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Jeep has released images of its freshened-up Jeep Patriot, and it looks like...the Jeep Patriot. Although front and rear fascias have been facelifted, the differences are only noticeable upon very close inspection.

Outside, the Patriot gets a new body-colored grille, standard fog lamps, new 17-inch wheels, lower rear bumper, and a total of four new colors. On the off-road side of things, the 4X4 models receives a one inch increase in ride height.

Underneath, the suspension system has been modified for more comfort with increased damping/rebound rates and a new rear sway bar. Steering was also tweaked.

Like the recently-teased Chrysler 200 sedan that replaces the Sebring, more soft-touch materials will be found within, as well as a new, thicker-rimmed steering wheel with integrated audio / trip controls. The Uconnect Voice Command system will be available across the board, and top-range Latitude X models will get standard automatic climate control.

Jeep President and CEO Mike Manley says, "For 2011, Jeep Patriot is even more appealing to consumers, thanks to rugged new exterior styling, interior enhancements and refinements to the suspension and steering systems."

The 2011 Jeep Patriot will be built at Chrysler's Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois, and consumers will begin to see it populating dealer lots in the fourth quarter of 2010 (aka starting next month). Even though it's only been tweaked a little here and there, the Patriot seems to be shaping up as an interesting compact offering from Jeep.

By Phil Alex

he Chrysler Group's Belvidere assembly plant in Illinois reached a major milestone on Wednesday, July 28, when the one millionth vehicle, a natural green Jeep Patriot, that will be delivered to B.Z. Motors Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge dealer in Lewisburg, Pa, rolled off the assembly line.

The Belvidere plant was constructed in 1964-65 and the first car was produced on July 7, 1965. Over the years, it has produced a variety of models for the Chrysler Group including two-door, four-door models and station wagons for Plymouth and Dodge, the Chrysler New Yorker and Imperial and, the Dodge Dynasty, Omni and Neon. Currently, the plant makes the Dodge Caliber and the Jeep Compass and Patriot crossovers.

"The Belvidere plant has been producing some of Chrysler's most popular models for the past 45 years and the Jeep Patriot is just the latest model to add to the list," said Kurt Kavajecz, BAP Plant Manager.

"We are honored to be part of this significant milestone. The success of the Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber is a testament to the dedication of our workforce and their commitment to producing a high quality product."