RideLust

Surprisingly enough considering the quality issues plaguing its parent company, Chrysler, the 2010 Jeep Patriot managed to walk away from the unforgiving Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) with top honors as the official Compact SUV of Texas. “The TAWA Truck Rodeo is the most comprehensive evaluation of new trucks and SUVs in the country,” explained TAWA President Harold Gunn, “Manufacturers consider it a great honor to win their category.” As well they should, since the only two things that come of Texas are trucks and socially awkward jokes…but we digress, yet again.

More than a just a quick jaunt through a patch of overgrowth, the two-day tests which the various candidates are subjected to are designed to test the limits of their off-road capability and separate the true SUVs from the grocery-getting city slickers. “This is certainly an honor for Jeep,” said Michael Manley, President and Chief Executive Officer – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “We’re proud the Patriot proved its off-road prowess at the Texas Truck Rodeo. The Trail Rated® Jeep Patriot 4×4 is hands down the most capable and affordable SUV in the compact segment.”