[Slowpoke387]

Wife wants a new Wrangler and has an awd SUV currently that works well. Wondering how the newer jeeps‘ full-time four-wheel-drive works comparatively speaking. Would hate to go spend $55,000 to find out the traction is not at least similar to her older SUV. I know it is not true all wheel drive but I am wondering if there is less traction due to a possible lag that it may take for the system to transfer power to the front tires in snow or rain on say, highway exit ramp, etc. Any insight would be great thanks.

 

[Blickie]

Wife wants a new Wrangler and has an awd SUV currently that works well. Wondering how the newer jeeps‘ full-time four-wheel-drive works comparatively speaking. Would hate to go spend $55,000 to find out the traction is not at least similar to her older SUV. I know it is not true all wheel drive but I am wondering if there is less traction due to a possible lag that it may take for the system to transfer power to the front tires in snow or rain on say, highway exit ramp, etc. Any insight would be great thanks.

Jeep® 4x4 Systems - Go Anywhere. Do Anything.

 

[why2kmax]

I may be wrong on the newest wranglers but generally you have to engage 4wd manually and then its always on, not when a wheel slips or traction is needed somewhere. Very different from the "awd" systems on the typical Part time AWD SUVs where it pushes or pulls power from each wheel and is always on and monitoring things.

you arent supposed to engage 4wd on dry pavement either. Only in slippery or marginally traction surfaces like gravel, dirt and snow.

When engaged however, the systems is filthy with traction. you WILL go just about anywhere but its not "automatic" like your old SUV

 

[Slowpoke387]

Jeep® 4x4 Systems - Go Anywhere. Do Anything.

Looking for real world opinions actually. Shouldve been more clear in my post. Lots of info out there and in theory it's the best thing ever but as we all know things don't always work they way they're promoted.

I may be wrong on the newest wranglers but generally you have to engage 4wd manually and then its always on, not when a wheel slips or traction is needed somewhere. Very different from the "awd" systems on the typical Part time AWD SUVs where it pushes or pulls power from each wheel and is always on and monitoring things.

you arent supposed to engage 4wd on dry pavement either. Only in slippery or marginally traction surfaces like gravel, dirt and snow.

When engaged however, the systems is filthy with traction. you WILL go just about anywhere but its not "automatic" like your old SUV

The newer Wranglers now have an optional Full-Time along with Part-Time 4wd. Sends signal and power to the non slipping wheel when it senses slippage in another. I have lots of experience with 4wd and know not to use real 4x4 in the dry but AWD and this Jeep full-time 4wd are not that. Jeep says to just leave it inFull Time like you would with AWD. My question was more of a real world comparison to AWD regarding possible lag time where AWD really has none that we have felt.

 

[Nemesis RR]

Wife wants a new Wrangler and has an awd SUV currently that works well. Wondering how the newer jeeps‘ full-time four-wheel-drive works comparatively speaking. Would hate to go spend $55,000 to find out the traction is not at least similar to her older SUV. I know it is not true all wheel drive but I am wondering if there is less traction due to a possible lag that it may take for the system to transfer power to the front tires in snow or rain on say, highway exit ramp, etc. Any insight would be great thanks.

In my experience full time 4WD systems feel unnecessarily heavy on simple road maneuvers. You can also kiss goodbye tight maneuvers. Add large wheels and you just compounded the heaviness. But yes bad weather and you feel like you have a tank. Also jeeps don't feel good if you ever plan on driving a bit faster. Even from the factory the speed limiter is lowered even further when you add larger wheels. I don't know how the 392 engine feels in a Jeep but the other engines feel slow when compared to my Acura MDX Hybrid (0-60 in 6 Seconds).

With all that said I have considered it to be able to take the roof and doors off. Pleasant experience.

 

[areuriding]

I have a Rubicon without the full time 4 wheel option. It's actually my wifes, we opted not to get the full time 4 wheel drive because of how it felt driving, heavy and awkward. We have the typical pull lever to engage either 4 high or 4 low. Simple to use and very reliable. It will go anywhere and you'd have to work hard to get stuck.

 

[Catless]

... I don't know how the 392 engine feels in a Jeep but the other engines feel slow when compared to my Acura MDX Hybrid (0-60 in 6 Seconds)...

4.7 seconds 0-60 for the 392 and 5.0 seconds for our 6.1L Jeep.