Sam Krahn 
Picking the right Gladiator for your off road adventures couldn’t be easier. We now know the upcoming Jeep Gladiator Mojave will start at $43,875, according to leaked dealer guides. Some of you may be happy to hear that the MSRP is exactly the same as the Rubicon model. In other words, no upcharge for the ‘Desert Rated’ pickup truck compared to the one better fit for low speed trails.
With the introduction of the Desert Rated badge on the Gladiator Mojave, Jeep is showing its intentions to offer different models suited to different off-road conditions. Jeep is aiming the Trail Rated Gladiator Rubicon to rock crawling and slower speed off-roading. The Mojave, revealed at the Chicago Auto Show, is for high-speed desert running. This will position it in line with the Ford F-150 Raptor, but with less power.
With the popularity of rugged, off-road vehicles, it is interesting to see Jeep creating specialty models for different terrains. Best of all, offering the Mojave and the Rubicon at the same price means the choice comes down to where you plan to do most of your off roading, not price.
The Jeep Gladiator Mojave is ready for the dunes with a full array of desert features. First, the Mojave gets Fox dampers, a strengthened chassis and axles, Fox front jounce bumpers, and a one-inch suspension lift. Next, Falken Wildpeak All-terrain tires will help grip the sand, and the pavement most will spend their time on.
Those Fox dampers are the most important upgrade. They are 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs. This gives the Gladiator Mojave great high speed stability, and predictable lower speed off roading. Also, the Fox jounce bumpers soften impacts and give a great ride on the streets.
Furthermore, the Mojave also gets an off-road plus driving mode. It can set the throttle mapping, transmission, and traction control for either rock crawling or desert racing. Along with Jeep’s 4×4 systems, it should get through almost any terrain. The focus, however, is on the desert.
The Gladiator Mojave uses the standard Pentastar V6, paired to a standard six speed manual or eight speed automatic. Furthermore, it looks great, with Mojave details and orange accents. With pricing starting at $43,875, it will be interesting to see whether costumers go for the Mojave or the Rubicon.
