2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L: All three 4×4 Systems Explained
Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, or Quadra-Drive II, which of these 4×4 systems are right for you?
If you say the word Jeep to someone, chances are the image of a Wrangler driving through the mud is what pops into their mind. However, the Grand Cherokee is no less the icon in the Jeep range. It too is expected to be capable off-road while still transporting those inside in relative comfort. It is the American Range Rover. In 2021 Jeep has unveiled the new Grand Cherokee L. This new model promises not just more room for up to seven passengers, but also greater capability on the trails. To help the Grand Cherokee L tame the trails, Jeep will be offering it with three different 4×4 systems.
The distinct systems being offered are all based on the familiar Quadra family of off-road systems. The names may be familiar, but their naming convention make them easy to confuse. Also, this is a new model and with it come new features such as an improved Selec-Terrain traction management system with five different terrain modes (Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, Mud/Sand). We are going to take a closer look at the 4×4 systems offered on the new Grand Cherokee L. Which one is offered on each trim level and which is right for you? Keep reading to find out.
First up is the Quadra-Trac I system. This is the system that you will find as standard on the Laredo and Limited trim levels. This is a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a single-speed active transfer case. There are multiple sensors in the vehicle that will adjust torque distribution as tire slip is detected. It can instantly route as much as 100 percent of available torque to the axle with the most traction.
The Overland and Summit trims offer the more advanced Quadra-Trac II system. This system utilizes a two-speed transfer case with a low range with 2.72:1 gearing. Like the Quadra-Trac I system as much as 100 percent of available torque can be routed to the axle with the most traction. This system also includes hill-descent control. This will electronically maintain speed on steep descents. This system will get the typical Grand Cherokee L buyer through anything they are likely to face in their new SUV.
Quadra-Drive II is the most advanced 4×4 system that will be offered on this new SUV. It utilizes the same two-speed transfer case with a low range found in the Quadra-Trac II, however, in this application an eLSD is added to the rear axle. This system can not only detect tire slip and distribute torque to tires with traction, but it can anticipate low traction and pre-emptively adjust. This system is available on the Overland 4×4 model when equipped with the Off-Road Group and standard on Summit models.
One other nice piece of kit that will be on the Grand Cherokee L will be the Quadra-Lift air suspension. It offers five different height settings. Normal Ride Height setting will offer 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Off-Road 1 lifts the Jeep an additional 1.6 inches. Off-Road 2 lifts the Jeep 2.4 inches over normal ride height for 10.9 inches of ground clearance. Park Mode will lower the Jeep 1.8 inches from normal ride height. Aero Mode will lower the Jeep 0.8 inches from normal ride height. If you are taking your new Jeep to the salt flats at Bonneville to set a top speed record. Aero mode is what you will want to be in. It supposedly also assists with fuel economy.
This spring is when the new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L will be on sale. So, will you be ordering one to complement your Wrangler? Let us know in the JK-Forum forums.
Photos: Jeep
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