From Pavement to Trail: Understanding the Different 4x4 Systems in Jeep and RAM Vehicles

Saskatchewan's diverse terrain demands vehicles that can handle everything from Regina's city streets to northern fishing trails. Jeep and RAM offer multiple 4x4 systems designed for different driving conditions, but understanding which system works best for your specific needs makes the difference between getting stuck and getting through. Each system serves distinct purposes, from daily winter driving to serious off-road adventures.

The key difference between these systems lies in how they distribute power between the front and rear wheels, when they engage, and what level of driver input they require. Some work automatically in the background, while others require manual operation. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right vehicle for Saskatchewan's varied driving conditions, from Highway 7's winter ice to Cypress Hills' backcountry trails.

Jeep's Quadra-Trac Family: Automatic All-Weather Protection

Quadra-Trac I serves as the entry-level full-time 4x4 system found in base Grand Cherokee models. This single-speed system automatically distributes torque between front and rear axles without driver input. When sensors detect wheel slip, the system instantly redirects power to wheels with better traction. The active transfer case continuously monitors road conditions, making it ideal for Regina commuters who encounter sudden weather changes but don't need serious off-road capability.

Quadra-Trac II adds a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing for more challenging conditions. Available on mid-level Grand Cherokee trims, this system includes 4-Hi for highway driving and 4-Lo for slow-speed crawling over obstacles. The low-range setting reduces speed while multiplying torque, perfect for boat launches, steep driveways, or getting unstuck from deep snow. Hill-descent control works with this system to maintain controlled speeds on steep descents.

Quadra-Drive II represents Jeep's most advanced system, featuring an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle. This system can send nearly 100% of available torque to any single wheel with traction. When paired with Selec-Terrain's five driving modes (Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, Mud/Sand), it automatically adjusts throttle response, transmission shift points, and stability control settings for optimal performance in specific conditions.

Jeep Active Drive: Compact SUV Solutions

Active Drive appears in Compass models, providing automatic 4x4 engagement at any speed. This system includes a rear-axle disconnect that switches to front-wheel drive during normal conditions, improving fuel economy. When wheel slip occurs, the system automatically engages 4x4 mode and locks the rear axle. Brake traction control helps maintain balanced torque distribution between wheels.

Active Drive Low comes exclusively on Trailhawk models, adding a single-speed Power Transfer Unit with 4x4 Low mode. This system provides additional power at low speeds with a 20:1 crawl ratio, allowing precise control over rocks and steep terrain. The 25.4 mm ride height increase and specialized off-road tuning make this system suitable for serious trail work.

RAM's Heavy-Duty 4x4 Approach

RAM trucks focus on work-oriented 4x4 systems designed for towing, hauling, and job site conditions. These part-time systems require manual engagement but provide maximum durability for heavy-duty applications.

RAM's standard 4x4 system uses a two-speed transfer case with shift-on-the-fly capability up to 88 km/h. In 4-Hi mode, the system splits torque 50/50 between front and rear axles for improved traction on snow, ice, or loose surfaces. The 4-Lo setting provides a 2.64:1 gear reduction for maximum pulling power when towing heavy trailers up steep grades or working in challenging terrain.

Available electronic-locking differentials on rear axles help when one wheel loses traction completely. The driver can manually engage the locking differential to force both rear wheels to turn at the same speed, providing maximum traction for getting unstuck or climbing over obstacles.

Selec-Terrain: Optimizing Performance for Conditions

Most Jeep 4x4 systems work with Selec-Terrain traction management, which coordinates multiple vehicle systems for specific driving scenarios:

Each mode modifies throttle mapping, transmission behavior, stability control settings, and suspension tuning where available.

Choosing the Right System for Saskatchewan Driving

For Prince Albert area drivers who primarily encounter winter weather and occasional cottage road conditions, Quadra-Trac I or Active Drive provide sufficient capability with minimal complexity. These systems work automatically and require no special knowledge to operate effectively.

Drivers who regularly tow trailers, haul heavy loads, or work in construction should consider RAM's part-time 4x4 systems. The manual operation provides precise control over when 4x4 engages, preventing driveline binding on dry pavement while providing maximum traction when needed.

Serious off-road enthusiasts who explore Saskatchewan's northern wilderness areas benefit from Quadra-Drive II or Rock-Trac systems. These advanced systems provide the traction control and low-range gearing necessary for technical terrain while maintaining on-road refinement for daily driving.

Key System Specifications

• Quadra-Trac I: Single-speed, automatic operation, full-time 4x4
• Quadra-Trac II: Two-speed with 4-Lo, includes hill-descent control
• Quadra-Drive II: Electronic rear differential, up to 100% torque transfer
• Active Drive: Automatic engagement with fuel-saving disconnect
• Active Drive Low: 20:1 crawl ratio, 25.4 mm lift increase
• RAM 4x4: Manual engagement, 2.64:1 low-range reduction

Understanding these 4x4 system differences helps you choose a vehicle that matches your actual driving needs rather than paying for capability you won't use or lacking features you'll need. Test these systems at Anderson Motors Ltd. in Prince Albert to see which 4x4 technology works best for your Saskatchewan driving.