Jeep’s Trail Rated Badge: Which Is Right For You?
Most Jeep owners love their Jeep for one thing – its trail capabilities. This is what the Jeep’s Trail Rated badge symbolizes – it’s a testament to the vehicle’s off-road prowess. But different Jeep models have different Trail Rated badges, and different badges signify different off-roading capabilities, categories, and strengths.
How do you find the right one for you? Here’s everything you need to know about Jeep’s Trail Badge.
What does the Jeep’s Trail Rated Badge mean?
You have probably noticed that round badge on a Jeep that says “Trail Rated” and wondered what it means. Is it just for bragging rights, or is there something more to it? Well, for one thing, this emblem is a mark of off-road excellence and safety. Jeep models that have undergone and passed a series of rigorous off-roading tests to ensure capabilities are given this badge.
Trail Badge’s test is sorted into five categories: traction, water fording, maneuverability, and ground clearance. Each Jeep model that earns this badge has proven to excel in these areas. Jeep models with this badge are guaranteed to be more than capable of taking on the toughest terrains and harshest weather conditions. This is what the spirit of Jeep life is about – to give drivers the confidence to take their vehicle anywhere and do anything with it.
Are all Jeeps Trail Rated?
However, it is important to note that not all Trail Rated models are made equal. As said earlier, different models have different ratings, and therefore, they have different badges. Some excel in certain areas, and this is where your personal preference and off-road needs come into the picture.
The Five Rigorous Tests: Jeep’s Trail Rated Badge
Traction
Holding the vehicle steady when in it matters most is the backbone of off-roading. Traction keeps the vehicle moving forward, and good off-road traction will do just that, even when the ground underneath is less than ideal – something you can expect in off-the-road adventures. Whether it’s sand, mud, snow, or rocks, you can expect Trail Rated Jeep to maintain a good grip on the ground and move forward.
The Ideal Trail Rated Badge Model
If your off-road routes often include uneven and slippery surfaces or you want a dependable vehicle to tackle snowstorms, then Jeep models with advanced 4×4 systems will give you maximum traction. The best examples are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Wrangler. Both models will stay in control, regardless of the road condition.
Water Fording
While you would never dare to intentionally drive your regular car near a body of water, off-road vehicles can venture into that territory without issues. A Trail Rated Jeep for example, is specifically designed to handle water crossing with ease. This is because its air intake is positioned high, and all of its electrical connections are sealed for safety, allowing the vehicle to drive through ponds, streams, and various moderate and shallow bodies of water without fear.
The Ideal Trail Rated Badge Model
If you love the thrill of river crossing with your Jeep or driving through heavy rain, then the Jeep Cherokee is the Trail Rated Jeep for you. It comes with superior water fording capabilities. Generally, however, most Jeeps with Trail Rated badges can handle up to 20 inches of water without any issues.
Maneuverability
Jeep knows its consumers prefer to take their vehicles away from the boring, predictable paved and marked city roads and highways. Thus, they equip their Trail Badge vehicles with the capabilities to handle the demands of twists and turns of rough terrains and everything that comes with it. This means you can expect to navigate tight spaces with precision steering without compromising stability when going off-road with your Jeep.
The Ideal Trail Rated Badge Model
If you want a compact yet powerful Jeep that can wade through trails with finesse, then the Jeep Renegade is a great option. Its small stature makes it easy to control in tight spaces without compromising power to tackle rugged roads.
Articulation
Off-roading means driving through rough and uneven surfaces, and this requires suspension to move with the demands of the terrain and keep all four wheels on the ground—hence, articulation. The better the vehicle’s articulation, the better it stays in contact with the ground, providing traction, maneuverability, and safety. This is extremely important for serious off-roading, rocky terrains, or roads with many potholes.
The Ideal Trail Rated Badge Model
The best Trail Badge Jeep for this is the Jeep Wrangler. The superb articulation in this vehicle ensures you can confidently climb over rocks and various obstacles without losing balance and traction.
Ground Clearance
Ground clearance is the space between the vehicle’s undercarriage and the ground; in other words, it’s how high the vehicle sits off the ground. For well-traveled paths, high ground clearance performs better where approach, breakover, or departure angle is a factor. For off-roading, the higher the ground clearance, the less likely it is to get stuck on various road obstacles, such as rocks, roots, etc.
The Ideal Trail Rated Badge Model
If you prefer tackling steep climbs or crawling over large rocks, the Jeep Gladiator is the ideal model for you. It has the most impressive ground clearance in the selection. Moreover, the Jeep Wrangler is also a good alternative, especially if you equip it with a lift kit.
The Takeaway
Jeep’s Trail Rated Badge is not a marketing gimmick from Jeep; it’s their badge of honor. It shows their dedication to the offroading lifestyle—which is the very reason why one would want to own a Jeep in the first place. So, which one is right for you? It depends on the type of off-roading you want and need.
Nevertheless, whatever Jeep you choose, the Trail Rated badge will give you the confidence for the adventure you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Trail Rated Jeep?
The best Trail Rated Jeep is the one that fits your preferences and needs. Jeep Wrangler however, is widely considered as the most versatile choice. It’s a serious off-road machine with excellent articulation and good ground clearance.
What is the difference between Trail rated and regular Jeep?
The Trail Rated models mean these Jeep models have undergone extensive testing for off-roading, making them capable of handling the roughest terrains. Regular Jeep models may not have these enhanced capabilities, making them ideal for daily driving rather than off-roading.
