Winter might not be quite as extreme here in Oklahoma as it is farther north, but we still see our share of sleet, freezing rain, icy mornings and even the occasional snowstorm. When conditions get slick, you should be able to confidently depend on your vehicle to handle unpredictable road and weather conditions. We have plenty of vehicles that fit that bill here at Jim Glover CDJRF, but you might be curious which of our most rugged brands – Jeep or RAM – is a better winter vehicle for these Oklahoma roads. Today we’re going to run you down the strengths each brand has so you can choose the right fit for your winter driving needs.
How Does Winter Weather Affect Oklahoma Roads?
As we mentioned, the weather here in Oklahoma can be unpredictable, but here are a few of the things that might affect our roads during winter weather scenarios:
- Slick road surfaces; caused by freezing rain, ice
- Black ice; caused by sudden temperature drops
- Reduced visibility; caused by high winds, heavy precipitation
- Reduced stability; caused by high winds
- Occasional snow accumulation
Overall, ice is going to be more common than deep snow throughout the state, which means the most important factors to consider when choosing a winter-ready vehicle are traction, stability and control.
Why Do Jeep Models Perform Well in Winter?
It’s no secret that Jeep is one of the industry leaders when it comes to off-road capabilities. Many of those same features and benefits translate directly to winter performance, so it’s easy to understand why Jeep models perform so well during the coldest season. But here are some more specific examples of what makes Jeep a great winter vehicle option:
- Advanced 4x4 Systems
- The Jeep lineup features multiple 4x4 systems to choose from, each one designed for traction on uneven or slippery surfaces.
- Systems like Jeep Active Drive, Selec-Terrain, Quadra-Trac, etc. automatically adjust power distribution to maximize grip on ice or snow.
- Higher Ground Clearance
- Although we did mention that ice is a more common issue than deep snow here in Oklahoma, having a higher ground clearance can not only help on those rare occasions when the snow is deep enough, but when navigating rutted roads, slush or just unplowed rural areas.
- Jeep models like the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee offer some of the best ground clearances in their respective classes.
- Winter‑Friendly Drive Modes
- Many Jeep vehicles offer selectable driving modes such as Snow, Sand/Mud, and Auto.
- You can read our other blog to learn all about how Jeep driving modes can help in the winter.
- Compact Options for Urban Drivers
- One big leg up that the Jeep has on RAM is the variety that it has in its model offerings. RAM offers pickup trucks, but Jeep offers many different models at many different sizes, including compact vehicles like the Compass.
- Vehicles that have a smaller footprint are ideal for city driving, tight parking and commuting, but because these are Jeep models they don’t sacrifice winter capability.
Why Do RAM Trucks Perform Well in Winter?
RAM trucks, on the other hand, bring a different kind of winter strength: power, stability and durability. For many Oklahoma drivers, particularly those in rural areas or those who have to haul or tow, a RAM pickup truck is a practical winter companion.
- Available 4x4 Systems
- The three core RAM trucks – 1500, 2500 & 3500 – offer their own robust 4x4 systems designed for heavy-duty use.
- These systems are capable of providing strong traction on icy roads, and are especially adept at maintaining control when towing in winter conditions.
- Weight and Stability
- Pickup trucks in general naturally offer better straight-line stability due to their longer wheelbase, but RAM trucks also benefit from:
- Well‑balanced suspension
- Available all‑terrain or winter‑rated tires
- Optional limited‑slip or locking differentials
- These features help keep the truck planted on slick highways.
- Pickup trucks in general naturally offer better straight-line stability due to their longer wheelbase, but RAM trucks also benefit from:
- Modern Safety & Driver Assistance
- All RAM pickup trucks come equipped with winter-friendly technologies like:
- Electronic stability control
- Traction control
- Anti‑lock braking systems
- Available 360‑degree camera systems for low‑visibility days
- All RAM pickup trucks come equipped with winter-friendly technologies like:
- Capability for Work & Winter Tasks
- RAM trucks maintain their towing and payload capabilities even when the weather turns cold, which makes them a great option for Oklahoma drivers that need to tow trailers or equipment year-round.
- Some models also offer features like heated mirrors, remote start, heated seats, etc. to make winter mornings easier.
Find Your Perfect Winter Vehicle at Jim Glover CDJRF
Both of these rugged brands offer excellent winter performance, but the better choice depends on your lifestyle and driving habits.
- Choose a Jeep if you want:
- Maximum traction on icy or uneven roads
- A lighter, more maneuverable vehicle
- Advanced 4x4 systems with winter‑specific drive modes
- Off‑road capability for rural or unpaved areas
- Choose a RAM if you need:
- Strong towing and hauling capability year‑round
- A stable, heavy vehicle for highway driving
- A spacious truck bed for work or recreation
- A comfortable, feature‑rich cabin for long winter drives
We’d love to help you find your perfect winter vehicle right here at Jim Glover CDJRF, so be sure to give us a call with any questions or if you’d like some help deciding. We look forward to hearing from you!