Jeep 4x4 Systems

What Are The Jeep 4x4 Systems?

Going off-road is a right of passage experience if you own a Jeep vehicle, and part of getting to those hard-to-reach locations is a proper four-wheel drive system.

Jeep offers a variety of four-wheel drive systems that match the capability and mission of each vehicle they sell. True 4x4 vehicles, like the Wrangler, are offered with a manually selectable 4x4 system that is the most capable four-wheel drive system on the market. Our 4x4 systems work with high-ground clearance to make short work of obstacles, while skid plates protect the underside from damage.

Whether you're taking your Jeep off-road at the Eglin Reservation for a day-long adventure or you're simply taking the family to dinner in Downtown Houston on a rainy Southern winter night, Jeep brand 4x4 systems are there to get it done. Keep in mind, if you're towing a boat to Dog River, a Jeep 4x4 can make it easy to get traction when it's time to haul it out of the launch.

Depending on the Jeep brand vehicle, there is a wide variety of 4x4 systems offered:

4x4 System Name: Quadra-Trac I

Type Of System: Full-time

Model(s): Grand Cherokee

Notable Feature: Brake-lock differential for extra grip.

4x4 System Name: Quadra-Trac II

Type Of System: Full-time

Model(s): Grand Cherokee

Notable Feature: 2 Speed transfer case for low range crawling.

4x4 System Name: Quadra-Drive II

Type Of System: Full-time

Model(s): Grand Cherokee

Notable Feature: Most capable, can transfer 100% of power to a single wheel.

4x4 System Name: Active Drive

Type Of System: Part-time

Model(s): Compass, Renegade

Notable Feature: Seamless, and automatic axle disconnect for automatic 2WD and 4WD engagement of rear-axle.

4x4 System Name: Active Drive Low

Type Of System: Part-time

Model(s): Compass, Renegade

Notable Feature: 20:1 crawl ratio for low-speed traction in the rough stuff.

4x4 System Name: Active Drive I

Type Of System: Part-time

Model(s): Cherokee

Notable Feature: Automatic engagement of 4x4 system when needed.

4x4 System Name: Active Drive II

Type Of System: Part-time

Model(s): Cherokee

Notable Feature: A mechanical rear locking differential & Selec-Terrain Management make this system one of the best in any SUV.

4x4 System Name: Command-Trac

Type Of System: Part-time, Selectable

Model(s): Wrangler

Notable Feature: The ultimate 4x4 system. Full control of 2WD or 4WD, high and low range.

4x4 System Name: Rock-Trac

Type Of System: Part-time, Selectable

Model(s): Wrangler

Notable Feature: 4:1 crawl ratio that offers superior traction in the roughest of conditions.

Jeep 4x4 System FAQ
Do Jeeps come standard with 4X4?

Some Jeeps come standard with 4x4, while others offer front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. Standard 4x4 is offered on the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

Why should I buy a Jeep with a 4x4 System?

Jeep offers the best off-road, Trail Rated, systems on the market. No matter what the conditions are, having a Jeep brand 4x4 system powering your vehicle will make sure that you are able to get through. Even if you don't live in poor weather climates, the combination of traction control, stability control, and a Jeep four-wheel drive system ensure you'll have grip if the weather goes sour.

What does 4X4 mean on a Jeep?

4x4 means that all four wheels are receiving power from the powertrain. Drivers should know that 4x4 systems vary in their operation, with some systems powering all four wheels at the same time, while others move power around automatically to wheels that are slipping.

Which Jeep models offer 4X4?

Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a luxury SUV that is as capable on-road as it is off the beaten path. Grand Cherokee models offer a full-time four-wheel drive system that automatically moves power to wheels that are slipping under tough road conditions and remains engaged at all times. Trailhawk models are the most capable, with the ability to select unique off-road modes through the UConnect touchscreen.

Grand Cherokee 4xe

Much like the standard Grand Cherokee, the plug-in hybrid 4xe model utilizes a full-time 4WD system that moves power to wheels that are slipping in tough conditions.

Wrangler

There is no vehicle on the market with the absolute capability and customization potential as the Jeep Wrangler. Every Wrangler comes with a driver-selectable Command-Trac four-wheel drive system that offers the option to go from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive with the pull of a lever. In addition, Command-Trac boasts the ability to move your Jeep into low or high range. Rock-Trac is standard on Rubicon models and offers an ultra-low 4:1 crawl ratio for tough off-road situations.

Wrangler 4xe

Incredibly unique in the world of off-road vehicles, the 4xe is a plug-in hybrid with real Wrangler capabilities. Command-Trac is standard.

Cherokee

A mid-size SUV with real off-road capabilities, the Cherokee offers a full-time 4WD system known as Active Drive. Trailhawk models are the most capable and use a mechanical limited-slip differential and clever Selec-Terrain management system to make the Cherokee one of the most capable SUVs on the road.

Renegade

Who says a sub-compact SUV can't go off-road? 4WD Renegade models use a part-time 4x4 system that disconnects the rear axle for better fuel economy and reattaches the axle when the system detects slippage in poor driving conditions. Trailhawk models utilize an Active Drive Low system with an ultra-low gear ratio for better traction off-road.

Compass

The Jeep Compass, much like the Renegade, utilizes a part-time 4x4 system that's similar to AWD and blends capability with efficiency. Active Drive Low makes the Trailhawk model the most capable compact SUV out on the road today.

Shop Jeep 4x4 System near Mobile, AL

Living the active Mobile outdoor lifestyle is easier than ever behind the wheel of a Jeep brand vehicle with a capable 4x4 system.

AutoNation Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Mobile is your Jeep 4x4 destination near Pensacola, Prichard, Daphne, Daphne, and Pascagoula. Whether you're looking for a used Wrangler, certified pre-owned Compass, or brand new Cherokee, the team at AutoNation Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Mobile is here to help.

Our in-house finance center will help you take advantage of all the latest rebates and incentives and we accept trade-ins on everything from Dodge vehicles, to import brands like Toyota or Honda. Every used vehicle we sell must pass our stringent 125-point inspection process so you know you'll only be purchasing the best-used Jeep vehicles.

From new and used Jeep vehicle sales to having your 4x4 Jeep maintained in our service center, AutoNation Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Mobile is your 4x4 system destination.