The question of whether the 2019 Jeep Cherokee is rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a common one, especially for those familiar with Jeep's historical association with robust 4×4 systems. However, the answer is not a simple yes or no.
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee, like many modern SUVs, offers a range of drivetrain configurations, and understanding these options is key to determining its capabilities and intended use.
This article will break down the drivetrain options for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, explaining what rear-wheel drive means in this context and how it compares to the all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) systems available. We will explore the various trims and their standard or optional drivetrains, helping you understand which models are RWD and which are not.
Understanding Drivetrain Types: Rwd, Awd, And 4wd
Before diving into the specifics of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, it’s important to clarify the different drivetrain types. These terms often get used interchangeably, but they describe distinct mechanical setups that significantly impact a vehicle’s performance, especially in challenging conditions.
Rear-wheel Drive (rwd)
In a rear-wheel drive system, the engine’s power is sent only to the rear wheels. The front wheels are responsible solely for steering. This setup is common in many cars and trucks. RWD vehicles can offer good acceleration and handling, particularly on dry, paved surfaces. However, they tend to be less capable in slippery conditions like snow, ice, or off-road terrain because the weight distribution often favors the front, leaving less traction on the rear drive wheels.
All-wheel Drive (awd)
All-wheel drive systems are designed to send power to all four wheels, but they do so dynamically. AWD systems typically operate primarily in RWD mode under normal driving conditions to save fuel. When the system detects wheel slippage or a change in road conditions, it automatically engages power to the front wheels as needed. AWD is excellent for improving traction and stability on wet or lightly snowy roads. Most AWD systems are not designed for serious off-roading but provide a significant advantage over RWD in everyday adverse weather.
Four-wheel Drive (4wd)
Four-wheel drive systems, often referred to as 4×4, are more robust and typically offer driver-selectable modes. A traditional 4WD system can operate in RWD for normal driving. When engaged, it locks the front and rear driveshafts together, forcing both axles to rotate at the same speed. This provides maximum traction in challenging off-road situations, deep snow, mud, or sand. Some 4WD systems also include a low-range gear setting (4-Low) for extreme crawling situations.
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee Drivetrain Configurations
Now, let’s apply these definitions to the 2019 Jeep Cherokee. Jeep has a strong heritage in off-road capability, and while the Cherokee is a more road-oriented SUV compared to the Wrangler, it still offers significant all-weather and off-road potential.
The critical point regarding the 2019 Jeep Cherokee is that none of its configurations are purely rear-wheel drive in the traditional sense of a dedicated RWD vehicle. Instead, Jeep offers the 2019 Cherokee with either a standard front-wheel drive (FWD) system or one of its advanced four-wheel drive (4×4) systems.
Front-wheel Drive (fwd) – The Base Configuration
The entry-level models of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee come standard with a front-wheel drive system. In this setup, power from the engine is sent only to the front wheels, which are responsible for both propulsion and steering. This is a common configuration for many SUVs and crossovers, offering good fuel economy and adequate traction for everyday driving on paved roads and in light weather conditions.
When people ask if the 2019 Jeep Cherokee is RWD, they might be confused by the fact that the FWD system is not sending power to the rear. However, it's important to distinguish FWD from RWD.
In FWD, the front wheels drive the vehicle; in RWD, the rear wheels drive the vehicle.
The 2019 Cherokee, in its base form, is FWD, not RWD.
Jeep Active Drive I 4×4 System
The first of Jeep’s 4×4 systems available on the 2019 Cherokee is the Jeep Active Drive I. This is an automatic, full-time 4×4 system designed to provide enhanced traction in various conditions, from wet roads to light snow and ice.
How it works:
The Active Drive I system constantly monitors traction and automatically distributes torque between the front and rear axles. Under normal driving conditions, it primarily sends power to the front wheels to maximize fuel efficiency.
When it detects wheel slip or requires more traction, it seamlessly engages the rear axle to provide power to all four wheels.
