2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk - Testing the Active Drive 4x4 System

A quick look at the modes of the Jeep Active Drive 4x4 system, how they differ, how to engage them and when to use them effectively.
I took a quick ride to Prairie City OHV and found an obstacle to show how each mode of this system acts in the real world.
This is my first video. I have several hours of footage from our overlanding and exploring trips from the past and present for future videos. Forgive the audio quality, I'm working to improve it.
Thanks for watching and for joining me on these trips and trails.
This video is not meant as a technical reference. For technical information about your vehicle, see your owners manual.

[@AscendingBliss]

The Cherokee Trailhawk is absolutely unequivocally the most underrated off-road-capable vehicle in the US.

[@TheHighwinder]

Rear locker: Be in 4lo (which requires a temp neutral to shift into), but be moving forward slightly to engage the locker itself. Otherwise the locker indicator light can sit there and blink forever and never engage if you're just sitting still. Slight side-to-side steering and forward motion is required to pop the locker right in. This is right out of the owner's manual.

[@lanamarie3626]

Hi how are you doing today

[@UncleBildo]

I love my '19 Trailhawk. Still not 100% sure the 2.0T is gonna last a long long time, but will see. 40K miles on it, I drive it like I stole it most of the time. It's just a fun little gokart type rig. Hauls ass on the pavement, loves gravel roads, handles 2 track roads, cattle trails, and improved trails. I've owned cars for 40 years plus now, this has been my favorite. It is quicker than most everything I ever owned, drives like a dream on and off road, and will go places my F-150 bucks and paws and throws rocks trying to go. In many cases, I'd wager my Trailhawk would go where my side by side would not. They are fairly evenly matched, with the side by side having just 2 inches more clearance, but way less HP to weight. Potentially looking at adding portal axles in the future, for when it's mostly my putzing around in the dirt rig.

[@DrRoxzo-fc5qs]

Thank you I have watched so many videos and this explains everything so much better. You sir have earned a like

[@JeighPunzel]

that was some great knowledge right there. Thanks so much for all the information!

[@CanadaDryFb]

Excellent video. This was the best explanation of the vehicles off road capabilities that I've watched so far. Really just perfect. ... I want one.

[@shawncell1247]

off road capabilities lol

[@road-channel]

Get one I have mine since 2 years and its really good

[@EricLS]

That was the fastest rear lock I have ever seen in a Cherokee. Mine blinks for a billion years until I roll around a bit.

[@road-channel]

In my cherokee at first I was having trouble to lock it in but I get a trick to just let off the throttle and turn it locks right in immediately

[@DevTheBigManUno]

One of the things I've noticed about the Cherokee. It's the most useful 4x4 system of all the Jeeps. The Wrangler/Gladiator can't use their 4 system unless they're on slippery terrain.

[@pkarowic]

Great video. I have the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk in white and have had it for over 2 years. I have done some easy trails to get to camping spots as I pull a small Geo Pro 12srk behind me. Great vehicle to help me get away to do some off grid camping. Thanks again for the info. Stay safe.

[@shawncell1247]

lol

[@franksabatine9075]

Awesome video , I own a 22 trailhawk , very cool to see what it can do .

[@cmcrow1]

Very useful for new Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk owners. Thanks!

[@beatrixbrennan1545]

Thanks. Had my trailhawk for a year and wasn't sure how to engage all the systems. Thanks so much for the valuable info

[@ShoeManReview]

Great job! Very well worded and explained for all to understand.

[@marcusmacdonald3034]

hold traction button for 10 seconds turns stability full off because when you just press it its never actually full off. try it !

[@road-channel]

Thats really true and many videos I see they dont do it 5 seconds and have trouble to get up a hill or mud/snow

[@Kusgan4x4]

Amazing, I'm sold

[@one-WildCard]

I'll never understand why some KZbinrs need to have the background music so high. I hear that more than you.

[@manuelrivera6873]

one interesting thing I read in the owners manual page 163 wish (2015 cherokee TH). it says that you can put it into 4 wheel drive low without the engine on. just make sure the ignition is on!

[@jeffreyschwab5304]

Excellent video

[@khanadda222]

Appreciate the tips. One correction: Putting the transmission in neutral may not be the best option when locking the rear axle. I found mine would not lock that way when I needed it. The manual says: Vehicle speed must be below 15 mph" and "It may also be necessary to drive slowly steering back and forth to complete engagement or disengagement of the E-locker" (page 123 for the 2021 Cherokee). I'd recommend locking the rear axle ahead of time if you think you're going to need it. I like the rest of the content.

[@road-channel]

Yeah just let the throttle off and turn it will lock immediately, I think it does not engage when throttle of brake is applied.

[@matthewt6513]

Try being softer on the Gas. Just like you said in the video the computer is thinking and actively applying power to the wheels with the most traction. Allowing you to crawl up something instead of trying to power through it.

[@mert_1]

Exactly what I was going to say couldn't really see the system working he just hauled ass up the hill.

