by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
The button may seem small and unassuming, but its benefits may just change the way you approach off-road driving. And for some, even on-road as well.
Jeep calls it the Off-Road Plus mode which, according to the brand’s vehicle owner manual, is designed to “improve the user experience when using specific off-road driving modes.”
The button itself sits right in the lower part of the center stack — next to the locker switch and above the sway bar disconnect button. Essentially, when active, Off-Road Plus enhances driving in 4-High and 4-Low by slightly changing up the way each mode operates.
Now, switching into this mode is certainly not a necessity or essential. But it can be helpful in certain situations when leaving the pavement and attacking all kinds of off-road terrain.
Here is what Off-Road Plus mode means.
When shifting into 4-Hi under Off-Road Plus mode, you’ll see more responsive acceleration and a change in the way the vehicle performs in softer terrain. The mode dials in a more tuned traction control, allowing for additional wheel slip in sandy conditions to ensure the vehicle doesn’t bog down and lose momentum.
Additionally, this mode optimizes transmission behavior, holding gearing longer and keeping the revs high for continued power. This is crucial when attempting to traverse a muddy patch on the trail, or looking to crest a particularly tall series of sand dunes.
Finally, using Off-Road Plus in 4-High also modifies the Jeep’s Electronic Stability Control, making it less obtrusive and generally keeping it from impeding movement so quickly — helping the vehicle overcome traction issues in sand, mud or snow.
So, when do you really want to use Off-Road Plus in 4-High? Well, this combination shines when you require more speed than normal rock crawling, but still face difficult terrain. This could include desert trails, muddy paths, or loose gravel tracks that wind uphill. The increased traction and control should provide inexperienced drivers with the confidence they need to cross this terrain at higher speeds.
With 4-Lo, this mode really shines at lower speed rock crawling. Once activated, the Off-Road Plus mode ensures a more controlled throttle response — providing precision and power which is much more important than raw speed when rock crawling.
Additionally, this mode can help traverse rocky terrain and slippery slopes by momentarily cutting power or applying significant brake force to specific wheels depending on the need to prevent wheel spin, therefore making sure the maximum amount of traction is maintained.
As far as the transmission, by engaging Off-Road Plus mode in 4-Lo, you’ll help keep constant delivery of power and prevent unnecessary upshifting when overcoming obstacles — ensuring maximum use of the engine torque. Also, Off-Road Plus mode will tweak the ESC in 4-Lo to be less restrictive, allowing the driver more flexibility in different off-road terrains.
Finally, utilizing Off-Road Plus in 4-Lo will help engage the rear locker when needed. This will keep both rear wheels rotating at the same rate in order to provide maximum traction during tricky, difficult obstacles.
Nearly all Wrangler and Gladiator Rubicon models from 2021 carry the Off-Road Plus mode, as well as the Gladiator Mojave edition.
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