What Are the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 Systems?

While the Jeep Grand Cherokee technically comes standard with rear-wheel drive, you'll most commonly find it to be equipped with Jeep's Quadra-Trac I 4x4 system here at Westborn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. This is because Quadra-Trac I is best suited for all-season driving, including Michigan's harsh winters. Quadra-Trac I features a single-speed, full-time automatic transfer case. This transfer case splits torque by 48% to the front axle and 52% to the rear axle. While it is a full-time system, it uses a brake lock differential to manage the speed of the wheels on either side of the Grand Cherokee. This makes Quadra-Drive I a 4x4 system instead of an all-wheel drive system by allowing the wheels to spin at different speeds. Meanwhile, Selec-Terrain traction management offers Auto, Sport, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes to customize the Grand Cherokee's capability by managing throttle control, transmission shift points, torque split, brake lock differential, traction control, and electronic stability control.

The Grand Cherokee's next 4x4 system is Quadra-Trac II. True to its name, this system features a two-speed transfer case replacing the single-speed one in Quadra-Trac I. By doing so, the transfer case can be shifted between high and low gearing, depending on vehicle speed. For example, if you're driving on the highway in heavy rain, 4-High will keep you headed in the right direction. But if you're driving through deep snow up a hill or taking your Grand Cherokee off-roading, 4-Low is better suited, as it provides higher levels of torque at lower speeds. The transfer case gearing can be manually selected at the push of a button. Meanwhile, the Selec-Terrain system will also shift the transfer case between its high and low settings. Finally, the Quadra-Trac II system is able to send up to 100% of available engine torque to the axle that has the most traction while limiting power to the wheels that are slipping. Grand Cherokee's equipped with Quadra-Trac II gain Rock mode to the Selec-Terrain system.

If you're looking to maximize the all-terrain capability of your Grand Cherokee, you should opt for one with the Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system. Quadra-Drive II also uses a two-speed transfer case to provide maximum traction at both high and low speeds. However, it takes capability to new heights with an electronic limited-slip rear differential. This uses a network of sensors to monitor wheel speed. If the system detects a loss of traction and one wheel begins to spin faster than all the others, power will be limited to that wheel while it is automatically redistributed to the wheels that have the most traction, even if it is a single wheel. These sensors can also detect and, in some cases, predict a loss of traction. When this happens, the system will immediately make the necessary adjustments. This comes in handy when you're leaving from a red light in the middle of a snowstorm.

The Grand Cherokee is widely known for its all-terrain prowess, whether you're taking on some bad weather or climbing up steep, rugged terrain. If you're looking for a new Grand Cherokee in the Detroit area, make Westborn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram your only stop! Head over to our new inventory page while you're here on our website to choose from more than 100 Grand Cherokee models. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a test drive, use the contact form below this page. We look forward to hearing from you soon!