Jeep Cherokee ENGINEERING
4×4 systems and ‘Go anywhere’ Jeep capability
The new Jeep Cherokee takes the legendary Jeep 4×4 capability to the next level and offers the advantages of an all-weather, all-terrain vehicle. The new generation of the Jeep mid-size SUV provides a choice of two innovative 4×4 systems for best-in-class 4×4 capability in all driving conditions: the single-speed, fully automatic Jeep® Active Drive I and the Jeep® Active Drive Lock including all features of the Jeep Active Drive II and adding a locking rear differential and Selec-Speed Control (on Trailhawk models only).
The new Jeep Cherokee is also the first mid-size SUV to feature rear-axle disconnect, resulting in reduced energy loss when 4×4 capability isn’t needed and improving fuel efficiency. The rear-axle-disconnect seamlessly switches between two- and four-wheel drive for full-time torque management without requiring input from the driver.
Jeep Active Drive I
Available on the Cherokee Limited 4×4 model, Jeep Active Drive I features a single power transfer unit (PTU) which is fully automatic and delivers seamless operation in and out of four-wheel drive at any speed. The system does not require any driver intervention or feedback and delivers yaw correction during dynamic events and improves both understeer and oversteer conditions. Jeep Active Drive I offers balanced torque distribution with brake traction control. The four-wheel-drive performance results from a fully variable wet clutch housed in the rear drive module. The clutch supplies the proper amount of torque for any driving condition, including slippery conditions, aggressive starts and dynamic driving. Sophisticated algorithms enable the system to contribute to the driving dynamics while interacting with the electronic stability control (ESC) system when approaching the traction limits of the road surface.
Jeep Active Drive Lock
Standard on all Trailhawk models only, Jeep Active Drive Lock features a two-speed power transfer unit (PTU) and a locking rear differential for superior low-speed power for rock crawling or severe off-road conditions. In the 4-Low mode, the system locks the front and rear drive shafts to ensure more power at low speeds and greater towing capability. Low range provides a 2.92:1 gear reduction that offers outstanding crawl ratios for extreme off-road driving.
Jeep Active Drive Lock works in conjunction with the Selec-Terrain system to aggressively modify the torque distribution while monitoring the engine transmission and ESC system, and providing power to the wheels that will deliver the most traction.
The locking rear differential is selectable in any low-range terrain mode, but will lock automatically when in certain Selec-Terrain modes such as “Rock,” to maximize tractive effort, which the tyre patch can support.
Jeep Active Drive Lock includes the exclusive Selec-Speed Control system featuring both Hill-ascent and Hill-descent Control.
Selec-Terrain
All-new Cherokee’s 4×4 systems feature the Jeep brand’s renowned Selec-Terrain traction control system with four modes (five for the Trailhawk model, which adds Rock mode to Auto, Snow, Sport and Sand/Mud). Selec-Terrain allows the driver to choose and select, through the Selec-Terrain dial, the on- and off-road settingbest suited for optimum performance on any particular surface and is designed to optimize the four-wheel drive systems for unsurpassed control and capability. Selec-Terrain electronically coordinates and optimizes up to 12 systems, including: drivetrain control module, electronic brake controller, ESC, transmission controller, powertrain controller and – on Trailhawk models only – Selec-Speed Control (with Hill-ascent and Hill-descent Control).
Auto
- Standard drive mode
- Standard electronic brake controls
- Automatically detects need for four-wheel drive engagement
- Front/rear torque split is fully active and variable depending on the driving conditions
Sport
- For enhanced on-road driver control
- Traction control is limited
- ESC slip thresholds are raised
- Driveline torque bias for improved cornering
- Allows for a target front/rear torque split of up to 40/60 %
Snow
- Second gear launch
- For use in inclement weather
- Slick surface electronic brake controls
- Full-time four-wheel drive
- Allows for a target front/rear torque split of up to 60/40 %
Sand/Mud
- For enhanced driver control in off-road conditions
- Off-road electronic brake controls
- Full-time four-wheel drive
- Allows for a front/rear torque split of up to 100 %rear
Rock (available only with Jeep Active Drive Lock)
- For use on obstacles
- Off-road electronic brake controls with increased brake lock differential capacity
- Available in 4-Low only
- Allows for a front/rear torque split of up to 100 % rear
In addition, the ESC system will change mode in coordination with the Selec-Terrain mode chosen:
- ESC remains full on with Auto and Snow modes
- ESC is off when in 4-Low
- ESC is in Partial mode for Sport, and Sand/Mud modes. Partial mode means aid from traction control and stability control are reduced, but anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic roll mitigation remain fully enabled.
In 4-Low, the Selec-Terrain system shifts front and rear axles to a 2.92:1 gear set for increased torque and control off-road. When in neutral, Jeep Cherokee models equipped with Jeep Active Drive Lock disconnect the driveline for flat towing behind another vehicle.
Selec-Speed Control
The new Jeep Cherokee also offers an exclusive capability feature called Selec-Speed Control. Selec-Speed Control features both Hill-descent Control and Hill-ascent Control, allowing the Cherokee to climb and descend steep grades with minimal driver input. The ESC system controls engine torque and brake pressure to maintain target speed while driving off-road on uphill, level and downhill surfaces and over obstacles. The feature enables the driver to focus on steering while navigating technical off-road terrain. Available in 4-Low and exclusive to Trailhawk models, Selec-Speed Control is activated by a dedicated button on the Selec-Terrain switch.
