Are Jeep Grand Cherokees good in the snow? This is a common question for anyone living in a snowy climate or planning winter road trips. Jeep Grand Cherokees handle snowy conditions effectively thanks to their available Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system.
In short, yes, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the best SUVs for snow. But not all models are equal. The answer depends on the specific trim, tires, and optional features you choose.
Let’s break down exactly what makes the Grand Cherokee a winter warrior. We’ll cover its four-wheel-drive systems, ground clearance, traction control, and more. You’ll also learn what to look for when buying one for snow driving.
Are Jeep Grand Cherokees Good In The Snow
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is built for harsh weather. Its design and engineering focus on off-road capability, which translates directly to snow performance. The high ground clearance helps you plow through deep snow without getting stuck.
The available Quadra-Drive II system is a game-changer. It includes an electronic rear differential that can send power to the wheel with the most grip. This means if one wheel is on ice, the system shifts torque to the other wheel.
Even the base Quadra-Trac I system is good. It provides full-time four-wheel drive that automatically distributes power. You don’t have to switch anything on—it just works.
Key Snow Features Of The Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Quadra-Drive II with Electronic Limited-Slip Differential: This is the top-tier system. It gives you maximum traction on slippery surfaces.
- Quadra-Trac II: A two-speed transfer case for extra low-end power in deep snow or steep hills.
- Selec-Terrain Traction Management System: You can choose Snow, Sand/Mud, or Rock modes. The Snow setting adjusts throttle response and shift points for better control.
- Ground Clearance: Most models have 8.6 to 10.8 inches of clearance. This helps you avoid getting high-centered in snow drifts.
- Available Air Suspension: You can raise the vehicle for extra clearance in deep snow. It also lowers at highway speeds for better aerodynamics.
These features make the Grand Cherokee a strong performer in winter. But remember, tires are the most important factor. Even the best four-wheel-drive system is useless with worn all-season tires.
Which Grand Cherokee Trim Is Best For Snow
Not all trims are created equal for snow driving. The base Laredo and Limited are fine for light snow. But if you face heavy snow or icy roads regularly, you want the Trailhawk or Overland.
Trailhawk Trim
The Trailhawk is the off-road king. It comes standard with Quadra-Drive II, an electronic rear differential, and underbody skid plates. It also has a 1-inch factory lift for extra ground clearance. This trim is ideal for deep snow and unplowed roads.
Overland And Summit Trims
These luxury trims also offer Quadra-Drive II as an option. They come with the air suspension system, which is great for adjusting ride height. The leather seats and heated steering wheel add comfort during cold commutes.
SRT And Trackhawk Trims
These high-performance trims are not ideal for snow. They have lower ground clearance and performance tires that lose grip in cold weather. You can still drive them in snow, but you’ll need dedicated winter tires.
How The Quadra-Drive II System Works In Snow
Quadra-Drive II is the star of the show. It uses three main components to keep you moving in snow:
- Full-time four-wheel drive: Power is always sent to all four wheels. No need to engage anything manually.
- Electronic rear limited-slip differential: This locks the rear axle when one wheel slips. It can send up to 100% of torque to the wheel with grip.
- Brake traction control: If a wheel spins, the system applies the brake to that wheel. This transfers power to the opposite wheel.
In practice, this means you can accelerate on icy roads without wheel spin. The system works automatically, so you can focus on steering. It’s especially useful when starting from a stop on a snow-covered hill.
Selec-Terrain System In Snow Mode
When you select Snow mode, the vehicle adjusts several things:
- Throttle response becomes softer to prevent sudden acceleration.
- The transmission starts in second gear to reduce wheel spin.
- Four-wheel drive engagement is optimized for low-traction surfaces.
- Stability control allows a little more wheel slip for momentum.
This mode makes the Grand Cherokee feel planted and predictable on snow. You don’t have to fight the vehicle—it works with you.
Ground Clearance And Snow Depth
Ground clearance is critical for snow driving. If your vehicle bottoms out on snow, you get stuck. The Grand Cherokee offers several clearance levels:
- Base models: 8.6 inches
- With air suspension in Off-Road 1 mode: 9.7 inches
- With air suspension in Off-Road 2 mode: 10.8 inches
- Trailhawk: 10.8 inches standard
For comparison, a typical sedan has about 5 to 6 inches of clearance. The Grand Cherokee’s height lets you drive through 8 to 10 inches of fresh snow without issue. With the Trailhawk, you can handle up to 12 inches or more.
Approach And Departure Angles
These angles matter when driving in deep snow or over snowbanks. The Grand Cherokee has good approach and departure angles, especially the Trailhawk. This means the front bumper won’t dig into snow as easily.
Winter Tires Make A Huge Difference
No matter how good the Grand Cherokee is in snow, tires are everything. The factory all-season tires are decent for light snow. But for serious winter driving, you need dedicated winter tires.
Winter tires have a special rubber compound that stays flexible in cold temperatures. They also have deeper tread patterns with more sipes for biting into ice. A set of winter tires on your Grand Cherokee transforms it into a snow machine.
Recommended Winter Tires For Grand Cherokee
- Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2: Excellent ice and snow traction. Quiet on dry roads.
- Michelin X-Ice Snow: Long-lasting and great for packed snow.
- Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT: Good for heavy snow and slush.
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3: Top-tier for extreme winter conditions.
If you live in an area with frequent snow, invest in a second set of wheels with winter tires. This saves your all-season tires and gives you the best snow performance.
Heated Features And Comfort In Snow
The Grand Cherokee offers several features that make winter driving more comfortable:
- Heated front and rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Remote start system
- Heated windshield wiper park area
- Heated side mirrors
These features help you stay warm and clear ice from the windshield quickly. Remote start is especially useful—you can warm up the cabin before you even step outside.
