What Makes the Wrangler Trail Rated

The most important aspect of an off-road vehicle is the traction that it provides. The Wrangler provides drivers with spectacular traction with the use of three 4x4 systems. Standard equipment for most Wrangler models is Command-Trac part-time 4x4. This offers two-wheel drive, 4WD-High and 4WD-Low modes. In 4WD-High, the system provides a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear axles for optimal traction while driving in inclement weather or taking on light off-roading. Drivers can shift from 2WD to 4WD on the fly at speeds up to 55 MPH.  Meanwhile, when doing more difficult off-roading, selecting 4WD-Low provides the best traction at low speeds by providing higher torque while traveling at low speeds. This system uses a brake lock differential to allow additional torque to the wheels with the most traction while limiting torque sent to wheels that are slipping. Meanwhile, Selec-Trac 4x4 is a full-time system, meaning it operates in 4-high at all times, allowing for excellent traction at all times with limited driver input. Finally, part-time Rock-Trac 4x4, exclusive to the Wrangler Rubicon, offers a 4:1 gear ratio when in 4-Low for even better low-speed crawling control. Meanwhile, the Rubicon X comes with full-time Rock-Trac, which runs in 4-High at all times while still providing a 4:1 low-range gear ratio.

Another important aspect of off-road capability that is tested by the Trail Rated program is ground clearance. The Wrangler features a tall stance provided by carefully selected suspension components to provide excellent ground clearance. The Rubicon trim levels feature shock absorbers provided by FOX, providing additional ground clearance and wheel articulation, which we will get into later. The Wrangler comes standard with 32-inch all-terrain tires, which aid in its ground clearance. However, the Rubicon trim provides more ground clearance with beefy 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac all-terrain tires. Meanwhile, the available Xtreme 35 Package, standard on the Rubicon X, comes with 35-inch BFGoodrich T/A KO2 all-terrain tires. With standard equipment, the Wrangler stands with a ground clearance of just over 10 inches. However, Wrangler's with the Xtreme 35 package tower at 12.9 inches. Additionally, the Wrangler comes standard with high-strength steel skid plates to protect the vehicle's vital components found on the undercarriage when passing over rocks, logs, and other jagged terrain.

Wheel articulation is how far the wheels can rise and drop with the compression and decompression of the shock absorbers. The purpose of wheel articulation is to keep the tires in contact with the ground while passing over uneven terrain. An example of this is when your left front tire is approaching a rock of one height while your right tire remains on a level surface, the suspension on the left wheel will compress as it passes over the rock while the right tire stays level. The fender flares on all Wrangler models are designed to allow space for this wheel articulation. The Rubicon trims, which feature FOX shock absorbers and high-clearance fender flares, allow for higher levels of wheel articulation, passing over more rugged terrain. Furthermore, the Rubicon also adds an electronically disconnecting front sway bar. This allows you to unlink the front sway bar, allowing the wheels to rise and drop even further while taking on extremely uneven terrain. 

The water fording test is designed to see how much water the Wrangler can take on without damaging the vital components. With the Wrangler's standard equipment, it achieves a water-fording depth of up to 30 inches. Meanwhile, Wrangler models equipped with the available Xtreme 35 package, which includes the aforementioned 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires and 12.9-inch ground clearance, offer an impressive 34 inches of water fording capabilities. Aiding in the Wrangler's impressive water-fording abilities are the sealed electrical connections, high air intake, and tall ground clearance. 

The final phase of the Trail Rated test examines the Wrangler's maneuverability: its ability to navigate tight trails around rocks, over logs, and between trees. While maneuvering treacherous terrain is oftentimes the most challenging part of off-roading, the Wrangler is designed to maneuver with ease. This is because the wheelbases are carefully crafted to allow the Wrangler to pass through tight spaces without harming the vehicle. The wheelbases work in conjunction with the steering systems that allow for precision steering on the trails. 

There is an important meaning behind the little badge on the front fender of each Jeep Wrangler trim level. In essence, that badge means you're getting one of the automotive industry's most capable off-road vehicles! If you're interested in getting your hands on a new Trail Rated Jeep Wrangler in the Richmond, Virginia, area, then look no further than Pearson Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram! Here, you can find a vast selection of new Jeep models like the Sahara, Rubicon, and more! If you have any questions regarding the Jeep Wrangler or our Wrangler inventory, don't hesitate to use the contact form beneath this page to reach one of our knowledgeable sales team members. We look forward to hearing from you soon!