Off-roading is a hobby that exists for the bold and daring. The Jeep is the brand trusted above all others for those needing a vehicle to facilitate adventures on the less traveled path. Most off-roaders use one of two primary vehicles to undertake the impossible: the Jeep Wrangler and various pickup trucks. The Jeep Gladiator combines both of these vehicle classes. The Gladiator takes the off-road toughness of the Wrangler and equips it with a pickup bed for use in various applications.
As with many models in the Jeep fleet, the Gladiator comes in various trims that allow it to adhere to off-roaders’ high expectations in the vehicles they choose to utilize. Serious off-roaders who are passionate about accomplishing the impossible have put their trust in the Rubicon trim, and those who live for the thrill of traversing the desert sands have chosen to use the Mojave. These are both exceptional models, but when you think that Jeep has ridden to the top of the mountain, you realize that it has surpassed the peak with the introduction of the Mojave X and Rubicon X.
If you’re thinking about escaping from the confines of civilization, a Jeep Gladiator for sale has likely been on your mind lately, and if it hasn’t, it should be. You might want to consider the bold new Rubicon X or Mojave X. We’ll review each and explain the intricacies.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Jeep owners know the term Rubicon very well, as it’s synonymous with off-roading performance and excellence. Like all versions of the Jeep Gladiator, the Rubicon has a V6 that pairs with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. 285 hp and the capacity to generate 260 lb-ft of torque allow the Gladiator to perform at an exceptionally high level of capability, and an 11.1-inch ground clearance makes any obstacle a non-issue.
The features that make the Rubicon the ultimate off-roading vehicle are among the most coveted in its class. These include a suspension formulated explicitly for the bumps and bruises that come with any off-road adventure. The Rubicon has an Electronic front sway-bar disconnect and 33-inch all-terrain tires to make any terrain manageable. Both axles of the Rubicon can lock, which means all four wheels have the necessary power for adventure, and a low-speed crawl makes climbing hills, mountains, and rocky terrains possible.
The Rubicon X
The Rubicon X improves upon off-roading capabilities and provides additional features that enhance time spent behind the wheel. This unique blend of style and prowess outshines the features of GMC’s AT4 and AT4X trims and elevates off-roading to the stratosphere of sophistication. The Rubicon X adds off-roading elements such as rear and front steel bumpers, a Rock-Trac full-time transfer case, and an integrated front off-road camera. While the Ford Bronco only recently added a space on the dashboard to record your adventures, and by way of your smartphone, Jeep gives you the equipment to document your travels and provide additional oversight.
For the discerning off-roader with a taste for some of the finer things in life, the Rubicon X provides the goods that will make any adventure or time spent behind the wheel enjoyable. You’ll always be in a position of comfort, thanks to the 12-way power adjustable Nappa leather seats with heating and a high-end stereo system from Alpine with nine speakers for the discerning audiophile. A 12.3-inch infotainment screen includes Uconnect, Jeep’s tech-savvy software suite, and navigation, ensuring you always find your destination to undertake your next adventure.
Jeep Gladiator Mojave
Off-roaders have their preferred locations and destinations when it comes to undertaking the arduous task of taming the most inhospitable terrains. The Mojave trim is the preferred choice for those traversing desert sands. The Mojave shares many of the off-roading capabilities of the Rubicon and offers a one-inch suspension lift with 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks from FOX, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and axels designed to maintain traction are an off-roader’s dream. Dual-zone automatic temperature control allows you to stay nice and cool even when the desert sun is unforgiving.
The Mojave also benefits from a unique suspension that’s ideally formulated for desert activity and hydraulic jounce bumpers to reduce the effects of an impact that might occur while partaking in any off-road adventure. Many of the Mojave’s attributes are meant to compensate for the multiple terrains that off-roaders enjoy exploring. Even if you’re not planning to cross the Sahara anytime soon, the Mojave can facilitate your next adventure.
The Mojave X
The Jeep Gladiator Mojave X benefits from many of the same attributes that the Rubicon X does, such as the high-end stereo system and the Nappa leather interior to maximize comfort. One item worth noting is that both trims have abundant features to make your travels within the city limits and off the pavement safe and secure. Advanced Brake Assist and stability control with an emphasis on preventing rollovers are essential for both driving situations and adventures. Forward Collision Warning-Plus mitigation is critical to preserving reaction time.
Whether on the streets or in the sand and mud, this keeps you safe during your travels.
Choosing where to go has never been easier, thanks to the Trails Offroad Catalog, which is essential for any off-roader, with over 3,000 guides for off-roading destinations from all over North America. These are rated by difficulty, allowing you to judge which destinations suit your experience level. It’s also worth noting that TomTom powers the navigation system for all Gladiator models and is consistently updated with information regarding your destination and travel conditions.
Some Final Thoughts and Which One Is Best Suited for You
When choosing any vehicle for off-roading, looking at every aspect and item it’s equipped with is essential. 4WD and a competent powertrain might be the basic requirements for traversing the path less traveled. Still, when the situation calls for it, you should consider such facets as safety, technology, and practicality. The Jeep Gladiator offers the versatility of a pickup truck, the tech-savviness of an SUV, and the capability to facilitate any adventure you wish to take part in. The Rubicon, Rubicon X, Mojave, and Mojave X exemplify the qualities and prowess any off-roader needs to undertake a genuinely daring journey.
The question becomes which version is best suited for you. Well, for all-purpose off-roading and capability that is simply unmatched, the Rubicon X is the battle-tested veteran that can endure the most arduous of terrains and still perform the various tasks that might accompany the workday. As discussed earlier, the Mojave X is highly adaptable to desert situations. With its implements provided by the FOX Racing company, you’re guaranteed a comfortable ride even when you’re traveling on unforgiving ground.
If you’re an avid off-roader and have a penchant for the finer things in life, such as a comfortable interior, tech-savvy implements, and a stereo system that keeps the worries of the world far removed from your travels, both the Rubicon X and Mojave X trims offer the unique balance of power and luxury—You can’t go wrong with either. Combining these two worlds, which are usually thought of in very different terms, is something we’re starting to see more and more of, particularly from domestic manufacturers. Indeed, the Jeep Gladiator is the crème de la crème of this new breed of off-roading machinery.