Visibility In Snow
The Grand Cherokee has large windows and a high driving position. This gives you a good view of the road and potential hazards. The available automatic high-beam headlights help you see better in dark, snowy conditions.
The rearview camera and parking sensors are also helpful when backing up in snow. They help you avoid hidden obstacles like curbs or snowbanks.
Fuel Economy In Winter Conditions
Winter driving reduces fuel economy for any vehicle. The Grand Cherokee is no exception. The V6 engine gets about 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. In snow, expect 15-18 mpg due to increased resistance and idling.
The V8 engine is more powerful but less efficient. It gets around 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. In winter, you might see 12-15 mpg. If fuel economy is a concern, stick with the V6.
The diesel engine option offers better fuel economy, around 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. It also provides good low-end torque for snow driving. However, diesel engines can have issues in extreme cold if not properly maintained.
Common Snow Driving Issues And Solutions
Even with a capable vehicle, snow driving has challenges. Here are common issues and how to handle them in a Grand Cherokee:
Getting Stuck In Deep Snow
If you get stuck, don’t spin the wheels. This only digs you deeper. Instead:
- Shift into 4-Low if available.
- Select Snow mode on the Selec-Terrain system.
- Gently apply throttle while steering straight.
- If that doesn’t work, try rocking the vehicle by shifting between Drive and Reverse.
Ice On The Windshield
Use the remote start to warm the cabin. Turn on the defroster and rear defroster. The heated wiper park area helps prevent ice buildup on the wipers.
Reduced Braking Distance
Snow and ice increase stopping distances. The Grand Cherokee has anti-lock brakes, but they don’t defy physics. Leave extra space between you and the car ahead. Brake gently and early.
How The Grand Cherokee Compares To Other SUVs In Snow
The Grand Cherokee is often compared to the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, and Subaru Outback. Here’s how it stacks up:
Vs. Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner has more ground clearance and a rugged body-on-frame design. But it rides rougher and gets worse fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee is more comfortable for daily driving while still being very capable in snow.
Vs. Ford Explorer
The Explorer has a car-based platform that handles better on dry roads. But its ground clearance is lower, and its four-wheel-drive system is less advanced. The Grand Cherokee is better for deep snow.
Vs. Subaru Outback
The Outback has excellent all-wheel drive and good ground clearance for a wagon. But it lacks the low-range gearing and heavy-duty components of the Grand Cherokee. For extreme snow, the Grand Cherokee wins.
Maintenance Tips For Winter Driving
To keep your Grand Cherokee performing well in snow, follow these maintenance tips:
- Check your battery before winter. Cold weather drains batteries faster.
- Use winter-grade windshield washer fluid with a low freezing point.
- Inspect your tires for tread depth and proper inflation.
- Change your oil to the recommended winter viscosity.
- Test your four-wheel-drive system before the first snow.
Fluid Checks
Make sure your coolant is mixed correctly for freezing temperatures. Check the brake fluid and power steering fluid levels. Low fluids can cause problems in cold weather.
Emergency Kit
Keep an emergency kit in your Grand Cherokee during winter. Include:
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Blanket and extra warm clothing
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Small shovel
- Sand or kitty litter for traction
This kit can save you if you get stranded in a snowstorm.
Real-World Owner Experiences
Many Grand Cherokee owners report excellent snow performance. One owner in Colorado says their 2019 Trailhawk handles 12 inches of snow without issues. Another in Minnesota praises the heated seats and remote start for cold mornings.
Some owners note that the stock all-season tires are weak in snow. They recommend upgrading to winter tires for the best experience. A few owners with the SRT trim say it’s manageable with winter tires but not ideal.
Overall, the Grand Cherokee has a strong reputation for snow driving. It’s a common sight in ski resort parking lots and mountain towns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A Jeep Grand Cherokee Handle Heavy Snow?
Yes, especially with the Quadra-Drive II system and winter tires. The Trailhawk trim is best for deep snow due to its extra ground clearance and off-road features.
Is The Jeep Grand Cherokee Good For Ice Driving?
It performs well on ice thanks to its traction control and available electronic limited-slip differential. However, winter tires are essential for safe ice driving.
Does The Jeep Grand Cherokee Have A Snow Mode?
Yes, models with the Selec-Terrain system have a Snow mode. It adjusts throttle, transmission, and stability control for better traction on snow and ice.
What Is The Best Year For Jeep Grand Cherokee In Snow?
Models from 2014 and newer have the most advanced four-wheel-drive systems. The 2018 and later models also have improved Selec-Terrain settings. Avoid early 2000s models with known transmission issues.
Do I Need Snow Tires For A Jeep Grand Cherokee?
While the Grand Cherokee is capable in snow, winter tires significantly improve traction and braking. For frequent snow or ice, they are highly recommended.
Final Verdict: Is The Jeep Grand Cherokee Good In Snow?
Yes, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is excellent in snow. Its four-wheel-drive systems, high ground clearance, and available snow-specific features make it a top choice for winter driving. The Trailhawk and Overland trims are the best options for harsh conditions.
Remember that tires are the most important factor. Even the best Grand Cherokee will struggle on ice without proper winter tires. Invest in a good set, and you’ll have a vehicle that handles snow with confidence.
If you live in a snowy area, the Grand Cherokee is a smart investment. It offers the capability of a traditional off-roader with the comfort of a modern SUV. You won’t be dissapointed with its winter performance.
So, are Jeep Grand Cherokees good in the snow? Absolutely. With the right setup, they are among the best SUVs for winter conditions. Stay safe out there, and enjoy the drive.