Which one?

[redds34]

Hi all.


I am in the market to get a Gladiator and really like the look of the Mojave. I have reviewed different posts about the advantages of the Rubicon over the Mojave. I live in NJ and go wheeling in the Pine Barrens but nothing too extreme. I do not plan on desert racing or rock climbing with either truck purchased. And the split for regular road use (75%) and off road use (25%). I also have no plans to tow with it anytime in the near future and most of the trails in the Pines are rutted dirt roads and mud holes. Any reason to get one over the other for this type of wheeling?

I test drove a 6speed used Rubi and it was really nice but I was not sure if I wanted to subject myself to stop and go rush hour traffic and the stick shift. I mean the truck I drive now versus these new ones is almost night and day anyway.

I had a 95 YJ back in the day and did not do much in the way of mods. Little larger tires and some added lights. I have not modified my current vehicles much either. Maybe some cosmetic upgrades like lights and things would be in the new truck’s future. I know places like Quadratec can make you go broke.

Anyone have short (5ft 4”) significant others who struggle to get in the Rubicon or Mojave without something to step on to get in?

So some people said you cannot modify the Mojave like you can the Rubicon, so does anyone have buyer’s remorse on the Mojave versus the Rubicon because of the modification limitations??

A friend with a Gladiator bought his and said that 3 main options are the hardtop, cold package and the larger radio. Does anyone on here have a feature they wish they would have purchased? I see many people talk about the tow package for the large axles.

And lastly, I saw post about getting a good deal with Tom at Chapman, which is close enough to me to contact. Has anyone in South Jersey done business with a NJ dealer and thought they got a good deal or where is a place to get a good deal? I am afraid some dealerships are not willing to negotiate in this market? Or is Gupton the best place to go? I am seeing some new ones on lots with higher prices on the options that older ones that have been sitting.

Sorry about the long post and all the questions.

Thanks in advance

Kevin

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[NachoRuby]

The people with Rubicons will tell you to get a Rubicon. The people with Mojaves will tell you to get a Mojave. Manual Transmission folks will tell you to get manuals, and vice versa. This is because we all love our trucks because they are all awesome. I say get a stick shift Rubicon . Seriously though, the clutch is so light on the manual, that it's 0 trouble in traffic. This would be the same regardless of trim. The clutch is the same in all of them.

Reality is, unless you need the added towing capacity of the automatic (you said you don't), you can't go wrong, Rubicon or Mojave, automatic or manual. Rubicon and Mojave Manuals are rated to tow 4500 lbs. Auto Rubicons tow 7000 lbs., and auto Mojaves tow 6000 lbs.

Wider axles go on: Sport S Max Tow, all Rubicons, and all Mojaves. If you're already set on a Rubicon or a Mojave, you don't need the tow package to get wider axles.

I have no complaints with my Rubicon. It's absolutely my favorite vehicle that I've ever owned. But Mojave folks will say the same. Since most have little to nothing to complain about, we all think our choice is the best thing.

The reason the Mojave is slightly different to modify is just because of the remote reservoir front shocks, which also happens to be part of why the ride is a little easier on Mojaves than other trims.

 

[Sdsteph]

I won't start a flamefest about Mojave vs Rubicon, I just recommend test driving them both and let your gut make the decision.

I traded in 21 Sport S on a 21 Mojave just to get the remote-proximity keyless entry. The Mojave also has Select-Trac which I think is a bonus too.

Do the research and see what extras you can do aftermarket simply, cheaper and better quality than factory.

Good luck with it and just have fun with it!

 

[NachoRuby]

I won't start a flamefest about Mojave vs Rubicon, I just recommend test driving them both and let your gut make the decision.

I traded in 21 Sport S on a 21 Mojave just to get the remote-proximity keyless entry. The Mojave also has Select-Trac which I think is a bonus too.

Do the research and see what extras you can do aftermarket simply, cheaper and better quality than factory.

Good luck with it and just have fun with it!

You can get proximity keys and selec trac on either Mojave or Rubicon. The options are largely the same for those two. You can get those things on a Sport S too, though.

 

[Sdsteph]

You can get proximity keys and selec trac on either Mojave or Rubicon. The options are largely the same for those two. You can get those things on a Sport S too, though.

I guess I should have added that I personally liked the Mojave better. No real reason as I don't rock crawl or speed though the desert. It looks great in supermarket parking lot. lol

 

[cdyoung9799]

Honestly, the main reason I bought a Rubicon (my 3rd one) were the factory front locker and electronic sway bar disconnect for off-roading (which I don't get to do as often as I would like). I've never ridden in or driven a Mojave, but I'm sure they're just as nice as the Rubi's. I would suggest making your pros/cons list of what features one has that the other doesn't, and whichever one has the most features you can't live without might help you make the decision.

While I love driving a manual sports car, I don't want one for my daily driver any more since I mainly do stop-&-go city traffic.

My wife is 5'2" (so she says), and she had a little trouble getting in my Jeeps even before I lifted them. I've installed ACE rock sliders on every Jeep I've owned. There are a ton of options out there for rails, steps, etc.

Good luck with your choice. Post pic's when you pull the trigger!!

 

[Trickster]

Wider axles go on: Sport S Max Tow, all Rubicons, and all Mojaves. If you're already set on a Rubicon or a Mojave, you don't need the tow package to get wider axles.

And on the High Altitude.

 

[johnparjr]

If your looking for a smoother ride the Mojave wins and as a bonus is a inch taller than the rubicon

I added Mopar sidesteps to my Mojave when I got home as my wife is short and I liked the side steps as we had those on out Sahara JL

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

Serious question, why is the Overland never recommended? The use case that was described is 75% on road, little towing, and no rock crawling or desert running. The base price of an Overland is $4,000 less, it’s suspension is supposed to be set up for on road more so than other trims, has a manual transmission, up to 6,000 pounds towing capacity (same 4,500 for MT) and has enough off-road capability for what was described. If looks are a major factor then I agree, the Mojave is where it’s at. I do think the Overland is under appreciated though.

