2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave Road Test and Review

2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave turning in sand ・ Photo by Newspress USA

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is an all-new model that finally brings a pickup truck to the Jeep lineup. Despite being in the middle of its first model year, Jeep just introduced a new Mojave trim and new badging that’s not only a first for the Gladiator, but a first for the Jeep brand.

The Gladiator Mojave mid-size pickup is the first Jeep with the Desert Rated badge, which will make its way onto additional vehicles in the Jeep lineup. This means it’s ready for high-speed driving out in the sand with features specially designed to handle this more rigorous driving environment. Much like the Trail Rated badge lets you know a Jeep is ready to go off road in rocks and mud, a Desert Rated badge carries the same weight for sun and sand. Let’s take a closer look at the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave and see if it’s the right desert-ready truck for you.

What does Desert Rated mean?

The Desert Rated badge makes its debut on the 2020 Jeep Gladiator and builds on the already well-known Trail Rated badge. The difference is that Desert Rated Jeeps are specifically designed for high-speed, off-road driving in the intense heat and sand of desert environments. To earn this badge, a Jeep must pass stress tests in five categories. These include ride control and stability, traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, and desert prowess.

These tests ensure that when you do hit the dunes, a Desert Rated Jeep is up to the task. While this is the first Jeep with a Desert Rated badge, it won’t be the last. Expect to see Desert Rated badges added to additional vehicles in the future. Those whose off-road adventures include miles of dunes rather than tree-covered mountains will find the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave an excellent choice.

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The Mojave has a unique exterior look.

The Mojave has a unique look that differentiates it from the rest of the Gladiator lineup. In addition to the Desert Rated badge, there is a one-inch suspension lift that gives it a bold presence. There’s a unique Mojave hood decal and a heavy-duty performance hood with a center scoop. The tow hooks are bright orange and there are unique 17-inch-by-7.5-inch wheels. A final bit of exterior enhancement includes Jeep Performance Parts step sand slider rails.

While the main reason to buy the Mojave trim is its desert capability, there’s also definitely something to be said for its unique styling. The Mojave is special, and Jeep made it look that way with all its exterior enhancements. Whether you’re on the road or climbing up a sand dune, the Gladiator Mojave looks every bit the capable desert runner.

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Special design elements inside, too.

Jeep didn’t stop at exterior design enhancements for the Mojave. It also spent some time making the interior look unique and gave it some functional enhancements, too. The front seats have integrated upper bolsters that hold you in place during more aggressive off-road driving. They strike a good balance between being a bit more snug than typical seats without being so tight that they become confining when you’re making the daily drive to work.

There are only two interior color options: Black or Steel Gray. Whichever color you choose, the seats are embroidered with a bold Mojave logo in orange. That same color adorns the competition-inspired leather-wrapped steering wheel designed to provide extra grip. There’s plenty of room for four passengers in a comfortable and spacious interior that keeps passengers happy even when you’re cruising across the dunes.

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The power you need to climb that dune.

Power for the Jeep Gladiator Mojave comes from a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque paired to a six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic. It easily moves the Gladiator Mojave through rugged terrain and is equally capable when it comes time to merge with highway traffic. This engine was engineered to provide plenty of low-end torque, which matters when you’re doing heavy-duty off-roading. It also makes towing a trailer easier, especially if you’re dealing with steep inclines.

The automatic transmission provides smoother on-road driving manners while maintaining off-road capability. This makes it easier to manages soft sand dunes or the more rugged, rock-strewn terrain often encountered in desert conditions.

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A suspension system designed for the desert.

The thing about a desert racer is that it’s not just about going fast. The desert isn’t a smooth, perfectly level stretch of sand. It has bumps and dips and plenty of opportunities to catch some air, whether you mean to or are pleasantly surprised. That means a desert racer must be able to handle the speed and the bumps without destroying itself or its passengers.

The Jeep Gladiator Mojave does exactly that thanks to a suspension system built to handle desert runs. This includes specially tuned Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs, Fox front hydraulic jounce bumpers, a reinforced frame, a one-inch suspension lift, skid plates, and stronger axles. What that all means when you’re behind the wheel is that after spending a little time getting comfortable with how the Gladiator Mojave handles, there’s some true fun to be had flying across the desert sands.

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It's plenty capable.

The suspension changes make the Gladiator Mojave ideal for the desert, but behind all that is the 4x4 capability for which Jeep is famous. It features the Command-Trac 4x4 system with a two-speed transfer case to get you through the rough stuff. There are heavy-duty third-generation Dana 44 front and rear axles and a standard electronic locking rear differential. The 4x4 system also provides a higher 4Lo than is typical to make climbing sand dunes easier and features an Off-Road+ mode.

Whether you’re running the Gladiator Mojave through the desert or an off-road trail up a tree-lined mountain, the Gladiator Mojave has you covered. While it’s focused on providing a true desert-racing experience, that doesn’t mean it’s not equally capable for all your other off-road adventuring plans. And should you want to do nothing more than drive it to the office, then sure, it can manage that just fine, too.

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Uconnect infotainment keeps you connected no matter where you go

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave features the Uconnect infotainment system with all the features you need to stay connected. It’s one of the most intuitive systems on the market so it’s easy to learn, even for passengers who might not work with it every day. It includes a standard 7-inch touchscreen, eight-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto along with dual USB charging ports up front and two rear ports.

Those who want more out of their audio experience have the option for an upgraded system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. premium nine-speaker Alpine audio system, and rear subwoofer. The system also has a selection of apps, including Off-Road pages. This comes in handy when you leave the pavement by providing information on pitch and roll, suspension, and vehicle dynamics. Whether on-road or off, the Uconnect system has the features to keep you going.

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A ride tailored for off-roading.

There is a trade-off to be had for the off-road prowess of the Gladiator Mojave. As an off-road-focused vehicle, that’s where it truly shines. Most people, however, won’t be spending all day every day driving through the wilderness. That means there will be plenty of time when the Gladiator Mojave will be cruising along on smooth pavement.

The Gladiator is a comfortable ride no matter the terrain, but it has a fair amount of bounce when you’re on uneven road surfaces. It’s not jarring by any means, but the suspension travel that makes off-roading less harsh makes on-road driving bouncy. You’ll also notice a fair amount of noise due to the removable top. It’s not something that makes a conversation with rear passengers difficult, but even with a hardtop (as opposed to the standard soft top) there’s enough exterior noise that it takes a little getting used to and becomes wearying over longer trips.

Photo by Jeep

Final Thoughts

The Jeep Gladiator Mojave is a welcome addition to the Gladiator lineup. It takes the long-awaited mid-size Jeep truck and gives it the enhancements it needs to be a legitimate desert racer. Not every off-road vehicle is up to the task of tackling a sand dune, but that’s where the Gladiator Mojave is at its best. That makes it a great choice for those who plan to have plenty of weekend fun. Whether that takes you into a forest or across the desert, the Mojave is up to the challenge.

The Mojave also comes with pricing that starts at $43,875. That’s more than other Gladiator trims, but still manageable. A wide range of options will set that price climbing, but it’s all a matter of how much comfort and capability you crave. No matter how you equip your Jeep Gladiator Mojave, it’s ready for your next desert run.

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