Jeep pushes impressive winning streak to 25 years

Everyone has a different interpretation of patriotism. For some, wearing a U.S. flag pin shows patriotism. Others wrap themselves in the flag.

Revolutionaries like Thomas Paine defined patriotism as an active duty to protect one’s country from its own government. Others like President John F. Kennedy suggested Americans show patriotism by asking not what the country can do for them, but by asking what they could do for their country.

While the mantle of patriotism hasn’t historically been bestowed upon inanimate objects, over the last quarter-century, Jeep has been the pinnacle of patriotism in the U.S., according to one poll.

The 2026 Brand Keys Most Patriotic Brands survey polled nearly 10,000 consumers, and for the 25th year in a row, Jeep was named the Most Patriotic Brand in America.

“Earning recognition as America’s most patriotic brand for the 25th consecutive year affirms what generations of Jeep owners already know-that driving a Jeep vehicle comes with an unmistakable sense of pride,” said Bob Broderdorf, Jeep brand CEO.

“For the Jeep brand to be consistently recognized for this honor, amid competition spanning 14 categories and more than 100 of the nation’s most iconic brands, is a badge we wear proudly. That enduring spirit of capability, independence and adventure lives on in every vehicle we make, and we’re truly humbled by the deep, lasting connection our customers have to the brand and everything it represents.”

Photo by photosvit on Getty Images

What makes Jeep the most patriotic brand?

Jeep debuted in World War II 85 years ago, and since 2001, U.S. consumers polled by Brand Keys have said Jeep is the most patriotic brand each year.

But what do they mean by that loosely defined term?

Brand Keys surveyed more than 9,720 customers aged 18 – 65, balancing for gender and political affiliation. That group assessed 1,200 brands in 120 business-to-consumer and business-to-business categories and found Jeep to be the best. Brad Keys says the group “evaluated brand resonance for the single value of patriotism, and the Jeep brand was identified as the best for meeting today’s patriotism challenges.”

“Sustaining the title of Most Patriotic Brand in America for 25 consecutive years places the Jeep brand in truly unprecedented territory,” said Robert Passikoff, president and founder of Brand Keys. “In branding terms, this is one of the most significant achievements in modern marketing history. No other brand has maintained this level of emotional resonance around a single, deeply held national value for a quarter century.

“What makes it even more remarkable is that patriotism is not a static ideal; it evolves with each generation. Jeep brand’s ability to continuously meet and exceed those shifting expectations reflects a rare, enduring bond between brand and country that transcends marketing and becomes part of the American cultural identity itself.”

The firm also points out that Jeep has a robust military incentive buyer program and the company has also partnered with the United Service Organizations (the largest charitable organization for active service members and military families) for 18 years

Stellantis chooses which brands to prioritize

Last month, there were reports that Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa will focus the company’s investments on Jeep and Ram in the U.S. and Peugeot and Fiat in Europe.

The company’s other 10 brands, like Citroen, Opel, Dodge and Chrysler, will be used “tactically in specific countries and market segments.” Stellantis could rebadge some models for specific local markets, and it will also repurpose the technological and platform advancements from its core brands for use in the non-core brands.

On April 15, Stellantis reported global Q1 shipments of 1.4 million, a 12% year-over-year increase. Additionally, the company said the increase was driven by “enlarged Europe and North America.”

The North American growth was driven by strong Ram 1500 Hemi V8 shipments, the refreshed Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and the new Jeep Cherokee, which saw more than 100% of year-over-year growth.

This year’s results are a complete reversal from Stellantis Q1 results a year ago, when the firm reported a 12% decrease in U.S. sales, despite a 16% increase in Ram brand sales and a 1% increase in Chrysler brand sales. Jeep brand sales increased by 2%.

The company shipped 379,000 vehicles in North America in the first quarter, 54,000 vehicles more than it did a year ago.

Related: Jeep, Dodge, Ram CEO makes critical choice among its popular brands

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