Curious: Why Mojave and not Sahara JT?

[Chapol]

I didn't see this discussed, but I'm sure it was heavily when the Mojave name was introduced. But curious why they(Jeep) didn't keep Sahara name for JT and make that a desert rated Wrangler trim with the 392 hood & suspension, as well. It now seems silly to me that the Sahara Wrangler is not desert rated...

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[Thunderbolt]

I didn't see this discussed, but I'm sure it was heavily when the Mojave name was introduced. But curious why they(Jeep) didn't keep Sahara name for JT and make that a desert rated Wrangler trim with the 392 hood & suspension, as well. It now seems silly to me that the Sahara Wrangler is not desert rated...

Mojave just sounds cooler than Sahara

 

[Chapol]

Mojave just sounds cooler than Sahara

I agree.

 

[Hootbro]

While I agree "Sahara" obviously equates with the desert by the same name, most people have been brand conditioned that the Sahara model was the Wrangler's more upscale and suburban marketed model. Throwing that name on the Gladiator JT for what is the current form in the Mojave model would have created more questions and confusion. Jeep did fine naming it the Mojave.

 

[Minty JL]

Mojave > Sahara.......zero discussion needed

 

[Mojave21]

While I agree "Sahara" obviously equates with the desert by the same name, most people have been brand conditioned that the Sahara model was the Wrangler's more upscale and suburban marketed model. Throwing that name on the Gladiator JT for what is the current form in the Mojave model would have created more questions and confusion. Jeep did fine naming it the Mojave.

I think this is it. If Jeep wanted to bring the Sahara to the Gladiator it would have slotted in where the Overland was or the Nighthawk is now.

 

[Rahkmalla]

I think this is it. If Jeep wanted to bring the Sahara to the Gladiator it would have slotted in where the Overland was or the Nighthawk is now.

The Overland was absolutely the JT's Sahara already, prior to the axe.

 

[Badunit]

The question then becomes why did Jeep use "Sahara" for a vehicle that had nothing to do with desert capabilities?

 

[Mr._Bill]

The question then becomes why did Jeep use "Sahara" for a vehicle that had nothing to do with desert capabilities?

Also, why did they use 'Overland' for the luxury model with street tires?

 

[whiteglad]

Marketeers and bean counters have only a tentative, passing acquaintance with technical toplcs.

 

[DanW]

Also, why did they use 'Overland' for the luxury model with street tires?

It makes perfect sense, to me. They knew that overlanders would go bonkers over the Gladiator. And they aren't always into technical off-roading, and they spend a great deal of time on improved roads, both paved and dirt. The Overland/Sahara is more road-biased in terms of smoothness, while still very off-road capable.

What the heck does Sahara mean? Mojave makes more sense for its purpose. You can take one easily to the Mojave and run it as intended. Take one to the Sahara and you'd better be careful where you go or you wind up in a very bad situation that has nothing to do with off-road fun.

Sahara does have a brand identity with the Wrangler, so I get that. But it was never purposefully equipped for desert off-roading. It just sounded cool and went with the Jeep image.

Just my amateur marketing analysis. Worth about 2 cents.

 

[Greg_L]

This is why I chose a Willys. I like to drive no pants with my willy flapping in the breeze.

 

[MrBones]

Mojave makes more sense for its purpose. You can take one easily to the Mojave and run it as intended. Take one to the Sahara and you'd better be careful where you go or you wind up in a very bad situation that has nothing to do with off-road fun.

Exactly.
Because it's here not half way across the globe.

 

[ScottBeach]

If they had a JT Sahara I would assume it's the mall crawler for the girls. Because that is what I think the wrangler Sahara is.

 

[Mr._Bill]

If they had a JT Sahara I would assume it's the mall crawler for the girls. Because that is what I think the wrangler Sahara is.

That's essentially what the Overland was. It had 18" wheels with street tires, all leather on the inside, and the dash grab bar had the bolt holes covered up. It was aimed at the pavement traveler, not the overlander. I drove one for over four years and put 57k highway miles on it. I traded it for a similarly equipped High Altitude.

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