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Grey-brown 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave truck crossing a dune at sunset

The Jeep Gladiator Mojave Can’t Keep up

In a world where the Ford Raptor and Ram 1500 TRX are battling for the best off-roading truck title, why is the Jeep Gladiator Mojave flying under the radar? Sure, it doesn’t have a dinosaur name, but maybe it doesn’t need one. Let’s see how the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave compares.  Is the Jeep Gladiator …

In a world where the Ford Raptor and Ram 1500 TRX are battling for the best off-roading truck title, why is the Jeep Gladiator Mojave flying under the radar? Sure, it doesn’t have a dinosaur name, but maybe it doesn’t need one. Let’s see how the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave compares. 

Is the Jeep Gladiator Mojave good for off-roading? 

First, let’s talk about power. Everyone has lost their minds because the Ram 1500 TRX has 702 horsepower. It’s the most powerful truck ever! However, it’s limited to a top speed of 118 mph, so it’s not as fast as you might think. 

Red 2020 Jeep Gladiator perched overlooking a canyon
2020 Jeep Gladiator | Jeep

Also, the Ford Raptor has a 3.5-liter V6 with 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. The Jeep Gladiator Mojave comes in with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that only pumps out 285 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. 

This makes it seem pretty weak, but it’s a midsize truck, not a full-size option. The new diesel engine for 2021 will also provide 442 lb-ft of torque and 32 miles to the gallon on the highway. But the Jeep Gladiator takes 8.5 seconds to reach 0 to 60 mph while the Ford Raptor reaches 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. 

Jeep Gladiator Mojave off-roading specs 

The Jeep Gladiator Mojave is fun to adventure in because it gets naked. You can take the top off, remove the doors, and even fold the windshield down to feel the wind on your face. The other two off-roaders have sunroofs, at least. 

Even though it has a live front axle, the Jeep Gladiator Mohave supposedly has a smooth ride on the pavement. It’s slightly bumpy, but not as rough as the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or other off-roaders. 

Also, around areas in the desert with dips and larger holes, the Jeep Gladiator Mojave can power through at speeds of 45 miles per hour or faster. Other trucks have to slow down to avoid bottoming out. The Gladiator Mojave has an 11.9” ground clearance compared to 9.9” with the Ford Raptor and 11.8” with the Ram 1500 TRX.

Jeep Gladiator Mojave Fox shocks and jounce bumpers detail
Jeep Gladiator Mojave Fox shocks and jounce bumpers detail | FCA

The Ram 1500 TRX has new Bilstein shocks that haven’t been tested, but Ford used Fox shocks for off-road racing. The Jeep Gladiator Mojave uses Fox shocks but also has Fox hydraulic jounce bumpers to absorb impacts. 

Jeep Gladiator Mojave features 

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave starts around $43k. This provides loads of savings compared to the Ford Raptor, which starts around $53k, and the Ram 1500 TRX that starts around $70k.

2020 Jeep Gladiator parked at sunset
2020 Jeep Gladiator | Jeep

Plus, the Mojave includes value. You get a full leather interior with comfortable bucket seats, while the base model of the Ram 1500 TRX comes with cloth seats. 

The technology is modern and easy to use. Some claim that the Uconnect system is the best infotainment software available. Also, you get a Wi-fi hotspot and forward-facing trail camera and automatic climate control. 

Jeep Gladiator King of the Hammers Racer
Jeep Gladiator King of the Hammers Racer | Jeep

For the Jeep Gladiator Mojave price, it’s a contender as a desert racer and daily driver. It may be slower than the competition at the moment, but at least it provides savings. It also takes the suspension a bit further with hydraulic jounce bumpers and has proven its abilities at higher speeds in the sand. 

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