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Some questions regarding the 4WD system

7K views 37 replies 17 participants last post by  Vic1212 
#1 ·
I understand that the cherokee has the active drive 1, 2 and lock, but which one is the best 4wd system to choose? My folks and I currently live in New Mexico (southern NM to be exact) and we don't really get a lot of snow (rarely but maybe this year will change) and only go up to the mountains sometimes. But I don't think I'll be down for the TH. Also when the 2015 limited and trailhawk with technology group will be coming ?
 
#2 ·
Our dealer (Fort Collins, CO) had a 2015 Limiteds and Latitudes with the Tech package on the lot, so they're available.

ADII, an option on all but Trailhawks, is for real off-road use, when you need a low gear and some locking capability. ADI seems to be a good choice for almost everyone else, especially with its switchable center differentials. HPH
 
#3 · (Edited)
Trailhawk is only ADII with lock and lock is only available on the Trailhawk. You can get 4X2 on Sport and I think Latitude.
 
#4 ·
I'd say AD I would fill your needs. AD II is there for when you need low range to drive in deep sand or to get more torque without needing to rev the engine, such as towing a boat up a slick ramp. Stump pulling is another nice job for low range.

The AD II may expand your ability resell the Jeep later, and a TH build even more.

The locking rear Drive Loc is an Emergency Escape Plan, IMHO. Many folks with locking differentials drive with the diffs open until they really need the lock, or they lock up to help someone else who is stuck. Driving with a locked rear is more dangerous and makes it more difficult to control the vehicle since the rear end can and will slide out on you if you're not careful. A locking front diff takes the danger to another level.

I really like that they built the TH with the Drive Loc rear, and while it's a feature many owners may not really need, it's always nice to have, like a front bumper winch.

If I had been buying our new Cherokee for myself, I'd have probably gotten the TH even though I might never have really needed the Drive Loc. But since it's gonna be my wife's car, AD II is going to be more than enough for how we will use the Jeep.

Good luck with your decision.
 
#7 · (Edited)
Any V6 non-TH with AD1 is plenty for you. And add the tow group if you're going to tow. Also, either a Latitude or Limited with AD1 will have a somewhat smoother ride than AD2 or TH. If you don't intend to go off-roading anyone who tells you that you need AD2 or a TH in Southern New Mexico is misguided.

And despite the Jeep ads, the vast majority of Cherokees sold are non-Trailhawk models, so buying a TH will actually hurt your resale value, especially if you're trying to get rid of it in Southern NM.
 
#8 ·
Agree up to resale...the rarity and public demand should increase the TH resale over the more common models.
 
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#12 ·
I agree on the looks of a TH, except for the rear, which was a deal-breaker for me. I don't like to see too much of the muffler, most of which is visible on a TH. Looks cheap.
 
#13 · (Edited)
Yes. Test drove both. Not a world of difference, especially on smooth road, but AD2's off-road suspension is stiffer, harder. AD1 smoother on bumps. It is noticeable in comparison. Of course, AD2 is also tougher. I think the AD2 choice is easy -- if you go off-road, get it or the TH. If not, get AD1. (I see no reason to get any Jeep unless you are going to get at least AD1.)
 
#14 ·
I agree that AD1 is all you need if you are not planning to go off road. Even if you later want to do some light off-roading, you can simply switch to all-terrain tires and AD1 will take you a lot of places. We took our Mitsu Outlander V-6 off road quite often and all it had was all wheel drive, a 6 speed transmission and
Toyo Open Country tires, much heavier duty than the original all weather tires.
 
#15 ·
I disagree with Meg376 on the appearance of the Trailhawk rear end. The muffler is exposed slightly because of the need for a better clearance angle off road. That is functional, and 'functional' never detracts from appearance. Take that from a man who has designed some 350 yachts and workboats. TedB
 
#21 ·
What were the options/pkg's on them?
 
#22 ·
Our Hawk has AD2, of course, and the ride and the transmission could notr be smoother or sweeter. I do think the Hawk's resale will be higher but I'm pushing 82 now and don't intend to sell it in my lifetime. That will be up the Redhawk some day, but not too soon I hope! There is a lot of country that I haven't seen yet.
 
#23 ·
The TH has AD Lock, not ADII. I have ADII on my Latitude. Hopefully you and I will be around a long time to enjoy them. :smile:
 
#25 ·
Not for anything, but on Jeep's website the three 4x4 systems are listed as Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock. Active Drive Lock being the most advanced with all the capabilities of ADII plus the rear locker.
 
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#27 ·
Ahh, i see you were using KBB? I thought you meant actual Cherokees for sale.
 
#29 ·
#30 ·
#35 ·
As far as the 4wd system, nothing. They are the same. The L package includes the tech and safety package I think. So adaptive cruise, leather seats, etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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#38 ·
I HONESTLY Was surprised that the Sport Altitude don't come with back up camera at all!! Not even as a option. My cousin was pretty bummed out that it doesn't have it since she does like the blacked out grille, logo, and wheels. So she was forced to go to latitude. So the dealer offered her $500 to blacked out the logos, wheels, and grille so she ended up picking this one up http://www.jackkeymotor.net/new/Jeep/2017-Jeep-Cherokee-9bea327e0a0e0a6b0cf40ddbf364cee7.htm . It went from $29k to just a little over $23k. It was definitely a steal for sure considering the content that you get in latitude than that of the Sport Altitude though. This is the window sticker http://www.chrysler.com/hostd/windowsticker/getWindowStickerPdf.do?vin=1C4PJLCB1HW592141
 
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