Looks like I'm coming back. Mojave or Rubicon?

[ecidiego]

You know what, you are correct about the radiator. I was mistaken. I could swear when I was doing my research comparing vehicles a year or tow ago, that the mojave had a larger radiator. But . . . not so apparently. Thanks for the correction.

There's just a lot of misinfo out there on review sites. I remember reading in 2021 when I got my Mojave that it had a "desert-rated cooling package". At the time a Mojave had no different cooling than any Gladiator. They made this comment since it had the more powerful fan, but it had that due to the Tow Package option, not because it was a Mojave. I buy mine - where's my desert cooling? Haha, so I added the fan and alt.

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[red/green hawk]

I have a Max Tow FWIW, Just my personal preference, if I could I'd get the Mojave. I really don't do any rock crawling. A rear locker would be nice.

 

[Minty JL]

Mojave or nothing lol

 

[new to gladiator]

I'm sucker for green rubicons, especially at 34% off sticker for the JTR haha!

 

[Stan H]

I sorta chuckled as the misinformation. Cause my Rubicon has the tow package . And has the bigger fan and the bigger alternator. It just so happened thats how the dealer ordered it cause lots of people pull campers around these parts.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

Hi Gents, I traded off my Gladiator Max Tow a couple of years ago. I'm currently driving a 23 Chevy Colorado ZR2. Admittedly it's a very capable and nice truck. But, I miss my Gladiator.

I'm seriously considering another Gladiator. With current discounts and bonuses I can get a Rubicon or Mojave for a very compelling price. I won't be doing many mods. I would be just exploring the desert and occasionally hauling a small travel trailer (3,250 pounds). Either one would probably be great for that.

Assuming either is available for about the same price is there any compelling reason to get one over the other?

Thanks!

As a current owner of a ZR2, with a past Gladiator and looking to explore in the desert? Most definitely the Mojave! Or save $10-$12k a just get a Willys.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

I sorta chuckled as the misinformation. Cause my Rubicon has the tow package . And has the bigger fan and the bigger alternator. It just so happened thats how the dealer ordered it cause lots of people pull campers around these parts.

Just as you’re aware the Tow Package you can get with the Rubicon is not the same as Max Tow. You will have something like a 4,000 lbs trailer capacity, but most importantly the lower payload of around 1,044-1,100, just check the driver’s door jamb sticker for that rating. Good luck.

 

[DanW]

Hi Gents, I traded off my Gladiator Max Tow a couple of years ago. I'm currently driving a 23 Chevy Colorado ZR2. Admittedly it's a very capable and nice truck. But, I miss my Gladiator.

I'm seriously considering another Gladiator. With current discounts and bonuses I can get a Rubicon or Mojave for a very compelling price. I won't be doing many mods. I would be just exploring the desert and occasionally hauling a small travel trailer (3,250 pounds). Either one would probably be great for that.

Assuming either is available for about the same price is there any compelling reason to get one over the other?

Thanks!

For what you are wanting to do, I'd go Mojave all the way. No need for the front locker/sway bar disco or 4:1 T-case. Desert driving is where the Mojave shines. And the stock suspension set up is the best driving Jeep of them all. Ever. In my opinion. I had a loaner Mojave when they first came out and the on-road feel just really impressed me. I never drove it off-road, but I would imagine it is equally impressive.

 

[Stan H]

Glad you're coming back! I tried a ford for a bit after my JKU, but right back where I belong now! lol

Sounds like youre needs matched mine, I went with a Mojave. It was super capable off the dealership floor, and I love it today even more. I tow, I carry gear, I rock crawl, I love the desert and go often. It'll get me and my dirt bike anywhere!

The Mojave doesn't have a front locker, which I rarely used in my Rubicons, but yeah, cool to have. The Mojave DOES have a beefed up frame, better front axles, little lift is nice since you won't mod it much. It'll tow great

Better front axles ?? They literally have the same M210 4.10 Dana 44 wide track axle.

 

[OldButStillJeeping]

Kinda like an oil thread.

