Which 2026 and 2027 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram Models Offer All-Wheel Drive or 4WD?
October 20 2026,
Extra traction is one of the first things many Canadian drivers look for in a new vehicle. Snowy driveways, icy intersections, gravel roads and boat launches all go better when power reaches all four wheels.
The good news is that you have plenty of choice across the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram lineups. From a family minivan to a 777-hp muscle truck, this guide shows which current models offer all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and how each system works.
AWD vs. 4WD: What's the Difference?
All-wheel drive works on its own. Sensors watch for wheel slip and send power where it is needed, with no buttons to press. It is a great fit for everyday driving on wet, snowy or icy pavement.
Four-wheel drive, often written as 4x4, is built for tougher conditions. Many 4x4 systems also run automatically, but they add hardware such as a two-speed transfer case with a low range. Low range multiplies torque at the wheels, which helps when you are crawling over rocks, climbing a steep trail or pulling a boat out of the water.
At a Glance: AWD and 4x4 Models by Brand
|
Model |
Drive System |
Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
|
2027 Ram 1500 |
Standard 4x4 |
Standard 4x4 in Canada, eight powertrain choices |
|
2027 Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty |
Available 4x4 |
Power Wagon is 4x4 only |
|
2026 Jeep Compass |
Standard 4x4 |
Jeep Active Drive Lock on Trailhawk |
|
2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk |
Standard 4x4 |
Active Drive II with 37.5:1 crawl ratio |
|
2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Overland |
Standard 4x4 |
Quadra-Trac II with two-speed transfer case |
|
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L |
Standard 4x4 |
Every trim from Laredo to Summit |
|
2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer |
Standard 4x4 |
Electronic transfer case |
|
2027 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X |
Standard 4x4 |
Rock-Trac with 4.0:1 low range |
|
2026 Jeep Gladiator |
Standard 4x4 |
Command-Trac, Selec-Trac or Rock-Trac |
|
2026 Jeep Recon |
Standard electric 4x4 |
Two 250 kW electric drive modules |
|
2027 Dodge Charger |
Standard AWD |
On-demand RWD mode on SIXPACK models |
|
2027 Dodge Durango |
Standard AWD |
From the 295-hp V6 to the 710-hp SRT Hellcat |
|
2027 Chrysler Pacifica |
Available AWD |
Standard on Pinnacle |
Jeep: 4x4 From Compact SUVs to Full-Size Luxury
Every Jeep in this guide is a 4x4, and each one uses a system matched to its job.
- 2026 Compass: Every trim comes with 4x4 and a 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 200 hp and 221 lb-ft. The Trailhawk adds Jeep Active Drive Lock with a locking rear differential and Rock mode.
- 2027 Cherokee Trailhawk: Its 210-hp 1.6 L turbo 4-cylinder hybrid works with Jeep Active Drive II, a two-speed power transfer unit, a 2.92 low range, a 37.5:1 crawl ratio and an electronic locking rear axle.
- 2027 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Overland: Both use Quadra-Trac II with a two-speed transfer case. The Trailhawk's 2.0 L Hurricane 4 Turbo engine makes 324 hp and 332 lb-ft.
- 2026 Grand Cherokee L and Grand Wagoneer: Every Grand Cherokee L trim, from Laredo to Summit, is a 4x4. The Grand Wagoneer pairs a 3.0 L twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine with 420 hp and 468 lb-ft with four-wheel drive and an electronic transfer case.
- 2027 Wrangler Rubicon X and 2026 Gladiator: Wrangler Rubicon models use part-time Rock-Trac 4x4 with a 4.0:1 low range. On the Gladiator, Command-Trac is standard on Sport S, Willys and Mojave, Selec-Trac full-time 4x4 is available on Mojave, and Rubicon gets Rock-Trac.
- 2026 Recon: This all-electric Jeep uses front and rear electric drive modules rated at 250 kW each for standard electric 4x4, with 650 hp and 620 lb-ft.
Dodge: Standard AWD Muscle
Dodge makes all-wheel drive standard on both of its performance models.
The 2027 Dodge Charger comes with AWD across the lineup. The Charger R/T uses a 3.0 L twin-turbo SIXPACK 6-cylinder with 420 hp and 468 lb-ft, while the Charger Scat Pack uses the high-output SIXPACK with 550 hp and 531 lb-ft. Both include an on-demand rear-wheel-drive mode that sends 100% of torque to the rear wheels at the push of a button. The all-electric Charger Daytona Scat Pack delivers 670 hp and 627 lb-ft through AWD.
The 2027 Dodge Durango is AWD on every trim. Choices run from the 295-hp 3.6 L Pentastar V6 to the 360-hp 5.7 L HEMI V8 in the GT HEMI, the 475-hp R/T 392 and the 710-hp supercharged SRT Hellcat. Selectable drive modes on the GT HEMI include a Snow setting.
Ram: 4x4 Trucks From Half-Ton to Heavy Duty
The 2027 Ram 1500 comes standard with 4x4 in Canada, with eight powertrain configurations to choose from. That includes the upcoming Rumble Bee muscle trucks, which will use an electronic full-time transfer case with drive modes and a selectable rear-wheel-drive setting.
The 2027 Ram Heavy Duty lineup offers 4x4 as well. The Ram 3500 comes in 4x2 or 4x4, and Mega Cab models are 4x4 only. For maximum trail ability, the 2027 Power Wagon is a 4x4 with front and rear electronic locking differentials and a disconnecting front stabilizer bar. With the available 6.7 L Cummins HO turbo diesel 6-cylinder, it makes 430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque.
Chrysler Pacifica: AWD in a Family Minivan
The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica brings intelligent AWD to the minivan segment. It is available on Select and Limited trims and standard on the Pinnacle. Pacifica is the only minivan to offer AWD together with second-row Stow 'n Go seating, so you keep fold-into-the-floor flexibility and gain all-weather traction. Power comes from a 3.6 L Pentastar V6 with 287 hp and 262 lb-ft.
Which AWD or 4x4 Model Is Right for You?
Start with how you drive most days:
- Family hauling on winter roads: The Pacifica with AWD or the three-row Grand Cherokee L keeps everyone moving in snow.
- Trails, cottage roads and deep snow: A Wrangler, Gladiator, Compass Trailhawk or Cherokee Trailhawk gives you low-range 4x4 hardware.
- Performance with all-season grip: The Charger and Durango put big power to the ground with standard AWD.
- Towing and work: The Ram 1500, Ram Heavy Duty and Power Wagon pair 4x4 with serious truck capability.
Compare AWD and 4x4 Models at Rendez-Vous Chrysler
Ready to feel the difference that AWD or 4x4 makes? Visit Rendez-Vous Chrysler in Edmundston to compare models side by side, ask our team which drive system fits your routine and book a test drive in the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or Ram that suits you best.