Top 5 Jeep Grand Cherokee features that stand out from the competition.

By Farzana Chaumoo

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a remarkable SUV with rugged capabilities, a modern sense of style, it's good for families who need space and want luxury. It is also amongst the most technologically advanced SUVs on the market. Let's explore some of the standout features.

1. Superior on-road performance

The Grand Cherokee is fitted with a front independent suspension with McPherson struts and a rear independent multi-link suspension which not only absorb on-road and off-road obstacles but also provide comfort for its occupants. The front suspension provides 17 cm of travel, while the rear suspension has 19 cm of travel for better articulation. Isolated rear cradle, high-strength, low-alloy front cross members and superior torsional rigidity all contribute to a smoother and quieter ride as well as to the superior handling of the new Cherokee.

2. Unmatched Jeep 4x4 capability

The new Cherokee can be had with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It offers a choice of three innovative 4x4 systems which have been enhanced for unmatched 4x4 capability in all weather conditions.

Jeep Active Drive I

Jeep engineers were tasked to reduce weight and enhance the efficiency of the next-generation Rear Drive Module (RDM) and in doing so, completely redesigned this system. The RDM is fully automatic and delivers seamless operation in and out of four-wheel drive at any speed. Through the redesign, 8 kilograms in weight was dropped and there was also a reduction of low-speed system drag torque by half for fuel savings. The Jeep Active Drive I system does an automatic correction to ensure vehicle stability and also improve response during both understeer and oversteer conditions. The Active Drive I is a full-time four-wheel drive system that does not require any driver intervention or feedback. 

Under normal conditions, it sends all available torque to the front wheels while monitoring the speed of the front and rear axles. If the system detects that the front axle is moving faster than the rear axle it will send power through the power transfer unit to the rear axle until speeds are equally distributed, delivering an easy-to-use all-weather boost in capability.

Jeep Active Drive II

The Active Drive II system includes all of the features of Active Drive I but has the addition of a selectable 4WD low gear range mode with 2.91:1 gear reduction that allows for enhanced climbing ability, as well as outstanding crawl ratios in severe off-road conditions. This is made possible by the two-speed PTU.

This system also includes Hill-descent Control, which allows the Cherokee to provide controlled hill descent in rough terrain without the driver needing to touch the brake pedal. 

Selec-Terrain

Refined for optimal performance, all Cherokee 4x4 systems feature the renowned Jeep Selec-Terrain traction control system with five modes: Auto, Sand, Mud, Snow and Rock.

Rear axle disconnect

The rear-axle disconnect seamlessly switches between two and four-wheel drive for full-time torque management and does not require any driver input. It is equipped on all 4x4 systems and the device results in reduced energy loss when 4x4 capability is not needed to the benefit of fuel efficiency. 

3. Active Noise Cancellation System (ANC) 

To enhance the driving experience in the Grand Cherokee, the innovative ANC System (standard on Summit and SRT derivatives) contrasts and eliminates all engine noise from the inside of the vehicle. Real-time engine noise is detected by microphones and then opposing sound waves are emitted to cancel out low-frequency noises, offering a totally quiet ride.

4. Uconnect™ system

The Uconnect™ system features a massive 8.4-inch touchscreen as well as dial controls for complete access to all functions that include climate control and radio settings. Bluetooth® connectivity allows for streaming audio and voice commands while there is also a USB port, SD card reader, and premium Navigation with 3D graphics.

5. Quadra-Lift™ Air Suspension System

The Quadra-Lift™ Air Suspension System allows the driver to raise up the Jeep Grand Cherokee to an impressive ground clearance of 287 mm above rocks and banks or lower it by 40.6 mm for easier entry, exit and loading. Ground clearance can be adjusted to five levels: Normal ride height (NRH), Off Road 1, Off Road 2, Park Mode, and Aero Mode.