Yes, Virginia, there is a 2015 Jeep Patriot. And it’s still priced lower than most 5-seat compact crossover utes. And doubtless, reviewers will speculate once again whether this will finally be the uninspiring Patriot’s swansong year, despite the addition of the Altitude and High Altitude options packages that eventually resulted in inclusion on the list of available trims late in the 2014 season. Further food for apocalyptic thoughts concerning the Patriot’s continuing past the 2015 model year is the lack of any significant changes to this essentially ho-hum Jeep.

In any case, look for this pint-size crossover to return in 5 trims, the base Sport, the up-featured Altitude Edition, the midlevel Latitude, the tricked-out High Altitude Edition and the luxury-wannabe Limited. Both the Altitude and High Altitude Editions are actually upgraded versions of the Sport and Latitude trims, respectively, and are often listed as sub-trims in various reviews. Again, all Patriot iterations are delivered with standard front-wheel drive (FWD), with each additionally available toting what Jeep euphemistically calls 4-wheel drive (4WD), but which is actually an all-wheel drive (AWD) system. More on that later!

Standard power in all FWD Patriot iterations except the Limited ought to remain a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine that mates with either the standard 5-speed manual transmission, an optional 6-speed shiftable automatic in the Sport and the Latitude, or a continuously variable-speed transmission (CVT) that’s standard in both Altitude Editions and optional in those others. With any transmission choice, look for the return of 158 hp and 141 lb-ft of torque from this 4-banger, while mileage runs an okay 23 mpg city/28 highway in the stick-shift versions, but drops to 21/28 in 6-speed automatic-equipped variants and 22/27 in those trims toting the CVT.

Again the standard powerplant in the 2015 Patriot Limited is expected to be a 2.4-liter I4 that again combines with either the 5-speed stick shift, the 6-speed shiftable automatic or the CVT for 172 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. In the FWD Limited with this bigger motor in stick-shift or automatic garb, look for an average of 24 mpg, while the 4WD-toting versions with the stick shift average 25 mpg. Patriots toting the 2.4-liter I4 and bearing 4WD and the CVT, alas, must expect a few extra pit stops with an average 20/23 mpg. Oh, and of course this peppier engine is slated to return as an option for all lower Patriot trims.

A word of caution here; the regular 4WD system that comes optional on any trim is really an AWD configuration suitable for snowy roads or light off-road conditions. To get true 4WD in any 2015 Patriot variant, one must select the available (and pricy) Freedom Drive II Off-Road Group with its 2-speed 4WD transfer case, auto-locking hubs and descent control. This bushwhacking package also flaunts skid plates and all-terrain tires, as well as a full-size spare tire.

Again, standard equipment is anticipated to be relatively sparse in the base Patriot Sport for 2015. Look for 16-inch steel wheels and a roof rack outside, with premium cloth upholstery, cruise control (with steering-wheel-mounted buttons) and tilt-wheel steering adorning the inside. Simulated alloy cabin accents are expected to return to spruce things up a bit, while folks can be entertained via the Uconnect 130 infotainment system, integrating a single-CD player, 4 speakers and auxiliary audio input. The next-up Altitude Edition, meanwhile, adds 17-inch alloy wheels, body-color exterior pieces and roof rails to the list.

The 2015 Patriot Latitude boasts all of the above, plus a height-adjustable driver's seat, full power accessories including heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, heated front seats and keyless entry.

The High Altitude flaunts all that as well as leather upholstery, a power sunroof and a power-adjustable driver's seat, while the Limited relegates the sunroof to option status but throws in such added standard bling as dual-zone auto climate control, rear disc brakes, upgraded exterior trim, a 6-CD changer and a trip computer.

Options-wise, look for the Limited to get the sunroof that’s standard on the High Altitude Edition, while all trims but the Sport are eligible for the available Sun and Sound Package featuring the power sunroof, a 9-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system, satellite radio and upgraded Uconnect with a 6.5-inch display that can accommodate the standalone optional navigation suite. Additionally, higher trims can be blessed with the available Security and Cargo Convenience Group that boasts adjustable roof crossbars, remote engine start, tire-pressure monitor display, Bluetooth hands-free technology, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cargo cover and a USB port. Of course, many of the above extras are available in standalone form as well.

Cargo space, you ask? All Patriot versions come with 63.4 cubic feet of cargo-toting capability with the rear seats folded, while the Latitude and higher trims add marginally to that with a standard fold-flat front passenger seat.

Finally, standard safety equipment aboard all Patriot trims includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), but with only the Limited flaunting front and rear disc brakes. Also expected to remain standard across the 2015 Patriot lineup are such traditions as traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front head restraint whiplash protection and front side-mounted airbags. All trims also are expected to return sporting front fog/driving lights and a post-collision safety system, both standard.