Does Jeep Make a 2 Wheel Drive (2WD) Wrangler? (Revealed!)

Jeep has been known as the king of the off-road. All off-roaders will love the thrill of owning and driving a Jeep. But this doesn’t mean that all Jeeps have high-end off-road capabilities. Jeep has designed many 2WD models of their SUVs to fit the growing demand of drivers who require the experience of driving the Jeep without necessarily having the advantages of the 4WD drivetrain. 

Surprisingly, every Jeep model released to the market comes with both the 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) and the 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) configuration except for the recent models of the Wrangler lineup. 

Jeep has been doing so to ensure that all the Jeep enthusiasts who just need the experience of driving the Jeep but don’t have the pressing need for the 4×4 configuration to own one. 

History of the Jeep Drivetrains

The Willys-Overland company, which made the military Jeep during World War II, developed the Civilian Jeep in 1944. 

The CJ was available as a two-wheel drive and a part-time 4WD drivetrain. 

Later on, Jeep developed the Willys Wagon, which was a popular pickup truck with a conventional 2WD configuration.

4WD was not introduced until 1949.

The Dispatcher Jeep, introduced in 1959, cemented the CJ’s place as a 2WD Jeep model.

This vehicle went on to gain widespread recognition. 

The Jeep enthusiast loved it at the time. 

From the mid-’60s to the early ‘70s, the J-Series pickups were offered in 2WD and 4WD configurations. 

The pickup also served as a prototype for the redesigned 2020 Gladiator, offered only in a four-wheel-drive. 

Jeep first offered a 2WD Grand Cherokee based on the Wagoneer back in 1985. 

A 2WD model of the Cherokee is available with a 4-wheel-drive system as an option on its Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Overland trim levels. 

The Trailhawk has 4WD as a standard option. 

Standard 2WD and 4WD options are available on the Grand Cherokee’s three trim levels, namely Laredo, Limited, and Summit Trim. 

For the Trailhawk and Trackhawk, they come standard with the Quadra-Trac II Active Four-Wheel-drive system, while the Quadra-Trac Active On-Demand 4WD is optional. 

Jeep Patriot is offered with 2WD, but gives an option of a 4WD as well. 

There are four different Renegade trim levels, namely Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, all of which come standard with 2-Wheel-Drive. 

The Compass has both 4WD and 2WD trim levels on their lineup. 

The Evolution of the Wrangler Drivetrains

Later on, in 1987, the Jeep Wrangler dominated the CJ popularity. 

The JK and Sahara trim before 2011 were provided standard with 2WD and an option for 4WD. 

The Rubicon trim level was only available in the 4-Wheel-Drive configuration. 

Later on, in 2011, all Wrangler trim levels drivetrains reached a watershed moment. 

All the Wrangler model years from 2011 and trim levels came standard with four-wheel drive. 

Driving a 2WD Jeep offers significant advantages, such as lower upfront expenses, lower maintenance costs, and better fuel economy. 

However, if your lifestyle necessitates a 4WD vehicle, it is worth considering the extra costs to ensure you are ready for the harshest terrain. 

For most driving situations, 2WD will suffice because it offers more torque and traction while also requiring less maintenance. 

For excellent off-road performance, you need a capable 4WD capacity, which is required for efficient traction when moving through rocks, mud, and waterways, among other complex terrains. 

When driving in inclement weather, such as snow or ice, the extra traction offered on the 4WD gives your Jeep the control it requires to get out of the problematic condition. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Do all Jeep Wranglers come standard with a rear-wheel-drive configuration? 

There is no front-wheel-drive option on any Jeep Wrangler lineup, the Grand Cherokee and the Unlimited Wrangler models all come standard with a 4WD setup. 

The other popular Jeep models like the Jeep Cherokee, Patriot, Compass, and Renegade come with a front-wheel drive. 

Does 4WD cost more than the 2WD Jeeps? 

Yes. For example, if you consider the new Jeep Cherokee, the 4WD Trailhawk trim level is 25 percent more expensive than the base model Latitude. 

As you move up the trim levels, the price difference reduces. 

But generally, the Jeep that comes with a 4WD option will cost you a few more bucks than that using 2WD only. 

The extra bucks are worth it if you are planning to drive your Jeep in complicated off-road terrains with low traction and waterways. 

Otherwise, the 2WD will suffice for mild off-road conditions. 

The average price difference for the 2WD and 4WD Jeeps is between 10 – 15 percent. 

Are all Jeep Wranglers 4WD? 

Yes, for the model years developed from 2011, the Jeep Wranglers were designed with the 4WD configuration only. 

There is no front-wheel drive option on any of the Jeep Wranglers developed recently. 

If you are looking to buy a 2WD Jeep Wrangler, you will have to buy from the model years released between 2007 – 2010. 

Does the Jeep Wrangler Sahara come with 4WD? 

Yes. The Jeep Wrangler Sahara comes standard with a 4WD configuration coupled with a six-speed manual transmission.

It is equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that gives the Wrangler enough torque to handle the most complicated off-road terrains with ease. 

While the 4WD drivetrain is costly to maintain, these Jeep SUVs are ideal for adventure and off-road excursions in the countryside. 

Do 4WD and 4×4 mean the same thing in the Jeep Wrangler? 

Yes. When a Jeep Wrangler is denoted as 4WD, 4×4, or four by four it means the same thing. 

This implies that all four wheels can be driven simultaneously to give high traction on complex off-road terrains.

All-new model years of the Jeep Wrangler are offered in the 4WD configuration. 

There are four basic drivetrain options for most cars; rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and the 4-wheel drive configuration. 

Jeep Wrangler has been making a 4WD drivetrain for the latest model. 

The last 2-Wheel drive configuration for the Wrangler was developed back in 2010. 

All model years from 2011 onwards were released with the 4WD drivetrain. 

This has limited the options for the Wrangler. 

Drivers who wish to experience the Jeep with plenty of options will have to buy the other Jeep models, which come in both 2WD and 4WD options. 

Which is the best configuration for driving in snow? 4H or 4L?

When driving in snowy or rainy conditions, choose the 4H option to improve your traction on complex off-road terrains. The 4L option should only be used under extreme off-road conditions and low speeds. Driving your Jeep on 4L will consume more gas to give high traction and grip in extreme off-road weather. 

Conclusion

Jeeps are well-loved by off-roaders worldwide because of their sturdy build and off-road capabilities. 

The Jeep SUVs are highly versatile, and they can cater to a wide range of driving needs and styles. 

The new model years Jeeps are designed to be family-centric with plenty of space for both people and cargo. 

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most popular Jeep models received well over the years by off-roaders. 

The new model years of the Jeep Wrangler since the year 2011 are offered in 4WD configuration only. 

The trim levels of the Wrangler offer a wide range of engine options for this model, but the drivetrain is four-wheel drive only. 

Therefore, if you are in the market for a powerful Jeep model that will take you anywhere without the worry of being stuck, the Jeep Wrangler is an excellent option. 

However, this will set you back a great deal of money in initial purchase and will demand some extra maintenance cost compared to its 2WD counterpart. 

All the other Jeep models (save for the Jeep Wrangler) are offered in 2WD and optional 4WD.

Jeep has a history of designing 4WD vehicles, which makes one assume that all Jeeps are 4WD. 

But this is not the case. 

You can enjoy the masculine look and feel of the Jeep SUVs in the lineup without incurring the extra costs and maintenance that the 4WD model comes with.