Understanding Jeep's 4x4 Systems: Which Is Right for You?

Jeep has been off-road for decades and at the heart of that is its 4x4 systems. Jeep offers multiple drivetrain options, each with varying levels of off-road capability so you can choose the one that's right for you. Here's a breakdown of the different Jeep 4x4 systems how they work and what kind of driving they're best for.

Jeep's 4x4 systems are designed to give you traction, stability, and handling on or off-road. These drivetrain options give Jeep vehicles the ability to adapt to changing conditions by sending power to all four wheels so you can tackle tough terrain with ease. Understanding each system is key to getting the most out of your four-wheel drive Jeep.

The Command-Trac® part-time 4WD system is one of the most popular and widely used 4x4 systems from Jeep. It's a mechanical, part-time system that lets you engage 4WD when you need to. This system is great for drivers who mostly drive on the road but want to be able to engage 4WD for specific off-road situations.

When engaged Command-Trac® sends power to both front and rear axles for better traction in low traction conditions like mud, sand, or snow. But it's designed to be used only when needed, not like full-time 4WD systems. Jeep models with Command-Trac® are great for drivers who want to be able to switch between 2WD and 4WD depending on the conditions without having to have 4WD engaged all the time.

For even more off-road capability, the Rock-Trac® 4WD system gives you more control and durability in the toughest off-road conditions. This system is available in some of Jeep's most off-road-oriented models like the Wrangler Rubicon. The Rock-Trac® system has a 4:1 low-range gear ratio to give you more torque and crawling capability when climbing steep inclines, rough trails, or extreme terrain.

In addition to the low-range gearing, the system has locking differentials for the front and rear axles to give you better traction and stability on uneven surfaces. With Rock-Trac®, you can tackle rocky trails and other tough environments where precision and traction are key.

The Selec-Trac® full-time 4WD system is a more automated 4x4 approach. Unlike the part-time Command-Trac® system, Selec-Trac® is a full-time 4WD system that can operate in 4WD continuously without the driver having to engage it. This system automatically switches between 2WD and 4WD as conditions demand without the driver having to do a thing.

Selec-Trac® is great for those who mostly drive on the road but want the peace of mind of having 4WD during inclement weather or light off-road conditions. This system gives you traction in a wide range of conditions and can handle both urban commutes and occasional off-road adventures. By using an automatic transfer case, Selec-Trac® distributes power between the front and rear axles to optimize performance whether you're on slippery roads or light trails.

In addition to the traditional systems, Jeep Active Drive and Active Drive Lock are found in models like the Cherokee. These are more advanced 4x4 systems that incorporate electronic components to automatically engage the rear axle when needed. The Jeep Active Drive system uses a front-wheel-drive configuration in normal driving conditions and automatically engages 4WD when it detects loss of traction at the front wheels.

For more off-road capability, the Active Drive Lock system has a rear axle lock for even more traction in extreme conditions. This system gives you more control over rough terrain and more off-road capability than standard 4x4. The combination of electronic sensors and mechanical components balances power between the axles so the Jeep's drivetrain stays responsive in all conditions.

The Rubicon models, like the Wrangler and Gladiator, are the ultimate off-road machines with their exclusive 4x4 systems. These vehicles have advanced features like electronic locking differentials, sway bar disconnects, and heavy-duty axles for the serious off-road enthusiast. 

The Rubicon's Rock-Trac® system has extreme low-range gearing and locking differentials to give you maximum traction when climbing steep inclines, deep mud, or loose sand.

These features are most valuable in extreme off-road situations where traction and control are key. The Rubicon's system is for those who want the ultimate off-road capability and a vehicle that can handle anything.

When choosing the right Jeep 4x4 system, consider your driving habits and preferences. If you drive mostly on-road with occasional off-road excursions, Command-Trac® might be the way to go. This part-time system gives you a good balance of on-road comfort and off-road flexibility.

If you are off-road frequently or live in areas with extreme weather, a more advanced system like Rock-Trac® or Selec-Trac® might be more suitable, with more traction and control. If you go into extreme off-road situations like rock crawling or deep mud, the Rubicon-exclusive 4x4 systems will give you the ruggedness and performance you need.

And for those who want a more automated experience with the ability to handle everything without having to think about it, Jeep Active Drive systems give you automatic 4WD engagement.

Jeep has a Jeep drivetrain for every driver, whether you drive daily, on weekends, or off-road. By knowing the features and capabilities of each 4x4 system you can make an informed decision on which one is right for you and your terrain.