Rubicon or Mojave

[NotSo Bright White]

I am tired of everyone talking about how much better the Mojave is compared to the Rubicon. It is complete rubbish and I would never fall for such garbage…or would I?

Ok, I had to find out for myself. I found a new 2023 Mojave that met my needs. White because I didn’t want to change my user name. Soft top because I have a hard top. Leather and cold weather because I am old and broken! LED because they are a must. Aux switches because I wasn’t too bright and didn’t order them on my diesel Rubi. And finally the tow package as I may pull a boat someday.

I have been out test driving and looking for different models thinking I wanted another diesel. But my wife reminded me that I always borrow her car for short drives as I don’t like not heating up the diesel. So I woke up yesterday and found a Mojave an hour away. They were selling it for 23.5 percent below sticker!

First impression: It is Fun! But so is my Rubicon. They both have different purposes and now I can jump on both bandwagons! More importantly, I promised my wife I would take it easy on the mods. Ordered the dead pedal, floor mats, and windshield sunscreen today. Ordering the Powerslide steps tomorrow for the wife. That’s my story at least!

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[ALT2870]

The ultimate answer to:

 

[lppd45]

Very nice.

 

[Jteakus]

I like the way you roll sir.

 

[NotSo Bright White]

I like the way you roll sir.

Thank you! I feel very fortunate.

 

[Zachanadandy]

I'm full in on the both, but this jt is just too long for big rocks. 2022 JLUR built for the rocks, full skids, 39s, 3.5" lift, crossover steering. You'd need 42s and 6" of lift in a JT to come close to the breakover and departure angles and it still wouldn't be nearly as maneuverable. 2023 JT mojave built for the desert. 2" lift to keep the cog low but give it enough clearance for the 37s and rutted washes. No need for skids, it's perfect for where/how it gets used.

 

[NotSo Bright White]

I'm full in on the both, but this jt is just too long for big rocks. 2022 JLUR built for the rocks, full skids, 39s, 3.5" lift, crossover steering. You'd need 42s and 6" of lift in a JT to come close to the breakover and departure angles and it still wouldn't be nearly as maneuverable. 2023 JT mojave built for the desert. 2" lift to keep the cog low but give it enough clearance for the 37s and rutted washes. No need for skids, it's perfect for where/how it gets used.

The new Rock Slide Engineering Sliders are purely for the handicap steps as I am not as flexible as I once was. Double back surgery with probably more in my future makes the entry a challenge. They also prevent door dings from idiots in the parking lot and they also do a pretty good job of keeping some of the mud off of the sides.

 

[Rahkmalla]

neither is better. Each have their own advantages. Unless it's a purely street truck then the Mojave is definitively better, but if it's only a street truck you should have gotten the max tow so whether the mojave or rubicon are better is a moot point in that case.

 

[PuddleJumper]

I am tired of everyone talking about how much better the Mojave is compared to the Rubicon. It is complete rubbish and I would never fall for such garbage…or would I?

Ok, I had to find out for myself. I found a new 2023 Mojave that met my needs. White because I didn’t want to change my user name. Soft top because I have a hard top. Leather and cold weather because I am old and broken! LED because they are a must. Aux switches because I wasn’t too bright and didn’t order them on my diesel Rubi. And finally the tow package as I may pull a boat someday.

I have been out test driving and looking for different models thinking I wanted another diesel. But my wife reminded me that I always borrow her car for short drives as I don’t like not heating up the diesel. So I woke up yesterday and found a Mojave an hour away. They were selling it for 23.5 percent below sticker!

First impression: It is Fun! But so is my Rubicon. They both have different purposes and now I can jump on both bandwagons! More importantly, I promised my wife I would take it easy on the mods. Ordered the dead pedal, floor mats, and windshield sunscreen today. Ordering the Powerslide steps tomorrow for the wife. That’s my story at least!

I did the same thing. I have both. Now no one can tell you missed out on the better trim level.

 

[Florida Mojave]

Congratulations on your new ride!
Love the color(s) although I may be a bit impartial!

 

[NotSo Bright White]

Congratulations on your new ride!
Love the color(s) although I may be a bit impartial!

Thank you! Yours Mojave looks awesome and I may be borrowing your decals as it looks a lot like my Rubicon. May I ask what lift/tire size you are running? Thanks again.

 

[D57]

I may be in the minority, but I just feel the advantages of a front locker outweigh the suspension and stronger knuckles (I believe?) the Mojave has. I rarely use my front locker but man…having one is extra insurance. Plus I was planning on a lift and 37’s, so..

But if I was getting a second one, I’ll gladly take a Mojave! My first ever JT test drive was a Mojave and it was like driving a sports car compared to my JKUR

 

[DanW]

For me, it came down to the front locker, front sway bar disco, and the 4:1 transfer case. however, if I had come across the right deal for a Mojave, I would have bought it and been very happy. Also, if I had wound up with a Mojave, I would not be lifting it. I would keep the suspension stock just because I think it has some real advantages for what it is designed to do. But my off-roading profile favors crawling and so the Rubi was a better fit. Of course, my wallet would be a bit lighter if I didn´t do the lift. I would have only added manual sway bar discos. That´s it.

I think both are winners with specific advantages. Love ´em both. Can´t go wrong either way. And the Mojave would still out-perform anything in its class even in the type of off-roading I do, so it is not like it would have a major handicap.

 

[Alan SOBX]

I absolutely love my Mojave. A lot of people on the forum say it is the best street Jeep but, if I am being honest with myself, the Sport drove pretty much the same. Granted, it had street tires on vs my AT tires so that likely caused some difference too. Hard to say. I would guess that part isn’t worth the extra money. I do like the seats a lot more especially running on bumpy sand. I also like having a rear locker just in case I need it. I don’t see a huge need for a front locker unless you rock crawl. More traction but less easy steering kind of balance each other out for me.

The usually turn on the locker when on sand because, well, I paid for it so why not. Has it helped? Maybe. The only time it definitely helped was when the ferry dumped us on South Core Banks. I had left my top an island away since no rain was expected. While I was in the ranger station getting my annual sticker, the bottom dropped out. I started driving so the rain would blow over the top and bogged down. 2H with wet sand in the grooves. I moved to 4H and locked the diff and came out immediately which was good because another Jeep with no top was coming up behind me trying to drive into the rain too.

I talked my wife into the price of the Mojave saying that it had most of the upgrades I would want to do already (larger AT tires, lift, locking rear diff, etc). I have don’t a few things (hard tonneau, bright back-up lights, Taser Mini, RokBloks). My next two are on your list: dead pedal, floor mats. Will need a sunshade and side mirrors when I take the doors off this summer but that is what Father’s Day is for!!

 

[Florida Mojave]

Thank you! Yours Mojave looks awesome and I may be borrowing your decals as it looks a lot like my Rubicon. May I ask what lift/tire size you are running? Thanks again.

Thanks!
Mine is bone stock wheels and tires no lift.
Decals came from Pixeldecals.com

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