Jeep Grand Cherokee Off-Road Capability

At the heart of the Grand Cherokee's remarkable off-road chops are powerful engine options and robust 4x4 systems. Standard equipment for the Grand Cherokee is the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine with 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The first of the Grand Cherokee's three 4x4 systems is named Quadra-Trac I, which features a full-time automatic transfer case. This splits torque by 52% to the rear axle and 48% to the front axle for full-time four-wheel drive. However, using a brake lock differential, Quadra-Trac I can also manage wheel speed from side to side. This way, when the left front tire is slipping, but the front right tire has grip, the system will limit power to the left wheel while sending more power to the right wheel to limit the slip and stay in control. Meanwhile, Quadra-Trac II switches in a two-speed transfer case. While Quadra-Trac I runs in 4-High at all times, Quadra-Trac II allows the driver to choose between 4-High and 4-Low. By shifting into 4-Low, the Grand Cherokee is better equipped to take on steep, rocky terrain. Quadra-Trac II also has the ability to send up to 100% of available engine torque to the axle with the most traction. Finally, Quadra-Drive II is the most capable Grand Cherokee 4x4 system. Quadra-Drive II uses the aforementioned two-speed transfer case while adding an electronic limited-slip differential. The system uses a network of wheel sensors to detect and even predict wheel slip and instantly take counteractive measures to prevent, correct, and even eliminate tire slip. The electronic limited-slip rear differential allows up to 100% of available engine torque to be sent to the single rear wheel that has the most traction when necessary.

The name of Jeep's traction management system is Selec-Terrain. Standard on all Grand Cherokee 4x4 models, the Selec-Terrain system includes Auto, Sand/Mud, Sport, and Snow modes. Meanwhile, Rock mode is added to Grand Cherokee models equipped with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II. The Selec-Terrain system works with the vehicle's electronic stability control, torque split, power output, transmission shift points, and other systems to maximize traction for the selected terrain. For example, Sand/Mud mode adjusts the power output, brake lock differential, and torque split to maximize traction when traversing loose gravel or thick mud. Meanwhile, Sport mode raises the transmission shift points, allowing for higher RPMs before shifting gears for a more high-performance on-road feel. Snow mode adjusts the same systems as Sand/Mud, while the adjustments are different, with a focus on providing traction in snow. Rock mode, available for Grand Cherokee models with a two-speed transfer case, shifts the transfer case into 4-Low and lowers the transmission shift points to send more torque to the wheels while crawling at lower speeds to keep the wheels moving over steep rocky terrain. The default mode, Auto, automatically detects road conditions and makes the necessary adjustments on the fly. 

Beyond the Grand Cherokee's impressive 4x4 systems and traction management system, Jeep gives the Grand Cherokee an array of other features and technologies to aid in its off-road prowess. First is the available Quadra-Lift air suspension system. This allows for height adjustments ranging from 8.1 inches of ground clearance to 11.3 inches of ground clearance to aid in passing over jagged terrain. While passing over this terrain, the Grand Cherokee's undercarriage is protected by skid plates in place to protect vital components like the oil pan, gas tank, and more. The Trailhawk trim level, now exclusive to the Grand Cherokee 4xe lineup, is the most capable Grand Cherokee model, featuring Quadra-Drive II 4x4, Quadra-Lift air suspension, an anti-glare hood decal, tow hooks, additional high-strength steel skid plates, and electronic sway bar disconnect. The disconnecting front sway bar allows you to unlink the front sway bar, which lets the front wheels drop and compress further to enhance wheel articulation when crawling over uneven terrain. 

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has long been a staple in the Jeep lineup and a symbol of the brand's all-terrain capabilities. If you'd like to learn more about the Grand Cherokee and its capability, you can reach the knowledgeable sales team here at Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Big Spring using the contact form below this page. We also invite you to visit our new inventory page while you're here on our website to find the Jeep Grand Cherokee models we have in stock, ready for you to choose from. We look forward to serving you!