Why Mojave?

[JT1]

Good points, thank you.

Also, you can put manual disco's on one of these for not much outlay in cash. And if you really want a front locker, $1000 and you're finished.

If you plan on lift/wheels/tires and all that, the Mojave may not be a great value proposition. But if you're going to leave it mostly stock, or bolt a set of 35's on it and roll, it's a pretty good truck

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[Sandevino]

Wow, I didn’t realize the knuckles would be that big of an upgrade. Thanks!

Any iron knuckle is going to run $400 - $500 regardless if it's OEM or aftermarket.

I looked at the Mojave when I my diesel HPFP bought the farm and went with the Rubicon.

- Higher towing capacity (7000# vs 6000#)
- Hood / Cowl compatibility - most aftermarket mounts don't fit the Mojave (a nit, but an issue)
- Front locker and sway bar disconnect under factory warranty
- Compatibility with existing aftermarket parts
- Intended use case - replace aging TJ with the JT

 

[Rahkmalla]

I did test drive them all when I was buying my current one and I could tell that the Mojave was a bit more comfy on the asphalt. I do like the suspension, hood and orange accents better than the Rubicon but never thought it was worth giving up the other stuff. I don’t currently need the extra 1,000 lbs towing but it’s nice to know you have it just in case. I am leaning towards Mojave because I’d hate to buy the same truck twice. I just don’t want to regret it.

Value exists in 2 areas: where you perceive it, and where you actually use it.

You may be correct that from a pure value:dollar perspective the rubicon is a better build. But the realities is if that extra capability isn't being used, it's sunk cost fallacy . You have no use for your 4:1 tcase, front locker, or extra towing. But i guarantee you'll use your better suspension, bolstered seats, and aesthetic "advantages" (this part is purely opinion, but it seems one that you and I share) every time you get behind the wheel.

Both are cool. I don't believe either one is better, and I think Jeep's stance of giving them exactly the same MSRP means they share in those beliefs. But for buyers i think it comes down to what do you NEED and what will you USE. The mojave upgrades get used every day. The Rubicon upgrades get used sparingly. If you NEED them, you gotta pony up the rubicon cash so they are there when you need them to be. But if you don't... maybe consider the upgrades you once thought were of lower value but would serve you better.

Final plug for the Freedom Maxtow, i think it's a great package. Not as good as the Mojave (i'm biased) but should really be in the running for anyone playing the "what trim should i buy" game.

 

[Phishs]

Value exists in 2 areas: where you perceive it, and where you actually use it.

You may be correct that from a pure value:dollar perspective the rubicon is a better build. But the realities is if that extra capability isn't being used, it's sunk cost fallacy . You have no use for your 4:1 tcase, front locker, or extra towing. But i guarantee you'll use your better suspension, bolstered seats, and aesthetic "advantages" (this part is purely opinion, but it seems one that you and I share) every time you get behind the wheel.

Both are cool. I don't believe either one is better, and I think Jeep's stance of giving them exactly the same MSRP means they share in those beliefs. But for buyers i think it comes down to what do you NEED and what will you USE. The mojave upgrades get used every day. The Rubicon upgrades get used sparingly. If you NEED them, you gotta pony up the rubicon cash so they are there when you need them to be. But if you don't... maybe consider the upgrades you once thought were of lower value but would serve you better.

Final plug for the Freedom Maxtow, i think it's a great package. Not as good as the Mojave (i'm biased) but should really be in the running for anyone playing the "what trim should i buy" game.

Great points! I think having that benefit daily will win me over. I would just feel better if the cost was less than the Rubicon. lol

 

[Sandevino]

Value exists in 2 areas: where you perceive it, and where you actually use it.

You may be correct that from a pure value:dollar perspective the rubicon is a better build. But the realities is if that extra capability isn't being used, it's sunk cost fallacy . You have no use for your 4:1 tcase, front locker, or extra towing. But i guarantee you'll use your better suspension, bolstered seats, and aesthetic "advantages" (this part is purely opinion, but it seems one that you and I share) every time you get behind the wheel.

