A Look at Jeep's Off-Road Capability
A Look at Jeep's Off-Road Capability
When you think of off-road capability, Jeep is most likely the first brand that comes to mind. And that's not by mistake, Jeep has worked hard over the course of the brand's 80-year history to become recognized as one of the most capable vehicle manufacturers in the world. Jeep focuses on three main systems to give their vehicles their world-renowned capability, four-wheel drive, traction management, and suspension. Jeep does a fantastic job of seamlessly integrating all three of these systems to provide a legendary driving experience. Keep reading below to learn the ins and outs of what makes Jeep vehicles so iconic in the off-road community!
Jeep Four-Wheel Drive Systems
There are many different drivetrains across the Jeep lineup and each one has a unique name. Command-Trac, Rock-Trac, Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, Quadra-Drive II with an electronic limited-slip rear differential, Active Drive, Active Drive I, Active Drive II, Active Drive Low, and Active Drive Lock. All of these are distinctive variants of part-time four-wheel drive, full-time 4WD, or on-demand 4WD. These systems are explained below.
Part-time 4WD systems, like Command-Trac and Rock-Trac, default to two-wheel drive while allowing drivers to shift into 4WD on the move at speeds up to 55 MPH to adjust the system for optimal control on off-road trails or inclement road surfaces.
Full-time 4WD systems like Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, use a center differential to move the driveshafts at varying speeds. Four-wheel drive is the default setting without the need for any driver input, unlike a part-time system.
On-demand 4WD drivetrains like the Active Drive systems default to 2WD like the part-time systems, but will automatically shift themselves to four-wheel drive with no driver input when the road conditions require greater traction. This gives unparalleled control on any road surface without needing to pull a lever or push a button.
Part-time 4WD systems, like Command-Trac and Rock-Trac, default to two-wheel drive while allowing drivers to shift into 4WD on the move at speeds up to 55 MPH to adjust the system for optimal control on off-road trails or inclement road surfaces.
Full-time 4WD systems like Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, use a center differential to move the driveshafts at varying speeds. Four-wheel drive is the default setting without the need for any driver input, unlike a part-time system.
On-demand 4WD drivetrains like the Active Drive systems default to 2WD like the part-time systems, but will automatically shift themselves to four-wheel drive with no driver input when the road conditions require greater traction. This gives unparalleled control on any road surface without needing to pull a lever or push a button.
Jeep's Traction Management System
Jeep's traction management system, Selec-Terrain, puts drivers in complete control over their vehicle's traction control systems. The Selec-Terrain rotary dial on the center console includes Auto, Sport, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes, while the Trailhawk trim levels feature Rock mode. Auto mode allows the vehicle to detect a loss of traction or a need for greater grip due to road conditions and adapt to the changes, providing seamless on and off-road control wherever your travels take you. Sport mode alters transmission shift points and throttle control, providing a fun-to-drive experience. Snow mode will redistribute torque to the wheels with the most traction and optimize the differentials to prevent a loss of traction. Sand/Mud mode refines the traction control system to monitor wheelspin and redistribute torque when it is necessary to limit slippage Lastly, Rock mode will put the transfer case into 4-low and adjust the throttle control for fantastic low-speed crawling ability.
Jeep's Air Suspension
Quadra-Lift, Jeep's air suspension system, is the last available feature to Jeep's superior off-road capability. Quadra-Lift features air springs to provide towering ground clearance, enhanced performance, and a smooth ride. The system's five adjustable height settings, Normal Ride Height (NRH), Park, Aero, Off-Road 1, and Off-Road 2. Park mode lowers the air springs to the lowest setting for easy ingress and egress. Aero aids in on-road performance and fuel economy by lowering the front air springs a little more than the rears. Off-Road 1 raises the air springs up one inch from NRH, while Off-Road 2 raises them two inches from NRH.
Get an Off-Road Ready Jeep at Temecula CDJR
Very few carmakers can keep up with the off-road capability that Jeep has provided for many years now. If you're interested in getting behind the wheel of a legend on and off the road, come on down to Temecula Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to find the perfect four-wheel-drive Jeep model for you! Our friendly sales team will be happy to show you our full Jeep inventory, field any of your questions, and join you on a test drive. We also invite you to start your search right now by exploring our full Jeep inventory right here on our website!
