The Grand Cherokee is one of the oldest Jeep models in existence. It has several trims and can be personalized to suit your needs. This model is cherished due to its strength, tough look, and comfortable cabin.

While the design hasn't been updated very much, it remains widely acclaimed for its outstanding off-road capabilities. 

Many American drivers love the great outdoors and enjoy the thrill of off-roading. If you are considering purchasing one, you have to think about its off-roading aspects as well. The 2024 version with its advanced features is one of the first choices of many off-roaders.

Let’s see why this vehicle is perfect for off-road adventures.

Jeep Grand Cherokee off-road parts

Do you think that the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a good off-road vehicle? Well, the majority of Cherokee owners think so. New models have more on-road capabilities compared to older models.

 Let’s take a look at some of the features of the newer models of the Jeep Grand Cherokee that make it good for off-roading.

Quadra-lift air suspension system

This system can be found in the Overland, Summit, Limited, and Trailhawk trims. It employs air springs instead of traditional coil springs. The suspension automatically lowers and rises when one selects a driving mode.

The advantage of this system is improved ground clearance while driving on rough terrain. It also assists in decreasing aerodynamic drag on highways, increasing its fuel efficiency.

Furthermore, it makes loading cargo and getting into/out of cars easier. When parking the car, you can lower suspension too!

Four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems

When it comes to off-roading, there is nothing better than a 4x4 or 4WD vehicle. For the Jeep Grand Cherokee, you have three off-road trims: SRT, Trailhawk, and Trackhawk. It is also possible to upgrade RWD models like the Overland, Limited, Summit, and Laredo.

There are four main 4WD systems available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Drive II, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Trac Active On-Demand. These systems help the Grand Cherokee achieve excellent performance on challenging terrains by transmitting maximum torque from the engine to one of the rear wheels.

Selec-Terrain® traction management system

Another standout feature of the Jeep Cherokee is the Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System. This system helps distribute 4x4 power between the front and rear wheels. It improves traction and handling, whether you’re on-road or off-road.

To choose the right setting, there's a manual knob below the gear stick. You can easily turn this knob to select "Auto," "Sport," "Snow," "Rock,” or "Sand/Mud”.

Grand Cherokee off-road safety features

When driving off-road, safety is highly important. The Grand Cherokee has come up with a number of ways to keep you safe.

Multiple advanced features

The Grand Cherokee comes loaded with many safety features. There are rear parking sensors, blind spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert systems, and rear-view cameras on offer for you. Advanced upgrades are also available. These include a collision warning system, lane departure warning system, automatic emergency braking system, adaptive cruise control, and an active parking system that works in both parallel and perpendicular modes.

Great crash test results

Crash tests are essential in ensuring the safety of the car occupants in case of an accident. This car model has done well in such assessments. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the RWD version of the Grand Cherokee received four stars overall, while the 4WD got five stars.

Specifically, both versions scored four stars in the frontal crash test and five stars each in the side crash tests. The RWD version was given three stars by rollover tests, while its 4WD version got four stars.

Trail-rated badge

In 2004, Jeep began to attach the Trail Rated badge to most of its cars, including the Grand Cherokee. It is an indication that a particular vehicle passed off-road tests. These tests measure articulation, traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, and water fording.

Whether in sunshine or snowfall, Jeep is committed to making sure these vehicles are trail-ready. They conduct all of these tests at their Michigan headquarters and also at the Rubicon Trail in California and rocky terrain in Moab.

Ground clearance and articulation

Off-road driving necessitates good ground clearance. This means that the Jeep undercarriage is less likely to be damaged when being driven over rough or uneven terrain.

The angles of departure and break-over are also tested. By having good angles, the vehicle can pass safely over objects such as fallen tree stumps and branches. 

Articulation refers to how well a Jeep Grand Cherokee keeps its tires on the ground even when traveling.

Good articulation means the Jeep has a flexible suspension and high vertical wheel travel. So, if one tire hits a pothole or gets stuck in the mud, the other three tires stay engaged.

Exterior lights

Mother Nature is unpredictable. Outdoor explorations can never be anticipated, for anything might happen on your way to the wild. You may come across some obstacles or a change in weather patterns.

It is therefore necessary to have strong and high-quality off-road bumpers on their Jeep Grand Cherokee to maintain main safety levels while driving. 

When it comes to security, the exterior lights of your Jeep are essential as well. They help you navigate safely even during heavy rains or fog at any time of the day. Above all, they ensure that other drivers or animals can see them.

For improved visibility, the Jeep Grand Cherokee features automatic high beam headlights together with bi-xenon HID headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, and fog lamps.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the ideal choice for off-road adventures due to its blend of durability, advanced features, and safety. With its Quadra-lift air suspension, multiple 4WD systems, and Selec-Terrain® Traction Management, it handles rough terrains with ease.

The Grand Cherokee also prioritizes safety with its extensive features and impressive crash test ratings. Its Trail-Rated badge further guarantees its off-road capabilities.

Whether you’re navigating rocky trails or muddy paths, the Grand Cherokee delivers a reliable and enjoyable off-road experience.