The all-new Jeep Patriot more than fills the bill, it defines new territory. For about $17,000 it offers 4WD Jeep capability in a compact SUV with a strong four-cylinder engine that gets an EPA-rated 25/29 mpg. The suspension is superb: stable and comfortable in all situations. Cargo capacity in the Patriot is large because all the passenger seats can easily fold flat. With a full complement of safety features, it will be hard to find more capability and value for the money.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Sam Moses filed this report from Scottsdale, Arizona.