The Jeep is a popular vehicle for off-road enthusiasts. The American company was founded in 1941 by Winfield S. Welford, who designed it to meet the needs of military personnel in the war as a military vehicle.
Today, Jeep offers a wide range of vehicles that can be used for different purposes. The first off-roaders were rugged models with four wheels and an open body. They were capable of moving over any terrain with ease. However, today’s models are much more sophisticated and offer increased safety and comfort features.
The first thing you should know about Jeep trail ratings is that they are different from other vehicle ratings. The reason for this is the difference in the type of terrain a Jeep can tackle. Jeeps are built to be tough and durable, but they are not designed to go off-road very often. However, there are times when you want to take your Jeep off-road and explore some of the rougher terrains in your area.
Trail rated Jeeps are made for more challenging terrain. The terrains typically have steep inclines, rocky sections, and other obstacles that require a more experienced driver. If you’re new to off-roading, it’s best to start with a non-trail rated Jeep. On the other hand, non-trail rated Jeep trails are less challenging, but they’re still a great way to explore the outdoors.
This article will discuss the Jeep trail rated meaning and help you pick between the Jeep trail rated vs non trail rated versions. So, let’s dive in.
What is a Trail Rated Jeep?
A trail rated Jeep is a vehicle that has been tested for certification by the U.S. Government and specifically for use on rugged trails. Trail rated vehicles have more than just off-road capability. They have additional requirements that make them better suited for off-road use than non-trail rated cars.
Trail rated vehicles have:
- A higher maximum speed than non-trail rated cars (usually 25 mph faster).
- A higher minimum turning radius than non-trail rated cars (usually 20% to 40% wider).
- A lower center of gravity than non-trail rated cars (to improve stability when going over obstacles).
A trail rated Jeep is a vehicle that has been designed to be capable of tackling the most challenging terrains. These vehicles are built specifically for off-road use and can tackle anything that comes their way.
Trail Rated Jeeps can be broken down into two categories: Rubicon and Overland. The Rubicon is the most basic of the two, while the Overland has more features, such as an electronic differential lock, remote locking hubs, and larger tires. Trail rated Jeeps include: The Wrangler, Jeep Renegade, Grand Cherokee, Jeep Compass and Jeep Cherokee.
What is a Non-Trail Rated Jeep?
A non-trail rated vehicle is a vehicle that doesn’t meet the minimum requirements for a trail vehicle. Trail rated vehicles are required to have certain equipment installed as standard equipment and be able to travel off-road.
Trail rated vehicles include all other types of 4WD vehicles, such as ATVs and UTVs. They may also include other types of vehicles, such as mini-trucks, vans, and cars that can be used in an emergency.
Non-trail rated vehicles are often used by people who want to go off-road but don’t want to spend the money on a fully-equipped 4WD vehicle. They’re great for commuting around town or enjoying yourself in your backyard or local park.
A non-rated Jeep does not have the required equipment for trail rides. This equipment helps you get out of trouble if you get stuck.
A non-rated Jeep will not have any of the following:
- A winch.
- A roof rack.
- An exterior light bar with working lights.
- A cargo carrier behind the seat or on top of the rear window.
How are Jeeps Trail Rated?
The Jeep Trail Rated program is a comprehensive, multi-step process that begins at the factory. All Jeeps are thoroughly inspected and tested by an independent lab to ensure they meet standards. They should be built with the best materials, finished in the most durable manner possible, and meet all federal safety standards.
This is done in accordance with measures highlighted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Once these tests are complete, a certification trail rated badge will be applied to every new Jeep model. The tests are in various areas that include:
- Articulation.
- Ground Clearance.
- Maneuverability.
- Water Fording.
- Traction.
The trail rating system consists of a number and letter combination that indicates the difficulty level for a particular Jeep vehicle. For example, Rubicon Wrangler Unlimited is a rugged vehicle that can be used on the most extreme off-road trails in the world.
Jeep ratings are determined by NHTSA and are based on a variety of factors, including:
- Weight Rating – The maximum permissible gross combined weight for passenger vehicles, light trucks, and vans. This is also known as GVWR.
- Cargo Rating – The maximum permissible gross combined weight for the vehicle and its cargo. This does not include the driver. The maximum allowable weight for a car with four-wheel drive is 3,500 pounds; with two-wheel drive, it is 2,250 pounds; with no power steering or air conditioning system, it is 1,750 pounds.
- Engine Power – Maximum horsepower rating of engines in vehicles that can tow trailers or carry more than seven people, including the driver.
- Towing Capacity – Maximum towing capacity of a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission when carrying passengers other than the driver.
Benefits of Having a Trail Rated Jeep
There are a lot of benefits to having a trail rated Jeep.
- The Jeep has a high ground clearance, which allows you to climb over rocks and roots. You can even drive-up sand dunes with ease.
