2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Offers Three 4WD Systems, Here's How They Work

After nearly a decade, Jeep takes its long-standing SUV down a new path with a complete redesign. It's built on the Giorgio platform first used by the Alfa Romeo Giulia and adapted for sport utilities by the Stelvio.

Although the previous model wasn’t an ugly vehicle by any means, the elegant exterior design of the new generation is an unquestionable improvement.

The same can be said about its cabin, which features premium materials, the latest FCA tech, and since this is the L version, third-row seating makes its debut in the Grand Cherokee lineup.

Naturally, this leads to questions about its 4WD abilities but the carmaker reassures us that although this full-size SUV looks like it's only made for paved roads, it can handle rougher surfaces with ease.

To back that up, Jeep will offer three distinct versions of its renowned Quadra 4x4 systems as well as an improved Selec-Terrain traction management system with five different terrain modes.

Available as standard on the Laredo and Limited trims, the Quadra-Trac I is a full-time four-wheel-drive system that uses a single-speed NV140 active transfer case.

It makes use of multiple sensors to alter torque delivery and will continue to reactively make adjustments using the braking system if the vehicle loses grip.

For the Overland and Summit trims, Jeep offers the Quadra-Trac II. This system incorporates a two-speed NV245 active transfer case with low-range gear reduction that includes an electronically-controlled clutch pack in the central differential.

Like Quadra-Trac I, it uses sensors to adjust torque distribution, but unlike its single-speed counterpart, when wheel slip is detected, the clutch pack can change the delivery ratio, sending as much as 100 percent of available torque to the axle with the most traction.

The system also offers a low range with 2.72:1 gearing for more serious off-roading, hill-descent that electronically maintains speed on steep descents, and a neutral range that enables the SUV to be towed without disengaging the drive axles.

Quadra-Drive II is the pinnacle of the 4x4 systems available on the new Grand Cherokee L. The setup includes the same two-speed NV245 transfer case as the Quadra-Trac II and adds an eLSD for the rear axle.

The system instantly detects wheel slip and smoothly responds, delivering engine torque to the axle with more traction. Jeep tells us that it can anticipate low traction situations and pre-emptively adapt in order to reduce or eliminate slip.

Available as standard on the Summit trim and part of the optional Off-Road Group for the Overland, the Quadra-Drive II also incorporates user-selectable low and neutral ranges and the hill descent control.

Traction is coordinated by the Selec-Terrain management system, which offers drivers five available terrain modes: Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, and Mud/Sand; it is now controlled using a toggle switch fitted to the center console.

The SUV will be powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gasoline engine producing 290 hp (216 kW), while the Overland and Summit variants will also offer a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that delivers 357 hp (266 kW).

Each engine is linked to the durable ZF-sourced TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic gearbox controlled via a rotary shift knob.

Scheduled to be built at the new Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack Plant, the all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L will go on sale this spring. A two-row version and a new plug-in-hybrid model are set to go into production by the end of the year as 2022 models.