[@matthewmoorecichlids2323]

Thank you for these tips. Didn’t know about the traction control

[@redpointwotb]

Perfect !

[@ttkk9]

fantastic video ! what tire size are you in? and do you have a lift?

[@kaysenb2262]

just got a 2019 Trailhawk as well! Appreciate the info!

[@shawncell1247]

lol

[@treorross99]

Great video thanks

[@derekmilligan]

Subscribed! Great video. You live in the Sac area? I'm in sac and will be purchasing a trailhawk here soon.

[@natashaarksey8204]

Did you buy? I'm in the Sac area as well.

[@derekmilligan]

@@natashaarksey8204 I did! I bought a 2017 Trailhawk. Its already gotten broken in pretty well on the trails. Good times!

[@rustfromtheroad]

Great video. Thank you

[@manuelrivera6873]

enjoyed your video. definitely sounds like you know what you are talking about. I just picked up my Jeep Cherokee trailhawke 2015 from the dealership for a PTU replacement because of 2 problems that it had. One it would not go into 4 wheel drive because of the electric motor actuator. I let this go since I just needed 2 wheel drive op. It finally caused me to take it in because it got stuck somehow into 4 wheel drive low. The service writer who picked me up was unable to get the car into 4 wheel drive low when I asked him to try it. He was trying to do it on a gravel parking lot. Taking it in after the holiday. Can you give me a link to better understand this system. The user manual is limited.

[@dbdb703]

Those are some cool tips and sweet sunglasses. What brand of sunglasses are they?

[@sbond1963]

Just wondering how your transmission and PTU are holding up. I’m not happy with the transmission in my 2019. Seems very confused. Constantly clunking in and out of gears.

[@GongshowGarage]

Great vid

[@mattjingles5758]

Was this the V6 or the 4 cylinder?

[@007diego2]

Solid, informative video. Thank you.

[@dingii100]

I live in sacramento and have a 18 trail hawk!!

[@svenlindahl5607]

Nice work. How about covering those other modes like sand/gravel. Sport mode, my favorite, is self explanatory

[@likeorasgod]

The manual does a piss poor job explaining the modes so yah would be nice to see what they actually did or do. Like what the hell does SPORT REALLY DO?

[@paulcormier6278]

@@likeorasgod I agree! The manual is full of warnings about everything but I can't find basic information in it which is frustrating.

[@AldermanFredCDavis]

I had no idea the Cherokee (Trailhawk) was so off-road capable. Seems to be second only to the Wrangler Rubicon............or perhaps third or fourth to some of the more expensive GC trim levels.

[@seanwatson3790]

Check out Colorado mallcrawlers KZbin channel , you'll see what they can do. But also they are more capable than the grand Cherokee trailhawk because they see the only trailhawk version that comes with a mechanical rear locker. The gc only has a limited slip rear diff. The only other jeep period you can get with just a rear locker is the gladiator Mojave

[@seanwatson3790]

And I have off roaded with gc trailhawks and the lsd just doesn't compare to a true mechanical locker

[@TnTTyler]

@@seanwatson3790 if its rear limited slip why does it lock like in this video??? kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIOmpnmBr6x0r68

[@c0brax]

👏👏👏👏

[@natashaarksey8204]

I'm looking for a relatively spacious compact SUV, good for soft off-roading and in snow, mountainous roads. I was looking at this Jeep vs the Forester or even the Rav4 (all 2019-ish) as the jack of trades budget friendly-ish options. Thanks for the video - but yes the audio/music wasn't grea. But I do appreciate on screen comments - much easier for my brain to compute ;)

[@allteeth]

Honestly all of them seem to be great options. I'm partial to this model for me because of the way I use it, which is long trips and tough trails. If you are mostly doing long trips and camping, a RAV4 hybrid would be great. If you are doing moderate trails and some light snow mud and rain, a Forester would be great. If you are looking for something that is reasonably efficient with serious 4x4 capabilities, the Cherokee Trailhawk might be right. Also, the Cherokee is not great for space. Both other options have far more space. Good luck, take care.

[@MNgunhead]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time.

[@rafaelnieves978]

What driving on a beach. Should I just use the sand mode with 4Hi

[@nathanm6143]

Yes. No need for 4 low in sand unless you need to lock your rear if you get stuck. Air your tires down to about 10 psi

[@FoxtrotUniformCharlieKilo774]

First thing, don't stability control off. If he would have done ANY research and just placed the terrain knob to "sand/mud" that'd be done for him and the vehicle would be correctly configured for the situation he put it in. Also, "4x4 is always engaged". No it isn't. The PTU disengages the rear drivetrain when slippage isn't present. This is the case with all Active Drive types on the Cherokee, Compass, Renegade and Chrysler 200 awd that have the 948TE auto transmission. I cringed hard when he went up first incline... Chooses the worst possible line with low clearance and doesn't allow the brake lock differential time to correct traction issues, then goes up again in low range and floors it. WTF. Crawl ratio doesn't determine traction. 4 low can be used anywhere. There's not a "binding" issue present on PTU 4wd vehicles when the rear locker isn't engaged. Also, there's no u-joints to bind while turning. You don't need to stop to activate the rear locker. It actually helps it engage/disengage when moving slowly.

