“Jeep Market Research” emailed one member of the forum asking for insight.
The Ford Bronco has Trail Assist. For four-wheel steering, the GMC Hummer EVO will have a unique crab mode. Toyota has been offering Turn Assist Control on its Land Cruiser for many years. Jeep is the next to join the induced-yaw train. One customer received an email from the company indicating that they are considering it.
JL Wrangler Forums has posted screenshots showing that a sender titled “Jeep Market Research” emailed a survey asking for opinions to members of a Jeep enthusiast group. The survey stated that the company might use their feedback to shape future products. Although the source of the email isn’t confirmed, we have reached out to Jeep representatives for confirmation. However, it makes sense that the off-road automaker would ask Jeep enthusiasts if they would like to see a feature improve their Jeep experience.
Forum user JDyj90 posted screenshots from the survey. He wanted to know if an offroad turn assist feature, which locks the rear wheel around corners when the vehicle’s low range is reached, would be beneficial. We are curious if the 2021 Grand Cherokee or the Grand Wagoneer will have such a device. Toyota’s Turn Assist Control is exactly what the survey calls for. It improves the maneuverability of the large Land Cruiser by counteracting the larger turning radius inherent to low-range four-wheel drives.
Another survey question seemed to focus on the GMC Hummer EV and its unique Crab Mode. It asked Jeep customers which four-wheel steering system they would prefer: one that reduces the turning radius, or one that allows for diagonal sideways movement. We are still unable to discern off-road situations in which a crab-walk is more effective than counter-phase four wheel steering.
JDyj90 commented on the survey and said that they would like an off-road turn assistance feature that locks the rear wheel inside in a corner. Others on the forum voiced valid criticisms of complex assistance features such as four-wheel steering. One user noted that a steering wheel is typically weaker than a fixed one, while another incited the Jeep Wrangler’s infamous death wobble by sneering “Crappy factory joint in four places.”
Jeep provided many details about the Grand Cherokee L. However, we don’t know anything about turn-assist or four-wheel steering. However, the former could be easily added, as it would likely make use existing anti-lock brake and traction control systems. We believe that Jeep will use rear-axle steering to make room for larger SUVs, such as the Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer, when they arrive in 2022.