The Jeep brand is known for building rugged SUVs as well as the Gladiator pickup truck. Most of the models come equipped with a two-wheel drive system with the option to upgrade to four-wheel drive, which comes standard on select trims within the model lineup. If you plan on primarily using your Jeep for city driving, either of the 4X2 front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive systems is sufficient. If you want more traction when driving on slippery roads, towing a boat or trailer, or when exploring off-road trails, you’ll want one of Jeep’s four-wheel-drive systems.
Two-Wheel Drive
With a two-wheel drive system, the engine sends power to either the two front wheels or two rear wheels. Most smaller cars come standard with front-wheel drive as it’s less expensive to build than rear-wheel drive. Jeep primarily uses rear-wheel drive for its two-wheel drive system as that drivetrain is better suited for heavier vehicles that may need traction for the rear wheels when towing or for occasional driving on slippery roads.
Except for the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, all other Jeep models come standard with a two-wheel drive system. Most trims of the Renegade, Compass, Cherokee, and Gladiator come with either of these two-wheel drive systems with the option to upgrade to one of Jeep’s part-time or full-time 4X4 systems. Having part-time four-wheel drive gives you flexibility on how and when to use the system. When you’re driving down the freeway on a sunny day, you won’t need four-wheel drive. However, if you take your Jeep on snowy mountain roads, you can easily shift into four-wheel drive as needed.
Four-Wheel Drive
All four-wheel drive systems send power to all four wheels of the vehicle for maximum traction and grip. Part-time four-wheel drive lets you drive in two-wheel drive until you need the extra traction where with the switch of a knob, you can put the car into full four-wheel drive. Full-time four-wheel drive sends power to all four wheels all the time without you having to switch back and forth. this system is ideal when you spend a lot of time driving over rugged terrain or in bad weather.
The Grand Cherokee L only comes in four-wheel drive with one of the following of Jeep’s main four-wheel drive systems. When you want extra traction for everyday driving, choose the Quadra-Trac I System. If you plan on towing with your Grand Cherokee, the Quadra Trac II System has a low-range capability giving you extra traction. For off-roading, you’ll want the Quadra-Drive System for the ultimate off-road capability.
All trims of the off-road-ready Jeep Wrangler, except the Rubicon, comes in four-wheel drive only using the Command Trac 4X4 System, suitable for most off-road experiences except extreme rock crawling. The Rubicon trim of the Wrangler comes with Jeep’s Rock-Trac 4X4 system that’s designed for slow rock crawling and going over major obstacles.
To learn more about Jeep’s drivetrain options and whether a 4X2 system or 4X4 system is best for your lifestyle, stop by your local Jeep dealership today. We’re standing by and waiting for you at Adams Jeep of Maryland.
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