This system is fully automatic and requires no driver input. It’s designed for drivers who want added confidence in adverse weather but do not typically engage in serious off-roading.
Jeep Active Drive Ii 4×4 System
Stepping up in capability, the Jeep Active Drive II system is also available. This system builds upon Active Drive I by adding a two-speed power transfer case. This means it includes a traditional 4WD low gear (4-Low).
Key features of Active Drive II:
- Two-Speed Power Transfer Case: This is the main differentiator. The 4-Low gear provides a lower gear ratio, which multiplies engine torque. This is invaluable for:
- Crawling over obstacles at low speeds.
- Towing heavier loads.
- Descending steep grades with greater control.
- Tackling more challenging off-road terrain like rocks or deep mud.
- Driver Selectable Modes: While still largely automatic, Active Drive II allows the driver to engage 4WD Low manually when needed.
- Locking Rear Differential (on some trims/packages): Some configurations with Active Drive II might also include a locking rear differential for even greater off-road traction, but this was not standard across all Active Drive II models.
The Active Drive II system is a significant upgrade for those who anticipate needing more serious off-road capability or towing power than Active Drive I can provide.
Jeep Active Drive Lock 4×4 System
The most capable 4×4 system offered on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee is the Jeep Active Drive Lock. This system includes all the features of Active Drive II but adds a locking rear differential.
What a locking rear differential does:
In a standard open differential, power can be unevenly distributed. If one wheel loses traction (e.g., lifts off the ground or is on ice), it can spin freely while the other wheel on the same axle receives little to no power, leaving the vehicle stuck. A locking rear differential forces both rear wheels to rotate at the exact same speed, regardless of traction. This ensures that if one wheel loses grip, the other wheel can still receive power, propelling the vehicle forward.
Active Drive Lock is the system that most closely aligns with Jeep’s traditional off-road prowess. It’s designed for extreme off-road conditions and offers the maximum possible traction when needed.
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trims And Their Drivetrains
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee was available in several trim levels, each with specific standard and optional drivetrain configurations. Understanding these variations is crucial to answering the RWD question accurately.
Here’s a breakdown of the trims and their typical drivetrain setups:
Latitude (base Model)
- Standard Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
- Optional Drivetrain: Jeep Active Drive I 4×4.
- Engine Options: Typically came with the standard 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir inline-4 engine.
- Key Point: The base Latitude is FWD, not RWD. 4×4 is an option.
Latitude Plus
- Standard Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
- Optional Drivetrain: Jeep Active Drive I 4×4.
- Engine Options: Available with the 2.4L Tigershark or the optional 3.2L Pentastar V6 engine.
- Key Point: Similar to the Latitude, the standard is FWD, with 4×4 being an upgrade.
Trailhawk
- Standard Drivetrain: Jeep Active Drive Lock 4×4.
- Engine Options: Standard with the 3.2L Pentastar V6 engine. The 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 was also an option.
- Key Point: The Trailhawk is specifically designed for off-road capability and always comes with a 4×4 system, specifically the most capable Active Drive Lock. It is never RWD.
Limited
- Standard Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
- Optional Drivetrain: Jeep Active Drive I 4×4 or Jeep Active Drive II 4×4.
- Engine Options: Available with the 2.4L Tigershark, 3.2L Pentastar V6, or the 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine.
- Key Point: The Limited trim starts as FWD, but offers a choice of more advanced 4×4 systems as upgrades.
Overland
- Standard Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
- Optional Drivetrain: Jeep Active Drive I 4×4 or Jeep Active Drive II 4×4.
- Engine Options: Available with the 3.2L Pentastar V6 or the 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine.
- Key Point: The premium Overland trim also begins with FWD, with 4×4 systems available as options for enhanced performance and capability.
Differentiating Fwd From Rwd In The 2019 Cherokee Context
It is crucial to reiterate that the 2019 Jeep Cherokee does not offer a rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration. When you encounter a 2019 Cherokee, it will either be:
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Power goes only to the front wheels. This is the standard setup for base models and many higher trims if the 4×4 option is not selected.