Both are cool. I don't believe either one is better, and I think Jeep's stance of giving them exactly the same MSRP means they share in those beliefs. But for buyers i think it comes down to what do you NEED and what will you USE. The mojave upgrades get used every day. The Rubicon upgrades get used sparingly. If you NEED them, you gotta pony up the rubicon cash so they are there when you need them to be. But if you don't... maybe consider the upgrades you once thought were of lower value but would serve you better.

Final plug for the Freedom Maxtow, i think it's a great package. Not as good as the Mojave (i'm biased) but should really be in the running for anyone playing the "what trim should i buy" game.

Well thought out response.

In my opinion, the only models worth purchasing in 2023 are the variants with the wide track Dana 44 axles - Rubicon, Mojave or Sport S Max Tow.

The benefits (payload and towing) of the axles alone warranty hard consideration of these three trims.

 

[Gvsukids]

The lack of a sway bar disconnect does suck, but the OEM one reconnects itself at 25mph so if you wanted to use your Mojave for what it was meant for you'd need an aftermarket SBD anyway.

Tazer can keep it disconnected at any speed and in 2hi.

 

[Choatecav]

"Why Mojave?"

Is this a trick question?????

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Well thought out response.

In my opinion, the only models worth purchasing in 2023 are the variants with the wide track Dana 44 axles - Rubicon, Mojave or Sport S Max Tow.

The benefits (payload and towing) of the axles alone warranty hard consideration of these three trims.

The High Altitude has wide axles too.

 

[Rahkmalla]

Tazer can keep it disconnected at any speed and in 2hi.

That's good information, wasn't aware of that feature (also didn't know without a tazer you weren't able to disconnect in 2hi)

 

[Sandevino]

The High Altitude has wide axles too.

The factory 20" rims would be a deal breaker.

 

[Jaxmax]

I went Mojave cause it is good enough for my needs off road and very comfortable on road, for having big tires and all.
The sway bar disconnect on the Rubicon is more of a drawback then benefit to me as I put Apex disconnects on and they are disconnected until I put them back and there is less chance of electrical or mechanical failure, BUT I am paying even more then a Rubicon then. I never really figured I would go wheeling but have been to Rausch Creek and did great only thing I would miss on rock crawling
is that low geared transfer case, although I was in four low most of the time and it was great. If you are looking for street comfort an Overland will ride better than a Mojave perhaps but Mojave still does speed bumps, railroad tracks and pot holes amazing. Sounds like you should perhaps stay with a Rubi though….Jack

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

The factory 20" rims would be a deal breaker.

Super easy and cheap fix. Almost everybody changes wheels and tires anyways.

 

[Sandevino]

Super easy and cheap fix. Almost everybody changes wheels and tires anyways.

Rims and tires are $2 - $4k which isn't cheap but I get your point. What color is your HA?

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Rims and tires are $2 - $4k which isn't cheap but I get your point. What color is your HA?

You're right, that's not really cheap. I was just thinking about the price of wheels when I said that.

Mine is snazzberry.

 

[ecidiego]

I currently own a 21 Rubicon and I love it but am considering buying a new one when the interior refresh comes out. I really don’t want to buy the same exact truck so considering a Mojave but am not seeing the benefits over a Rubicon for the same price. I’m hoping someone can convince me. I see it as giving up the sway bar disconnect, front locker, steel rear bumper, rear bed rock rails and 1,000 lbs in towing for better shocks, steel steering knuckles, more bolsters in the seats / steering wheel, being able to drive faster in 4WD and 1” higher in the front. Just seems like not a fair trade off to me which is the conclusion I came to when buying my current truck but would like to try something new. I have also never seen a desert or a beach I could drive on in my life but I don’t go rock climbing either.

My Mojave has Apex disconnects and a Rubicon rear bumper assembly..... Cost me around $750. Takeoff Rubi bumper/bed sliders and new Apex.

There's more to the suspension then "better shocks". The hydraulic jounce bumpers are amazing. You can slam the hell out of the front end without your teeth falling out.

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