When we were looking to buy it came down to a Jeep overland 4x4 or a Citadel AWD. We ultimately went with the Durango cause of the 3rd row seating and extra space when not using 3rd row.Question is how good is the AWD compared to the 4x4 quadra trac of the jeep? We wanted AWD cause of going to mountains and the possibility of having snow issues.

 

the 4x4 will be MUCH more capable in extreme weather and terrain. It also had 4lo...which the awd citadel doesnt.

 

My AWD Citadel does have 4lo which locks the TC for true 4x4 mode (aside from locking diffs).

 

The AWD is hands down the best for ordinary on road travel in any weather condition. My last vehicle a chevy trailblazer 4wd & auto 4wd which is somewhat like AWD but not as smooth. 4wd was not to be used on dry roads or hi-way speeds if you valued your drivetrain.

 

The definition of 4x4 vs AWD probably is different depending on manufacturer. Basically is means some torque can be applied to all 4 wheels.

When I was shopping I tried to determine the real difference between Jeep/Durango systems, but did not find any definitive descriptions. Mostly the type that says - -> "sends torque to the wheel that needs it most". : ( . . not very helpful.

If I remember correctly, the system in the Durango (with low range) is probably similar to the Jeep with Quadra-trac II. This system has "open" differentials and an "open" transfer-case in high range, then locks the transfer-case in low range. It also uses the brakes to limit the slipping of spinning wheels.

We did not get much snow this year, so I have no experience with mine, except one time in drive to mountains. I came to snow covered intersection, and thought I would scare my passengers by hitting the throttle and sending the Durango into a big sideways slide. . Instead the computer limited the throttle, and braked any spinning wheels. . . . very BORING, but safe. : )

This was with Continental tires, which are not snow rated !!

If OP is looking for good traction on-road, I think Durango will do fine.

The Jeep has available Quadra-drive, which adds electronic limited slip differentials. Better than braking the spinning wheels I assume, especially for off-road use.

 

i have a awd crew with a 5.7 and it has low setting for the xfer case. this is only available on the 5.7. 4x4 will give you better capabilities off road and rock crawling. but i doubt that you will take a 40k vehicle rock crawling I faced the same dilema as you and bought the durango. i have gone over the mountains all winter with heavy snow in oregon using winter tires and have had no issues. I have driven through snow that has been door high without any problems.

 

The AWD will work just fine for us if you have handled snow up to the doors. We needed for light snow and possible dirt roads in the Georgia mountains.

 

To clarify ,on the Citadel when you put it in low the dash readout says 4 low.