controls, are available options.

The Patriot has a number of uncommon options, too, like a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system with speakers that can swing out of the liftgate when camping, and a cargo area dome light that can be removed and used as a flashlight.