- Four-Wheel Drive (4×4): Power can be sent to all four wheels using one of the Jeep Active Drive systems (I, II, or Lock).
Someone might mistakenly think of FWD as “not RWD” and wonder if it’s RWD, or perhaps confuse the standard FWD with a RWD setup. However, the mechanical reality is that the power is either exclusively at the front (FWD) or distributed between front and rear (4×4).
There is no system where only the rear wheels are driven.
Why Jeep Doesn’t Offer Rwd On The Cherokee
Jeep’s brand identity is deeply rooted in off-road capability and all-weather performance. Offering a rear-wheel drive option on a vehicle like the Cherokee would fundamentally contradict this identity.
- Brand Heritage: Jeep is synonymous with 4×4. From the iconic Wrangler to the Grand Cherokee, most of their lineup emphasizes all-wheel or four-wheel drive systems. Introducing a RWD Cherokee would dilute this core strength.
- Target Market: Buyers looking at a Jeep Cherokee are generally seeking more capability than a typical FWD sedan or crossover. They often want the added security of 4×4 for inclement weather, light off-roading, or towing. A RWD configuration would limit its appeal to this core demographic.
- Competition: Most direct competitors to the Jeep Cherokee in the compact and mid-size SUV segments offer standard FWD with optional AWD or 4×4. Pure RWD configurations are rare in this class, typically reserved for performance-oriented vehicles or some truck-based SUVs.
Performance And Capability Considerations
The drivetrain choice significantly impacts the 2019 Jeep Cherokee’s performance and capability:
Fuel Economy
- FWD models generally offer better fuel economy than their 4×4 counterparts. This is because the FWD system is lighter and has fewer components (no rear driveshaft, no transfer case).
- 4×4 models with the Active Drive I system are optimized for efficiency, often operating in FWD mode until needed. However, they will still consume slightly more fuel than FWD due to the added weight and mechanical drag.
- 4×4 models with Active Drive II and Active Drive Lock (with the two-speed transfer case) will typically have the lowest fuel economy due to the added weight and complexity of the system.
Handling And Stability
- FWD: Offers predictable handling on dry and wet surfaces. In slippery conditions, it can be prone to understeer (front wheels lose grip and the vehicle pushes wide).
- 4×4 (Active Drive I & II): Provides significantly improved stability and traction in rain, snow, and ice. The automatic torque distribution helps prevent wheel slip and maintain control.
- 4×4 (Active Drive Lock): Offers the ultimate in stability and traction, especially in extreme off-road scenarios where maximum grip is essential. The locking differential ensures power is always delivered to both rear wheels.
Off-road Capability
- FWD: Limited to very light off-road use on well-maintained dirt roads or gravel paths. It is not suitable for mud, sand, rocks, or steep, slippery inclines.
- 4×4 (Active Drive I): Capable of handling light off-road trails, gravel roads, and moderate snow conditions. It’s an excellent system for drivers who encounter occasional slippery conditions.
- 4×4 (Active Drive II): Offers enhanced off-road capability due to the 4-Low gear. This allows for better control on steep descents, ascents, and when navigating obstacles. It’s a good choice for mild to moderate off-roading.
- 4×4 (Active Drive Lock): This is the most capable system for serious off-roading. The locking rear differential provides maximum traction in the most challenging terrain, making it the preferred choice for dedicated off-road enthusiasts. The Trailhawk trim, equipped with this system, also features higher ground clearance and other off-road enhancements.
Towing Capacity
Towing capacity can vary based on the engine and drivetrain. Generally, 4×4 models, especially those with the V6 engine and the Active Drive II or Active Drive Lock systems (which often come paired with the V6), tend to have higher towing capacities.
Always check the specific vehicle’s owner’s manual or window sticker for exact towing limits,