IMO: The reason Jeep left the Front locker off of the Mojave is because they wouldn't sell many Rubicons anymore. It would have ruined the Rubicon model line for JT's.

You can still 'rock crawl' with a Mojave. YT has plenty of videos showing it.

The definition of 'rock crawling or crawling' is experienced based. And opinion based.

My definition is: Going through a wash where there is no defined 'trail' and includes long sections of 3' and larger boulders with large gaps in between. I personally wouldn't 'rock crawl' (by my definition) a JT of any model without upgrades. But that's just me. Beating my rigs body and undercarriage to sh1# just to get over the next waterfall - and whoops and backslaps from friends,... Ended with me when I got older in years. Now, I sit and watch others destroy their rigs and usually I take the easier (not easiest, I still like a challenge), route. Its more fun and cheaper. Better yet, watch the guys with real money destroy their rigs. Maybe that is you guys.

I am no pro crawler but I have owned and wheeled a couple 'crawlers' in my time. I never saw the need for a 4 to 1 T Case. But I never did competition, just Jeep club runs. Did a couple Hammers "trails" back before the Hammers were well known. And we had a couple guys with doubled T cases and other mods getting something like 7 to 1 - ish and higher TC ratios... and it was fun to see. Was it necessary?...not that I ever saw. But it was cool.

The debate goes on but I never saw the JT as a rock crawler in any form without some big mods. 'Crawling' not considered: A front locker can be a live saver in one-off situations in snow and ice and mud. It might even save your life. The chances are slim, but in a blizzard it might be the difference of life or death for you and your loved ones. But that's why I run a winch on all my rigs. Even on my JTM.

Good luck with your choice. JTR or JTM. You can't make a bad choice between those two.

But I'll keep my Mojave.

Be well. Jeep on.

Eric

 

[biodiesel]

'Crawling' not considered: A front locker can be a live saver in one-off situations in snow and ice and mud.

I wanted the EcoDiesel, but it wasn't an option in the Mojave. So, my decision automatically defaulted to the Rubicon. I would love the ride height and ride quality of the Mojave, but not at the expensive of losing the diesel. With that said, we have property in the mountains and sometimes have to drive through deep snow. Having front and rear lockers is nice for those times that we need it.

We live next to a national forest, but I've never rock crawled, nor do we have any intentions of rock crawling. We use a side-by-side to access the more difficult trails. The Jeep is nice for forest roads and BLM roads where ground clearance and 4WD is oftentimes needed. Otherwise, we use the Jeep Gladiator as a typical midsize truck. It's great for hauling materials, supplies, groceries, and for light duty towing.

 

[Lunentucker]

Mojave, because Mojave.
Look around for CPO vehicles with low miles too.
The CPO warranty adds years and miles to the factory warranty, and it's tranferable.

 

[Stan H]

Hi Gents, I traded off my Gladiator Max Tow a couple of years ago. I'm currently driving a 23 Chevy Colorado ZR2. Admittedly it's a very capable and nice truck. But, I miss my Gladiator.

I'm seriously considering another Gladiator. With current discounts and bonuses I can get a Rubicon or Mojave for a very compelling price. I won't be doing many mods. I would be just exploring the desert and occasionally hauling a small travel trailer (3,250 pounds). Either one would probably be great for that.

Assuming either is available for about the same price is there any compelling reason to get one over the other?

Thanks!

 

[cb4017]

From what you described, I’d go Mojave.


The late model ZR2s are amazing. That wouldn’t be the change he’s looking for. The Gladiator has an X factor that I can’t describe. I had a Canyon that literally did everything better than my Gladiator, and was a great looking truck, but I like my Gladiator better.

That's kinda where I'm at. My 23 ZR2 is a great truck. Will go anywhere, comfortable, looks very cool, etc. But I've missed my Gladiator since I got rid of it a couple of years ago.

Just an update. I've decided on a Mojave over the Rubicon. I'll never rock crawl, on purpose. A nearby dealer has one on the lot with Convenience Group, Technology Group and Hardtop. I can probably get it for around $46K. Going to look at it tomorrow.

 

[cb4017]

I used to love that show.

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