Seems from the posts, you cant go wrong with either vehicle.

I am in a similar situation - drive an 07 HCHII and have been very satisfied. My wife is driving a Dodge Caravan with guano MPG. I am trying to convince her that a hybrid SUV would be good for her around town commute and even 4 person family vacations....

Now, I was a former Jeep XJ (Cherokee) owner and if Jeep had a 4x4 Hybrid that was trail rated, I would already own one. Come on Jeep - convert the Patriot to hybrid!