"Suspension articulation" refers to the ability of a vehicle's suspension system to flex and move over uneven surfaces, allowing the wheels to maintain contact with the ground. This helps to provide a smoother ride and better traction, especially off-road.
Full definition
The Power Wagon manages an impressive 26 inches
of suspension articulation between its front left and right tires, ideal for uneven terrain.
In our trail testing, we found that the Xterra didn't exhibit as
much suspension articulation as the Liberty, but the difference was minimal.
That includes the same 410 - horsepower Hemi V8, 12,000 - pound winch, front sway bar that can disconnect at the flip of a switch for
more suspension articulation, and enough ground clearance to easily pass over errant rocks or tree limbs on an off - road trail.
Upgrading to the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, however, introduces the vehicle's most capable four - wheel drive system with a Rock - Trac transfer case, the strongest available axles front and rear, locking differentials, and the ability to disconnect the front sway bar electronically in order to
improve suspension articulation.
Pushing the button at the bottom of the center console allows the Jeep to allow for the
full suspension articulation necessary for more serious rock crawling.
Suspension articulation seems promising, too, with the succession of earth hillocks that compress the front - left, rear - right, front - right and rear - left springs alternately being taller obstacles than most drivers would tackle.
What's hot: Endurance 5.6 L V - 8 power, abundant luxury What's not: Poor approach angle, lack of skidplating, limited recovery points,
limited suspension articulation Our take: Great for those who want a SUV that combines carrying capacity, luxury, power, and decent off - road capabilities
The Wrangler's excellent ground clearance, solid front and rear axles, and
strong suspension articulation are also points in its favor when considering a cheap 4x4, and it also comes with a short wheelbase for additional trail maneuverability.
Off - road enthusiasts prefer solid axles to independent suspension because they're easier to modify for
maximum suspension articulation over challenging terrain.
The 2017 Ram Power Wagon's combined axle and suspension package adds to
greater suspension articulation, a determining factor when negotiating extreme obstacles.
It does have hill descent control, though the crawl ratio and brake modulation made that a non-issue, anyway; it feels
like suspension articulation or tire tread will be the limiting factors.
Independent front suspension, which offers a generous 7.87 inches of wheel travel for
outstanding suspension articulation, is via double wishbones, the geometry of which is adapted for superior road feel and ride comfort.
High upper control arms, which place the upper ball joints above the tires,
provide suspension articulation that helps keep the tires perpendicular to the road during cornering for high adhesion.
The use of coil springs throughout also provides the Trailblazer with
better suspension articulation, a useful trait in off - road conditions, in addition to providing passenger car - like handling dynamics on the road.
Somehow, the Range Rover Sport knew how
much suspension articulation to allow, which wheels needed braking pressure and precisely how much, and when locking up the center or rear differential would be useful.
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon features Dana solid axles front and rear, 32 - inch tires, the ability to lock both front and rear differentials electronically, a low - range four - wheel drive system with special rock crawling capability, and a front swaybar that can be electronically disconnected in order to
improve suspension articulation.
With Smart Bar engaged, the Ram Power Wagon reaches a Ramp Travel Index (RTI - a measurement of a vehicle's
suspension articulation) of 510 (26 inches of travel).