Did Jeep just build a Ford Raptor fighter with the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave? TFLtruck is the first to compare the Mojave “Desert Rated” truck side-by-side against the Gladiator version to show you all the features and diffirences. The Mojave truck has something no other factory pickup truck currently offers. Check it out!
2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave
The Mojave truck comes in the same crew cab short bed configuration as every other Gladiator. The most obvious styling difference is the new hood with a non-functional hood scoop. Mojave is way more than just a sticker package and orange accents. Jeep says they reinforced the frame, especially the rear section.
The truck still rides on Dana 44 solid axles front and rear with 4.10 differential gearing. These are the same axles the Rubicon is using, but the Mojave does not offer a front locking differential or a disconnect-able front sway bar that allows for more wheel articulation.
The suspension is where the Mojave differs the most. The desert runner uses unique springs and 2.5-inch diameter internal bypass FOX shocks to allow for faster off-road driving. The FOX shocks are bigger than the 2.0-inch diameter shocks on the Rubicon. The Mojave’s shocks use external reservoirs for better heat resistance.
Up front, Mojave is using hydraulic FOX jounce bumpers instead of standard bump stops. It is the first and only factory off-road truck to offer hydraulic jounce bumpers. This should allow the truck to better cushion the truck when the suspension fully compresses.
The unique Mojave suspension lowers the overall Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from 6,250 lbs to 6,140 lbs. The Mojave has a maximum payload capability of 1,200 lbs and maximum towing of 6,000 lbs. The max. towing rating is 1,000 lbs less than that of the Rubicon.
Mojave sits about an inch higher in the front than a Rubicon. It offers 11.6 inches of ground clearance (compared to 11 inches for the Rubicon). The Mojave approach angle is 44.7 deg, breakover is 20.9 deg, and departure is 25.5 degrees.
Mojave rides on the same 33-inch tall tires (Falken Wildpeak All-Terrains), as are also available on the Rubicon.
On the inside, there is a unique thicker steering wheel and front seats with more aggressive bolsters. Other than that the Mojave interior layout, options, and features are very much like the Rubicon.
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave starts at the same $43,875 starting price as the Rubicon. The two can be optioned in similar ways for the same price. The decision comes down to how you see using the truck. Do you want to do more slow speed off-road crawling? The Rubicon is better for that. Are you looking to do more high-speed off-roading. This is where the Mojave is focused on.