As for options, those 3 you listed are good ones in my opinion. I live where it snows and I love heated seats, steering wheel and the remote start. I would say to definitely add the cheap tow package because you get the better alternator and engine cooling for a good price. Most important with the hardtop though, don’t skip the Sunrider for hardtop option! Easily the best addition to my Gladiator so far.

 

[joeym7]

My Mojave is shipping soon...For your needs, which are similiar to mine, Mojave is a better choice than Rubi. Both great trucks in their space, but if you arn't going to do much rock-climbing the choice is crystal-clear.

On the options, they are endless, I'll post later on what I got (but I didn't get the cold weather package. I have this thing about heated steering wheels and don't want to be wimped down too much, so I had to draw the line somewhere. I mean I thought these Jeep's were the genra-for-the-"rugged" ).

 

[Jaxmax]

Mojave owner checking in, love mine, like the look, needed the 4.10 gearing to tow, have no need for really big tires and lift. I started out at the dealer looking for an Overland which can be very nicely loaded and is still a very capable vehicle for your needs, I had to move onto the Rubicon model for the better towing, and still have the upgraded features we wanted, then heard about a new model coming out , the Mojave, and have
not really ever needed the sway disconnect and front locker over the many years and trucks I've had, I went Mojave, without realizing how neat the very expensive suspension system is.
So all that said, your not hard core wheeling (that might change), not towing, using as a daily driver with lot of highway miles, the Overland or High Altitude might be something you look at, they will be better on gas and your wallet, you can always swap a little bit larger AT tires on your jeep.
I think the Rubicon is the ultimate jeep for going off road compared to other models as they come from factory. Being smart as to what you really need, and want to spend is the thing to do, but drive them all, research and decide for yourself......Jack

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

My Mojave is shipping soon...For your needs, which are similiar to mine, Mojave is a better choice than Rubi. Both great trucks in their space, but if you arn't going to do much rock-climbing the choice is crystal-clear.

On the options, they are endless, I'll post later on what I got (but I didn't get the cold weather package. I have this thing about heated steering wheels and don't want to be wimped down too much, so I had to draw the line somewhere. I mean I thought these Jeep's were the genra-for-the-"rugged" ).

Yeah I totally agree with being “rugged.” That’s why I don’t run my heat or AC in the JT, don’t shower with hot water, and houses are for wimps too. You wimps wear coats and shoes? ??

 

[Chris262]

I'm short as well and my truck is on 37s with a clayton 2.5 inch lift and I can still pull myself into it. Nobody else wants to get in my truck though... I should really get sidesteps

 

[joeym7]

Yeah I totally agree with being “rugged.” That’s why I don’t run my heat or AC in the JT, don’t shower with hot water, and houses are for wimps too. You wimps wear coats and shoes? ??

Ouch!, guess I hit a nerve -lol!...

You, my Friend, have presented a perfect example of False-Logic ("if one creature comfort is good, this must mean ALL and ANY creature comforts are good"). So with your all or nothing "reasoning" why stop with a heated steering wheel, wait till jeep offers full-time-4WD-at any speed-cruise controll including breaking & steering, eventually (marketed as "a more relaxing, stress-free, and enjoyable experience driving through nature" -LOL), and then upgrade what you have now. ?...

Nope, it is not all or nothing, that is a false logic for those who don't want to apply judgement to each opertunity, whereby everyone may come to their own conclusions.

IMO, it is out of controll what they put in vehicles these days, and for me, there is no better "poster-child" example representing this then "heated steering wheel" - LOL.

Anyway, to each his own, enjoy your heated steering wheel (but you may want to reconsider your reluctance to taking showers - ).

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

Ouch!, guess I hit a nerve -lol!...

You, my Friend, have presented a perfect example of False-Logic ("if one creature comfort is good, this must mean ALL and ANY creature comforts are good"). So with your all or nothing "reasoning" why stop with a heated steering wheel, wait till jeep offers full-time-4WD-at any speed-cruise controll including breaking & steering, eventually (marketed as "a more relaxing, stress-free, and enjoyable experience driving through nature" -LOL), and then upgrade what you have now. ?...

Nope, it is not all or nothing, that is a false logic for those who don't want to apply judgement to each opertunity, whereby everyone may come to their own conclusions.

IMO, it is out of controll what they put in vehicles these days, and for me, there is no better "poster-child" example representing this then "heated steering wheel" - LOL.

Anyway, to each his own, enjoy your heated steering wheel (but you may want to reconsider your reluctance to taking showers - ).

Oh I was just being sarcastic! I do agree with what you said about the stuff they put in vehicles now being out of control. For me personally, technology in vehicles hit the sweet spot in the late 90’s/early 2000’s. My wife and I always half-joke that we wish we were born before all of this modern technology. Like 1920/30 ish. I tried out homeless life a few years back, living out of my truck bed. Showers were a real challenge.

I am comfortable enough in my manhood to admit though, I bought my 2014 Ram because of the heated steering wheel. My whole life before that I was a devoted GM guy. Not to flex but I work as a carpenter, search and rescue EMT, Air National Guard aviator in a very cold airplane, and I go mountaineering, ice and rock climbing. I’m about 90 minutes south of the Canadian border so it’s cold in the winter (Canadians are NOT wimps). I always wondered, if my snow machine can have heated grips why can’t my vehicle? Ram answered that first and now I have my first Jeep!

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