Trail Rated – A Badge of Honor

If you find yourself searching for a Jeep dealership near you, then it is probably because you want a rugged vehicle that can keep up with your adventurous lifestyle. And Jeep products are certainly among the most capable off-road machines around. Not only does the iconic Jeep Wrangler provide unrivaled performance, but every single Jeep model is designed to give you the dependability that you require. However, some Jeeps come from the factory with an array of performance features that make them even better than your average Jeep. And these off-road models are identified by the Jeep Trail Rated badge.

The Jeep Trail Rated badge signifies a vehicle that has exceeded Jeep’s high standards and proven itself capable of handling the toughest trails. All elements of a vehicle’s off-road performance are thoroughly tested before the Trail Rated badge is awarded, giving you a vehicle that you know you can count on. All Trail Rated Jeeps come standard with four-wheel drive, enhanced suspension, a reinforced body, and numerous smaller upgrades designed to give them the ability to handle any challenge. And the Trail Rated badge is not reserved for dedicated off-road models such as the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator; it can be found on vehicles from across the Jeep lineup, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

What is in a Badge?

While Jeep’s off-road legacy dates back to the original military Jeeps of World War Two, the Jeep Trail Rated badge is a fairly new piece of the brand’s dedication to adventurous performance. As the family of Jeep models grew in recent years, it became necessary to distinguish the vehicles that were ready for serious off-road driving straight from the factory. And so, in 2004, the Trail Rated badge was unveiled to the public. Any Jeep wearing this badge could be counted on to meet Jeep’s requirements for off-road performance, giving Jeep buyers an easy way to distinguish the most capable vehicles as the number of Jeep models continued to grow.

All vehicles awarded the Trail Rated badge must demonstrate performance in five areas critical to off-road performance. These are traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation, and ground clearance. Although Jeep does not publish its proprietary standards required for a vehicle to be given the Trail Rated badge, the importance of these five performance areas to successful off-roading is clear. And Jeep not only tests its Trail Rated vehicles in a lab, but it also brings them out into the real world to test their capabilities from the cold of northern Michigan to the heat of the Utah deserts. This includes challenging legendary trails from Moab to Rubicon to prove Trail Rated vehicles in the same places that real Jeep owners will use them.

The Five Elements of Performance

Traction is the first of the five areas tested by Jeep and for a good reason. Without superior traction, serious off-roading, or even on-road driving in bad conditions, is simply impossible. In order to have maximum traction, all Trail Rated Jeeps come standard with one of Jeep’s advanced four-wheel drive systems. In fact, “4×4” is even emblazoned on the actual Trail Rated badge, which is a testament to how important this feature is.

Water fording may be a less obvious requirement for drivers new to off-roading, but when you leave roads behind, you will soon encounter rivers that need to be crossed. Most vehicles on the market are incapable of fording anything deeper than a rain puddle without suffering potentially catastrophic damage, but all Trail Rated Jeeps can drive through well over a foot of water without a problem. This gives you the cross-country mobility you need to reach your destination.

Maneuverability is a key aspect of off-roading. Whether navigating narrow trails, negotiating obstacles, or dodging hazards, it is vital that you have a nimble and responsive vehicle when you venture off-road. This is why all Trail Rated Jeeps pay special attention to enhanced handling and agility.

Articulation refers to the ability of a vehicle’s suspension to deal with rugged terrain. Without sufficient articulation, your wheels will lose contact with the ground when driving over uneven surfaces. This will reduce traction and stability, potentially leaving you stuck on the trail. But with a Trail Rated Jeep, articulation will not be a problem.

Ground clearance is perhaps the most obvious of the five elements included in the Trail Rated badge. A taller vehicle is always better able to drive over the many obstacles that will be encountered off-road. However, Jeep’s testing covers far more than just the ride height. It also examines more technical measurements such as approach angle, breakover angle, and departure angle that determine the ability of a vehicle to handle the most difficult terrain.

Which Models are Trail Rated?

Now that you know what the Trail Rated badge represents, you are likely wondering which Jeep models have it. The good news is that every single model in the Jeep lineup has a Trail Rated variant. Whether you are interested in a subcompact Jeep Renegade or a luxurious Jeep Grand Cherokee, you will be able to get the car you want as well as the performance you need. This incredible level of off-road capability across its entire product line is only available with Jeep and is part of what sets this legendary brand apart from other automobile manufacturers.

In the case of Jeep’s four, more conventional SUVs, the Jeep Renegade, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, and Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Trail Rated badge is found on the appropriately named Trailhawk trim level. While the exact details of the Trailhawk trim depend on the vehicle in question, it is a relatively luxurious trim that provides a comfortable driving experience in addition to its superior off-road performance. However, there is one common feature on all the Trailhawk models. If you are not close enough to make out the Trail Rated badge, you can still easily identify this trim by its unique bright red tow hooks.

However, when it comes to the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Gladiator, you will not find a Trailhawk trim. That is because, with these dedicated off-road machines, almost every single trim wears the Trail Rated badge. Even the most basic Sport trim of these two iconic vehicles has all the capabilities needed to pass the rigorous testing required to be considered Trail Rated. The only exception is the Jeep Gladiator Mojave, which is the first Jeep to bear the brand new Baja-inspired Desert Rated badge. However, if even more off-road performance is desired, look for the Rubicon trims. Named for the legendary Rubicon Trail in California, this top trim comes with a ton of additional features that make it the ultimate off-road Jeep.

Time To Explore

If you are looking for outstanding off-road performance from a legendary manufacturer, it is time to visit your local Jeep dealership and find yourself a model with the Trail Rated badge. Whether you want something compact and efficient like the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass, something versatile and luxurious like the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee, or something powerful and iconic like the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator, there is a Trail Rated model for you. And once you find the perfect Jeep, a new world of adventure will open up.

Posted in Jeep Dealer | No Comments »