I have had good luck with Chrysler vehicles, but I would agree with others that the Patriot is not their best offering. I would consider buying one if it was cheap and it was going to be used as my ‘winter beater’, but I would not make one my daily driver. A Grand Cherokee on the other hand…
I certainly would also stay with a Subaru, though I’m biased. Eventually maybe go up a size category in Subaru? I.e. Forester or Outback? The Outback is pretty huge, though it’s also more expensive.