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

[G0merP]

I drove both and the deciding factor for me was the diesel in the Rubicon. The Mojave with the 3.6 just didn’t do it for me. The ride was nice in the Mojave though.

I’m extremely happy with my choice and would do it again. I will say my intended use is daily driver with occasional rock crawling and solo wheeling so the rubicon with 4:1 TC and front locker we’re super important to me.

If you don’t intend to upgrade the suspension I’d say go for the mojave.

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[CrazyCooter]

TRD Pro?

 

[SaiintNick]

I find it interesting that folks buy the Mojave for the suspension and then change the suspension.

for me, the front locker and lower transfer case where the keys to getting a Rubicon. heck, I even have a front e-locker in my motorhome.

How fast does everyone really want to go in a jeep in desert?

Rather do trails that I can go faster. I've always hated rock crawling.

 

[NC_Overland]

From what you described, I’d go Mojave.

TRD Pro?

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.

 

[berb]

The question is; Will you be rock crawling or running difficult trails?

If yes = Rubicon
If NO = Mojave

 

[ScottBeach]

@professorkx. I like going fast. I have hit 70 on some of the trails in Ocala. A rubi can't do that. I learned a Yoda pro can't either. It's an amazing suspension. I wouldn't change it. My fear is going even to light 37s will ruin how this suspension works. The recon narrow 37s are on 71 lbs. So close to stock weight. Still nervous

But a good point. If you think you will swap the shocks pass on the Mojave you can start with a cheaper base. Swap in iron knuckles if needed.

 

[BillR1]

Mojave...easy choice! It's a much better option for a DD, and they're built stronger.

 

[HorsesRear]

I would get a Willys and fix it up the way you want it.

 

[Mr Miami]

I was torn between a Mojave and Rubicon but the towing did it for me. I tow a boat/motor/trailer that weights around 5,500 lbs. give or take a couple hundred pounds based on fuel level and amount of fishing gear, coolers, etc. I could have had the Mojave for about $1,500 less but the Rubicon tows 1,000 lbs. more (7,000 vs. 6,000 lbs.). I'm still not certain what weighs 1,000 lbs. more in the Mojave but I ended with my Rubicon.

 

[Choatecav]

Welcome back.............

Mojave............no question.

 

[Pedal Metal]

I'll freely admit that the Mojave is my trim of choice and I'll also happily add that the Rubicon is a great trim too. So, whenever someone asks me to rank, I just always recommend that they take the Pepsi challenge themselves and see which one meets with their tastes. For instance, reasonably test drive each one (or whatever else you're comparing) on at least a 5 mile trip of combined city streets, freeway, and try to look for speedbumps and potholes. Note, I'm not suggesting any type of aggressive 10+mph curb jumps on a new vehicle that you don't own, but honestly try to tune into the ride as you would normally drive in those conditions. So, consider turning off the radio to really focus on the ride. Also, consider what changes or applications you will want to use the vehicle in. For instance, if you're going to load a bunch of weight, pull a lot you may want a tighter suspension such as Max Tow or Rubicon, but if you're going to keep things light and breezy the Mojave arguably has a more tuned suspension from the factory and should have the most comfortable ride up until you try to change the build characteristics (weight) the suspension was designed for.

Consider that each of Jeep's trims are built for a niche market from value, to off-road purpose, to parking lot glitz and will meet with most anybody's daily driving needs, but each will excel in it's own purpose and limitations for real reasons. Also, consider if you're needs are so specific and custom such as adding hundreds of pounds and building a camper mounted truck for overlanding or truck with 40" tires for this or that, then just save the money up front and start with a base maybe Max Tow and ad your own custom tune suspension to the desired end vision, but that will cost you time, money, and likely unknown issues with your own R&D and maybe very little payback if others don't value your choices should you ever want to sell it. So, the alternative of buying a purpose built factory trim matching what I value in substance which also has somewhat of a known or recognized / standardized "book value" appeals to my uses, desires, time, funds and comfort even though I can or could have gone different routes.

...Just my $.02's.

 

[RacerAV]

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!

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

 

[Silverator]

For ME - the Rubicon was a no brainer. Still happy with it, and would do it again. That said, if there was no rubicon available, I'd probably be OK with a Mojave.

 

[DoctorDecoy]

I got the Mojave for the suspension. For the most part it is great. I like the way it drives and handles the crappy roads. Faster you go off road especially in the desert is where it would be better than a Rubicon IMO. If you want o rock crawl get a Rubicon and lift it. I put 37" KO's on my Mojave and like the look and capability.

I wish I would’ve gone with the Mojave over the Rubi for this reason.

 

[RacerAV]

I wish I would’ve gone with the Mojave over the Rubi for this reason.

Find someone selling the suspension! They pop up every now and then... GREAT shocks. Hard/expensive to beat for sure. I love them, put new taller higher rated springs (winch, step sliders, decked, gear, towing, it gets heavy for these softies) and then shock relocation brackets just to keep them! On 37s, stock everything else. STILL rides great!

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