Topic: 4x4 / 4x2 on Jeep vehicles

[Harpster]

We are looking at either the Pat, Compass or Cherokee, all by Jeep.

Went to see all 3 yest at the dealership. The young sales rep said something that raised my eyebrow: the Pat and Compass 4x4 have a switch that you can turn off to make it 4x2 so save on gas but the Cherokee 4x4 does not, which means it will suck gas like crazy!

Is this true...?

[Sir Osis of Liver]

No. The Cherokee will automatically disengage the rear axle as well. It may be harder on fuel, but that will have more to do with aerodynamics, weight and engine power.

http://www.gizmag.com/jeep-cherokee-ecotrac-disconnecting-all-wheel-drive-system/30211/

[tooscoops]

the young guy was crazy.

the cherokee will be better on fuel... hell, with the v6 it will still be better on fuel!

as mentioned, the cherokee has a zero parasitic loss type 4x4... when you are in 2wd, you are only running 2 wheels.. NOTHING extra. until slippage of course(unless you switch the mode button to snow or something else). the pat and compass system is older and has loss in 2wd mode (things spinning, etc.). also, there is no switch in those cars to "turn off" 4x4... only to engage 4x4... meaning in the 2 wheel drive mode, it still acts like an awd drive vehicle.

hope that helps.

[jamie1]

As mentioned, the Patriot and Compass have a 4x4 switch. When engaged, in engages the 4x4 system into a full time system. When it not engaged, the system must see slippage before engaging the rear axle. On the Cherokee, the system in auto is 100% automatic. The driveshaft and rear axle are totally disconnected. No parasitic loss. Wheel slippage engages the 4x4. Turning the wiper on will engage the 4x4. Going up a certain degree on grade will engage the 4x4. Sport mode engages 4x4. Snow mode will engage 4x4. The Cherokee has a very sweet system.

[blotter]

the Cherokee is also a millions years ahead in terms of refinement over the Compass / Patriot.

I would also imagine it has a superior 4x4 system. (?)

[johngenx]

Seeing lots of the new Cherokees on the road now, and I admit that the exterior looks good in person.  The proportions are nicely done and the front looks very "Jeep futuristic."

As much as I love the Wrangler, the Cherokee is worth a look for someone looking for a "normal" vehicle.

[blotter]

if we went with an SUV, right now the Cherokee is my favorite option. (V6 of course)

[tooscoops]

so yeah... in the end... stop going to that dealership and come see me! i won't lie to you about the 4x4 systems!

but no, in all seriousness, let me know if i can help in any way.