- The Jeep is built for off-road adventures and thus can handle rough terrain. It also comes with a four-wheel drive system, allowing you to go on any terrain without worrying about getting stuck.
- The Jeep is comfortable and easy to maneuver, especially when going up or down steep hills or dunes. With its high ground clearance, there are no problems driving through challenging terrain.
- When driving on rough terrain, the Jeep has an air suspension system that makes it easier for you to float over obstacles in your path.
- This vehicle will be perfect if you want to go fast on dirt roads. The Jeep has an engine that can produce up to 300 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft., so it’s quite powerful.
Disadvantages of Having a Trail Rated Jeep
- The biggest disadvantage to having a trail rated jeep is that it costs more. Trail rated jeeps have much more expensive engines and transmissions, as well as stronger axles. The higher cost of these components is why the price tag for a rated jeep is often much higher than the non-rated version.
- Another disadvantage of having a rated Jeep is that they are harder to drive on the road. Because they have so many off-road features, they tend to be slower off-road than their non-trail rated counterparts.
- The Jeep may be too heavy for some people to handle well. Your vehicle must be easy enough to lift into the air when climbing over obstacles or moving through certain areas. Otherwise, you could damage your vehicle or injure yourself in several ways when trying to move it around.
- Another disadvantage is that having extra weight on your vehicle can cause it to bounce around more than it should, causing it to vibrate more than usual. In addition, if there are any bumps in the road or other objects in front of the Jeep, these vibrations could cause problems for passengers.
- Additionally, there is a high cost of maintaining it. This includes paying for fuel, tires, and other parts that get used up quickly when you are on the road.
- It takes a lot more time to maintain your trail rated Jeep. If you buy a new one, it will probably be much more expensive than an older model (even if they do depreciate in value).
Differences Between a Trail-Rated and a Non-Trail Rated Jeep
The main differences between a trail-rated and a non-trail rated jeep features are the following:
- More features – Rated vehicles are designed for off-road use and often come equipped with suspension and drivetrain components better suited to rough terrain. The chassis is the most significant difference between a these two Jeeps.
- Ground clearance – Rated vehicles have more clearance between the wheels and the ground, which allows them to travel over obstacles with less risk of damage. Its frame is also reinforced with heavy gauge steel, which makes it stronger and more durable than its non-trail rated counterpart.
- Reinforced frames – Non-rated vehicles have simple frames that are not reinforced, so they could potentially get stuck in soft soil or mud during off-road adventures. This could lead to damage or breakdowns, especially if they are driven into difficult terrain like sand dunes or rocky hillsides.
- Better Suspension – Trail rated Jeeps have better suspension, which means they can handle rough terrain better than their counterparts.
- Better Tires – Trail rated Jeeps have better tires. This means they will hold up better on rough terrain than non-rated Jeeps.
- Higher Mileage – Rated Jeeps get more gas mileage than non-trail rated Jeeps, which helps save you money when driving long distances.
- More Power – Trail rated Jeeps have more power than non-rated Jeeps, so you can drive faster, but not too fast because there is no speed limit on trails.
- Better offroad capabilities – Trail rated vehicles have an additional 4-wheel drive system that allows them to handle off-road conditions. This is not to be confused with the term “off-road capable,” which refers to the ability of a vehicle to navigate rugged terrain without damage. The most common trail rating is 4WD.
Jeep Trail Rated Vs Non-Trail Rated: How to Choose
When choosing between a trail rated and non-trail rated Jeep, there are several factors to consider.
- The first is the type of terrain you’ll be traveling on. If you’re going on a road trip or cross-country adventure, then a rated vehicle will be more suitable for your needs.
However, if you plan to take your Jeep off-road frequently and possibly even into rough terrain, a non-rated SUV may be more suitable for your needs. - The second factor is whether or not you plan on taking your Jeep off-road often or just occasionally. If this is the case, getting a rated SUV with all-terrain tires may be a good idea. Doing this helps extend the life of your tires and protect them from wear and tear.
- How much money you want to spend on your vehicle. Trail rated SUVs tend to cost more than non-rated SUVs. This is because they have better suspensions and other features that help them handle rougher terrain better than their counterparts.
- Finally, if you’re looking for something that will last for many years without needing expensive repairs or maintenance, a non-rated jeep would be better suited for your needs.
Final Word
You are now conversant with Jeep trail rated vs non trail rated vehicles. If you plan to do some off-roading, then it may be a good idea to get a jeep that has been trail rated. This will give you the confidence to go off-road and not worry about breaking anything. Of course, this is not always possible, but it’s something to keep in mind when choosing your vehicle.
Having a rated Jeep will give you many benefits. The main benefit is that it allows you to go off-road, which most people want to do.
Off-roading can be very fun and exciting, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. With a rated jeep, you can go off-road with no problem because the vehicle has been tested for its ability to handle rough terrain.
