Does Jeep Renegade Have 4 Wheel-Drive? (Let’s See)

Off-road drivers rely heavily on several features to aid movement through the rough terrains. One of such features is the Four-wheel drive.

Four-wheel-drive is also essential for rugged use that involves pulling payload and the like. 

What can you expect to find if you are in the market for a new Jeep Renegade? The vehicle has the power to perform excellently off the road.

Could the four-wheel-drive feature be the reason for this off-road excellence?

The Jeep Renegade has a four-wheel-drive feature. This feature is the standard for all trim levels. However, there is more than one option. Other than the four-wheel-drive feature, the Renegade also offers an all-wheel-drive through the Active Drive Low System.

Is Jeep Renegade 4×4 or AWD?

The Four-wheel-drive or 4WD, also called 4×4 drive, is a standard feature in various Jeep Renegade trim levels.

The exciting part is this same Jeep also has trim levels that give you the all-wheel-drive feature. Some of the vehicles in this trim offer the common and default front-wheel drive.

The best thing about Jeep Renegade is that it is a car in the real sense. There is a drive type for all road types.

Those with heavy duties can rely on the improved technology of the four-wheel drive.

Drives that frequent rough terrains and roads with less traction can get the active drive low features that operate like a standard all-wheel drive.

Some years back, four-wheel drive was a feature in heavy-duty trucks. You hardly find it off the road.

However, modifications to the system and module of operation allow it to perform the all-wheel-drive function.

One significant similarity between the typical 4WD and Jeep 4WD with active drive low is that they can send torque to the four wheels.

In addition, all wheels receive torque independent of each other, allowing them to rotate at varying speeds.

However, there are some fundamental differences in the operation module of these two-wheel drive types.

Here are some essential differences.

#1. Four Wheel Drive

In a typical four-wheel-drive system, you only have two differentials; the front and rear axle differential.

This differential number is significantly different from all-wheel-drive with an extra center differential.

A transfer case acts as a center differential in transferring torque to the rear wheels. However, this transfer case is different from the center differential.

The transfer case sends torque to the rear axle, but it doesn’t vary the power. 

This lack of differential speed means the wheel rotates simultaneously.

This mode of operation might result in some difficulties when turning in a corner that requires a level of variation in rotation.

This difficulty is why the transfer is sometimes called a locked differential. It locks the rotation speed and ensures the wheels get equal power and torque. 

Some of these vehicles offer an optional mode to switch from four-wheel-drive to two-wheel drive.

However, this can be stressful because the driver always has to determine when to drive the two-wheel or use the four-wheel. 

#2. Active Drive Low 4×4 System

The active drive low system is a feature in newer models of Jeep Renegade. It is what sets the car apart from your standard four-wheel drive.

For example, the Active Drive Low is a common feature on the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk.

The active drive low system functions by disconnecting the rear driveshaft and power transfer unit. The disconnecting rear driveshaft ensures power is distributed to the rear axle when needed. 

One of the issues with standard 4WD is the need to constantly change from one form of drive mode to the other.

The Active drive low system takes care of this need. In addition, it automatically detects when there is a need to disconnect the rear driveshaft.

This disconnection makes Jeep Renegade Trailhawk suitable for all roads.

The active drive low system also has a low crawl ratio, providing off-road capabilities. It also has a rear-drive module and a torque transfer device at the rear axle differential. 

The automatic change mode that active drive low system offers aid in fuel efficiency and power management. 

The active drive low offers different power modes to combat rough terrains. These modes include the sand, snow, mud, and rock modes.

There is also an auto mode that switches between the different types of road.

Do All Jeep Renegades have a Four-Wheel Drive?

Jeep Renegade is nothing if not versatile in its options for potential customers. There is a trim level that offers just what you need.

All Jeep Renegade trim levels are four-wheel-drive. However, some trim levels offer more than just a four-wheel-drive system. 

The different trim levels, which are six, offer you varying features. These six trims are Sport, Latitude, Upland, Altitude, Limited, and Trailhawk.

Here are some unique details about these trim levels.

• All the trim levels except one have the four-wheel-drive option available. You can order any trim level and find the standard, off-road driving 4WD.

• The Jeep active low drive system is a standard feature in only one of the six trims. This trim is the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk.

• The 2022 Jeep Renegade Sport offers two types of the drivetrain. You have the standard 4×4 drive and the Jeep active drive feature as optional. 

The variations mean you can always get what you want, depending on your preference. 

How Does the Jeep Renegade 4×4 Work?

The Jeep Renegade 4×4 system is different from your typical 4×4 wheel drive. It makes use of two different and innovative designs.

These systems are the Jeep Active Drive 4×4 System and the Jeep Active Drive Low 4×4 system. 

They both provide more torque and power to the different wheels. This systems also switch from four-wheel and two-wheel seamlessly using the rear axle disconnector.

In addition, the system allows it to select terrain traction between the four different modes. 

The active drive low drive version is more suitable for low-capability situations with low tractions and rough terrains. 

Is the Jeep Renegade Good in Snow?

Jeep Renegade offers a trim level that runs appropriately on snow. However, a snowy road is a slippery one.

This condition is why road users should get a vehicle that can run with greater power.

With the Jeep Renegade Trialhawk with the active drive system, you have a good car in the snow. 

The system has a snow drive mode that ensures all your wheels run with maximum power over a slippery road. 

The torque delivery is not the only thing that makes Jeep Renegade good in snowy conditions. It also has a temperature system that adjusts to cold weather conditions.

In addition, you have features like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel to make your journey more enjoyable. 

Is AWD or 4WD better in the Snow?

Snowy roads often have varying traction. It is a significant reason why AWD mode is more suitable for Snow.

By default, the 4WD is only best for cars that run well on rough terrains. The all-wheel drive is better in snowy conditions. 

However, the unique features of the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk 4×4 mean you can drive your four-wheel drive on snow.

In addition, the unique mechanism automatically determines how much power each wheel needs as you drive along—a useful option when driving on snow.

Conclusion

Jeep Renegade has a four-wheel-drive system. However, it offers so much more. The Jeep active drive system ensures your vehicle systems stay engaged to any change in road condition.

The alertness allows for change accordingly and provides for flexibility. Ther is a trim level for everyone.