Jeep 4x4 Technology

Jeep uses a total of six 4x4 systems with multiple variants for each. The Compass and Renegade use two of Jeep's Active Drive systems. Active Drive senses road conditions and uses a power transfer unit to engage the rear wheels, shifting to four-wheel drive without any driver intervention. The Trailhawk trims of these models feature Active Drive Low, which uses a lower transfer case gearing, optimizing the gear ratio for low-speed crawling control. The Cherokee also uses variations of Active Drive. However, the Cherokee Trailhawk uses Active Drive Lock, which adds a locking rear axle to keep the rear wheels moving at the same speed to carry momentum while off-roading. The Grand Cherokee has three 4x4 systems available. Quadra-Trac I operates by driving all four wheels at the same time, with 48% of torque sent to the front wheels and 52% of torque sent to the rear wheels providing excellent traction at all times. Meanwhile, Quadra-Trac II uses a two-speed transfer case to provide high and low gearing to give drivers the option for better traction at low speeds. Both the Wrangler and Gladiator are standard with Command-Trac part-time 4x4, which allows drivers to shift between two-wheel drive, 4-high, and 4-low, depending on how much traction the terrain requires. Meanwhile, Selec-Trac is an intelligent system that automatically sends power to the wheels with the most traction without driver input. Lastly, Rock-Trac 4x4 comes with the Rubicon trims and provides excellent traction on the toughest off-road trails with a low crawl ratio.

The Wrangler Rubicon is widely recognized as one of the most capable mass-produced 4x4s. The Wrangler Rubicon comes standard with an electronic sway bar disconnect among many other technologies. When driving under 18 MPH in 4-Low mode, you can automatically disengage the front sway bar at the push of a button. With the sway bar disengaged, the front wheels can then drop and rise further, improving wheel articulation to pass over trail obstacles more easily.

One of the most important aspects of off-roading is transferring power to the wheels. Jeep 4x4 vehicles use either electronic, mechanical, or brake-assisted differentials. The differentials are responsible for sending power to the wheels. Therefore, 4x4 systems use a front and rear differential. By splitting power between the wheels, the differentials allow the wheels to move at different speeds. This is why many Jeep vehicles have the ability to send power to the wheels that have the most traction while limiting power to the wheels that are slipping. When a Jeep has locking differentials, drivers can select to lock either the rear or both differentials, meaning all four wheels will move at the same speed at the same time, carrying momentum over rugged terrain.

Jeep uses other technology and equipment to provide its legendary off-road success. This includes Dana solid axles, which provide durability with stiff housings, heavy shafts, large pinion bearings, and above-center pinion mountings to provide quieter, smoother operation. Additionally, underbody skid plates protect many Jeep models. The high-strength steel skid plates protect important underbody components, including the gas tank, oil pan, and differentials. Lastly, the available Rock Rails are body-mounted rails to provide additional protection while off-roading.

The Jeep lineup offers a wide range of highly capable 4x4 systems backed by some advanced technology to make Jeep a leader in the 4x4 vehicle market. If you're interested in experiencing a Jeep 4x4 in the Palm Coast, Florida area, then come check out the new inventory at Flagler Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Here, you can find the Wrangler, Wrangler 4xe, Compass, Gladiator, Cherokee, and more, all equipped with a rugged Jeep 4x4 system. Shop online or visit us in-store for a test drive. We look forward to serving you!