What is Jeep Trail Rated?

Jeep started using the term Trail Rated® to promote the off-road capabilities of its vehicles in late 2003 for the 2004 model vehicles. The Trail Rated® badge means the vehicle was evaluated on five performance categories, including ground clearance, traction, off-road maneuverability, off-road articulation, and water fording. Jeeps are tested at the Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) located near Carson City, Nevada. At first the Jeep Compass was the only vehicle to be Tail Rated, but now having the badge is a right of passege and every model in Jeep's current line-up has an trim that is Trail-Rated.