[Cherokee Steve]

Someone asked about this in another forum and I was confused too, so this will be a searchable reference spot.

Jeep Active Drive I—available on Sport, Latitude, and Limited models—is a fully automatic, single power-takeoff unit (PTU) system said to improve both under- and oversteer conditions, deliver yaw control, and offer balanced torque distribution via the braking system.

Jeep Active Drive II is also available on Sport, Latitude, and Limited models, and offers a two-speed PTU with low range. Selecting 4-Low mode locks the front and rear driveshafts and provides a 2.92:1 gear reduction for maximum torque and pulling power. When teamed with the four-cylinder engine, Active Drive II provides a 56:1 crawl ratio; the crawl ratio with the V-6 is 47.8:1. This system also pulls off the brake-based torque-apportioning trick.

The third system, Jeep Active Jeep Drive Lock, is standard on the Trailhawk, and adds a locking rear differential to all of the Active Drive II features for better low-speed traction.

From http://www.caranddriver.com/news/20...and-info-news-four-wheel-drive-systems-page-2

 

[Jeepers]

I have heard that a lot of these steering assist features are not that noticeable when driving. Does anybody have experience with one who can give some anecdotes about when they have noticed that the system has helped them out. I just assume that people aren't being saved from car accidents by this system, so it is just as possible to drive and steer without it.

 

[Cherokee Steve]

I have heard that a lot of these steering assist features are not that noticeable when driving. Does anybody have experience with one who can give some anecdotes about when they have noticed that the system has helped them out. I just assume that people aren't being saved from car accidents by this system, so it is just as possible to drive and steer without it.

These systems are primarily traction only - for snow and off road, etc. They really won't help too much to prevent an accident or affect steering that much.

For something like that (and restricted to Limited and Trailhawk) you are really looking at the ADG-Technology Group (Inv $1,997/Stk 2,195). I've not had any personal experiences with them because they are too new to the market and my most current vehicle is 2011.

Here's a description of that package:
Includes Blind-Spot Alert w/Cross Path Detection, Advanced Brake Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic High Beams Headlamp Control, Lane Departure Warning System, Parallel Park Assist, Adaptive Speed Control & Rain-Sensing W/S Wipers.

 

[Jeepers]

Being a Canadian, would the system be a good investment to help with driving through the snow? I always just put chains on my tires, but some extra help steering would be a welcome addition.

 

[checkers]

Being a Canadian, would the system be a good investment to help with driving through the snow? I always just put chains on my tires, but some extra help steering would be a welcome addition.

I see people get into all kinds of the trouble in the snow becasue they forget the vehicle has to stop. You could have a fully loaded Trailhawk go up against a Charger in snowy conditions and I'll guarantee the Trailhawk has an accident frist. People think 4x4 means winter invincibility, dont use up your advantage

 

[brianch]

Ahhhh. That clears it up. Jeep should release some videos to make this visually represented.

 

[checkers]

Ahhhh. That clears it up. Jeep should release some videos to make this visually represented.

Might not have all the technical explanations were looking for but I did just come across this video of the Trailhawk getting some off road exercise, the little cherokee looks relatively impressive out there IMO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvSlfCAFDW8

 

[jimmy]

Being a Canadian, would the system be a good investment to help with driving through the snow? I always just put chains on my tires, but some extra help steering would be a welcome addition.

driving in winter is more so about your tires and how you drive. You can drive a rwd SRT8 Charger in the winter and be totally fine.

 

[checkers]

driving in winter is more so about your tires and how you drive. You can drive a rwd SRT8 Charger in the winter and be totally fine.

winter driving is about stopping plain and simple. Snow tires will help you stop shorter but theyre only and advantage not a fail safe. Driving in winter is more about the driver than any other time of year. Someone who is patient and understands the limits of their vehicle and the road at that certain point will get home safely everytime.

