What Makes a Jeep Trail Rated?

What Makes a Jeep Trail Rated?

Posted on August 23, 2018

While
you often hear that Jeep models come with a Trail Rated badge, you might not
know what that means. To earn this badge, Jeep vehicles have to pass some intense tests in five
categories.
Learn more about these categories and what it really means to have a Trail
Rated Jeep.

Traction

When you choose a Jeep that has a Trail Rated badge, you know
you're selecting a vehicle that's ready to take you on your next adventure. If
that adventures includes some off-road travel, you can rest assured knowing
your Jeep has the traction to handle a variety of conditions. In fact, Jeep Trail
Rated four-wheel drive vehicles can help you take on some of the toughest
terrain out there. But it's not just good for off-road trails. These Jeep
vehicles can also help you navigate through an unexpected snowstorm on your way
home.

Water Fording

While other vehicles wouldn't dream of taking on bodies of water,
a Trail Rated Jeep is ready for water fording action. That's because these
vehicles are engineered with higher air intake valves and sealed body openings
and electrical connections to protect your vehicle from water. This will help
you drive through overflowing streams and creeks when you're off the beaten
path and splash through deceptively deep rainstorm puddles when you're
traveling down city streets.

Maneuverability

Whether you're dodging a trash can that blows into the street or
navigating around fallen tree limbs, you know your Trail Rated Jeep Grand Cherokee can handle sharp turns and sudden
movements because of its maneuverability test. This nimble handling is thanks
to optimized wheelbases and precision steering that will let you safely
navigate your way through the city or opt to crawl over or steer around
obstacles when you're off-road.

Articulation

Articulation is another important part of Jeep's Trail Rated
badge. Good articulation in the vehicle lets the wheels flex and move as you're
traveling. The more flexibility the wheels have, the easier it is for them to
stay in contact with the ground. Additionally, higher levels of articulation
help your wheels remain engaged, even if one of them is off the ground. Not
only is this important for off-road trails when you're trying to drive over
logs, rocks, and other obstacles, but it also comes in handy when your daily
commute deals with deep potholes or heavy construction.

Ground Clearance

The final test a Trail Rated Jeep has to pass before it can earn
its badge is ground clearance. When you're on the trails, a high ground
clearance means it's easier to drive over logs and rocks without damaging the
underbody. On your daily commute, it means those large speed bumps won't scrape
the bottom of your vehicle. When approach, breakover, and departure angles are
maximized, you have more options to go over obstacles when going around them
isn't possible.

Now that you understand what features go into a Trail Rated Jeep, visit us at Crosstown Chrysler Jeep Dodge so you can decide which model you're ready to take out on your next adventure.

"Trail Rated" by byzantiumbooks, used under CC BY