[@road-channel]

All good except he could have been on Rock to get up there but sand/mud is fine too, he was climbing and need wheel spin out instead of going into sand or mud there he can keep some wheel spin to keep momentum. In 2 3 inches of snow, snow mode is okay but in over 4inches of snow I like sand/mud better and even with traction control puched 5 seconds is even better but it understeer more than to press it just 1 second.

[@offroad_adventures2934]

Does the 4Lo and rear lock work in other modes like snow and mud for example?

[@seanwatson3790]

Ya. You can have the locker engaged regardless as long as you're in 4 low. Also the rock mode does have a significantly more agressive power delivery than even 4 auto or any of the other low modes.

[@TnTTyler]

@@seanwatson3790 Actually it doesn't, I see you are still giving out false information. Rock mode is nothing more than aggressive Brake lock differential programming meaning that it will brake the wheels much sooner than the other selec terrain modes.

[@JBlinky67]

Any trouble with your transmission?

[@dturner73]

Following

[@allteeth]

I had a leak caused by a poor dealer installation. It led to a transmission replacement. Better than new now.

[@kerrietorrez2095]

R says: we should subscribe 🤗

[@ra200]

Have you had any of the transmission issues

[@goodcat4644]

Thanks

[@RicardoRC1028]

All good 0nly the travel damper is very long

[@jarodcrazyindian]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@baja5racer1]

Good video but lose the damn background music

[@oneiros1401]

So it is not a true 4x4? I did some research and it sounds like it's an all wheel drive and not a true 4x4 like on a wrangler?

[@allteeth]

It's 'AD Lock'. Full time 4x4 with a mechanical locking rear diff and terrain response control. It's as real as it gets.

[@Volta24]

The only real 4x4 is wrangler and Mitsubishi L200. But the 4x4 from this Jeep is on second place.😉

[@lanamarie3626]

Hi how are you doing today

[@flexsight8252]

3,2 or 2,4 engine?

[@road-channel]

3.2 or 2.0Turbo, the Trailhawk dont have the 2.4

[@flexsight8252]

@@road-channel i have 2,4 trailhawk

[@road-channel]

@@flexsight8252 hmhh I really would't have tought hehe normally I just comment when I'm really sure about something but allright hehe I will remove my comment after that lol what year do you have?

[@flexsight8252]

@@road-channel 2014 year

[@allteeth]

This is a 2.0 Turbo. My personal preference, although the V6 is just fine too.

[@kanzerveruskan]

Jeep Cherokee trailhawk or Ford Everest?

[@lanamarie3626]

Hi how are you doing

[@MissDrAyLa]

You test are invalid . On 4 high you go pretty slow. On 4 low you go a bit faster with more rpm On 4 low with diff lock you go pedal to the metal ??? To make a comparison between mode you need to keep the same rpm and speed busy.

[@shawncell1247]

from a transmission rebuild perspective its junk and that my honest review of the zf trans

[@joeycamacho4295]

what does that even mean? not worth fixing if it breaks? or it breaks without reason?

[@JS-qi1ou]

Chrysler's TorqueFlite Transmissions are known for being Doo Doo, can't handle torque to save it's life.

[@kennethcurtis1856]

Why do you tubers feel it necessary to speed thru a video like ants crawling all over their balls?

[@shawncell1247]

awd lol

[@shawncell1247]

@@Tbobelak i have seen many of jeep trail hawk with burned up transmission rear diff clutch pack with broken cases and many computer re flash reprogramming for shift bump many electrical problems the hole car is just one big money pit i repair many every year as i run a transmission shop. not trying to upset you.but keep on buying them ,as i love making money off them LOL

[@allteeth]

@@shawncell1247 You just described every Jeep ever.

[@BillBurnette]

@@allteeth every Jeep ever has a crappy transmission???

[@darrylg7600]

It’s all fun until the PTU fails. And it will. Then Chrysler wants $5000. And these fail frequently. Every single one will fail. I would never buy another one of these piles of junk. Buy a Toyota!

[@JS-qi1ou]

Chrysler mechanics love Jeep products because it's great for business.

[@manuelrivera6873]

I just had the PTU replaced on my 2015 cherokee trailhawke and it cost me just under 2400. My dealership gave me some discounts

[@FoxtrotUniformCharlieKilo774]

$1900. Installed. You must suck at negotiating. Also, only 2014-2016 had PTUs with faulty shift modules. If it's replaced with the current revision, the problem no longer exists. Lastly, I don't want to have rust issues and underhood fires like Tacomas have.

[@darrylg7600]

@@FoxtrotUniformCharlieKilo774 3 different dealers here in Saskatchewan said the same thing. $5500 installed. No warranty if I do it myself. And I am a GM tech. And I rebuild transmissions and transfer cases and PTO’s. Screw this fiat garbage. She drives a Mazda now.