 

[brianch]

driving in winter is more so about your tires and how you drive. You can drive a rwd SRT8 Charger in the winter and be totally fine.

even though that is true it is easier to drive a 4WD car with snow tires than a RWD SRT8 Charger in the snow

 

[checkers]

even though that is true it is easier to drive a 4WD car with snow tires than a RWD SRT8 Charger in the snow

4WD still doesnt help you stop. for your Charger just put thinck snows on the rear and skinny minis on the front and you'll get a nice snowmobile effect . The skinnys really dig through the snow making turning much more enjoyable. I experimented a couple years ago with my old foxbody the winter before i got rid of it. Good god what a BLAST

 

[brianch]

the advantage of 4WD is during a turn. If you turn a RWD car sharply the rear will most likely step out with some throttle.

In the 4WD it'll pull through - especially if you have winters on all fours.

No doubt RWD is possible in the winter but I prefer AWD. We are on a Cherokee forum afterall.

 

[checkers]

the advantage of 4WD is during a turn. If you turn a RWD car sharply the rear will most likely step out with some throttle.

In the 4WD it'll pull through - especially if you have winters on all fours.

No doubt RWD is possible in the winter but I prefer AWD. We are on a Cherokee forum afterall.

Thats why people in 4x4 or AWD SUVS always crash more in the winter, they think they can stay in it because they have AWD/4x4, they take too much speed through and find the side of a tree. AWD/4x4 vehicle will get bent out of shape on a sharp turn in winter conditions as well.

the Cherokees 4WD will help you get unstuck but theres no way it will stick you to the road in a winter environment.

 

[brianch]

Well if you really want a RWD CHerokee go for it.

Personally I'll stick to AWD.

From my personal driving experience I find that driving AWD with winter tires is less hair raising and sweat inducing than driving a RWD with winter tires. It's just easier. I don't have to be as careful with the throttle in an AWD. I've also don't enjoy getting stuck in parking lots or getting stuck up very steep hills.

Both are capable in the winter but if I had to pick I'd pick AWD.

The same goes for mud and dirt.

AWD just seems more versatile.

Even in the performance world its showing the a performance tuned AWD system is the way to go.

 

[develmann]

I see this fight frequently. The bottom line is if you are not careful, slow and smooth with everything you do AWD/4WD vs RWD/FWD makes no difference on snow or ice. You are in a ditch either way. AWD/4WD will get you a little more traction. None of it is a replacement for Snow Tires. Snow Tires are still not a replacement for sense. Key words Careful, Slow and Smooth.

 

[checkers]

I see this fight frequently. The bottom line is if you are not careful, slow and smooth with everything you do AWD/4WD vs RWD/FWD makes no difference on snow or ice. You are in a ditch either way. AWD/4WD will get you a little more traction. None of it is a replacement for Snow Tires. Snow Tires are still not a replacement for sense. Key words Careful, Slow and Smooth.

Yep, thats my point exactly. RWD is certainly worse off in a winter environment but AWD is just as bad if you play dumb. Can't wait to start seeing brand new Cherokees holed up in ditches because Mrs.Pretty or Mr. Strong were feeling particularly invincible with their AWD Cherokee and Michelin winters.

You hit it on the head, no replacement for sense.

 

[barnettd]

The 4wd/AWD advantage

Getting started... after that it is all physics and tire traction.

 

[Erie-Eyes]

Getting started... after that it is all physics and tire traction.

100% correct. Neither awd nor 4wd will help you stop any faster, and that is a mistake that a lot of drivers make in winter conditions.

 

[develmann]

100% correct. Neither awd nor 4wd will help you stop any faster, and that is a mistake that a lot of drivers make in winter conditions.

I totally agree with this. You have to leave a ton of room between you and the car in front of you. If you try to slam on breaks on ice, you are going to have a bad time.

 

[brianch]

There is no doubt that if you aren't careful you can still get into an accident regardless of what you drive.


You can get into an accident walking if you aren't careful.

But from a technical standpoint I would pick the AWD over the RWD if winter driving is something I do often.

I go ice fishing with some family once a year and having AWD on the snow and ice helps. The last time we took my uncles Rav4 we ended up getting stuck before the day even started.