Jeep Gladiator Mojave X: Ultimate Desert Beast

The Jeep Gladiator Mojave X stands out as a midsize pickup engineered for high-speed desert adventures while retaining Jeep’s iconic trail prowess. This trim elevates the Gladiator lineup with specialized hardware that excels in sand washes, whoops, and rocky paths, blending rugged capability with improved on-road comfort.

Engine and Powertrain Excellence

At the heart of the Gladiator Mojave X is a robust 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard four-wheel-drive system featuring heavy-duty Dana 44 axles. This setup delivers peppy acceleration suitable for urban driving and sufficient torque for off-road demands. The sealed air intake allows fording depths up to 31.5 inches of water, ensuring reliability in wet conditions.

Off-Road+ mode transforms the truck into a dirt-focused machine by sharpening throttle response, optimizing shift points, and minimizing traction control intervention for maximum wheelspin. Paired with a rear locking differential, it enables confident navigation through loose sand and high-speed terrain. While not the quickest in straight-line speed, the powertrain’s versatility makes it a jack-of-all-trades for varied adventures.

Advanced Suspension for High-Speed Off-Roading

The Mojave X’s suspension is its crown jewel, featuring 2.5-inch Fox internal bypass shocks with remote reservoirs up front and piggyback reservoirs in the rear. These dampers provide superior heat dissipation and tuning for sustained high-speed runs over rough desert surfaces. A 1-inch front lift and widened track enhance stability, yielding 11.6 inches of ground clearance.

Front hydraulic jounce bumpers—similar to those on competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2—absorb extreme compression, protecting the chassis and reducing passenger fatigue during hard landings. These produce a distinctive ‘clonk’ sound upon full engagement, which may startle newcomers but signals effective impact management. Approach angle reaches 44.7 degrees, breakover 20.9 degrees, and departure 25.5 degrees, aided by high-clearance steel bumpers.

33-inch Falken Wildpeak AT3W all-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels offer excellent grip in sand and dirt. Steel rock rails and skid plates safeguard the underbody, making the Mojave X trail-ready for rocks despite lacking a front locker or sway bar disconnect found on the Rubicon.

Interior Upgrades and Daily Comfort

Recent updates have refined the Gladiator’s cabin into a more upscale space. Leather-trimmed seats with Mojave X embroidery provide power adjustability and long-haul comfort. The Uconnect 5 system features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, forward-facing TrailCam for off-road visibility, and an adequate audio setup despite the truck’s inherent noise levels.

Orange accents inside and out add a distinctive flair, complementing options like Mojito Green paint. Visibility remains strong, and highway handling is composed, though wind noise exceeds that of typical cars. Fuel economy lags behind sedans but suits its adventure-oriented design, with owners reporting satisfaction after 1,500 miles of mixed use.

Versatile Performance Across Terrains

Designed for fast desert trails, the Mojave X surprisingly excels at rock crawling thanks to its live front axle. It outperforms independent-front-suspension rivals on boulders, maintaining composure where others falter. Small whoops are effortlessly absorbed by the Fox dampers, though prolonged large bumps can unsettle the rear, highlighting a minor tuning limitation.

Standout Visual and Functional Features

Exterior cues like orange tow hooks, performance hood with decals, and LED lights signal its desert-rated intent. Standard tow package and truck bed enhance utility for gear-hauling. The removable doors and foldable windshield embody Jeep’s open-air ethos, inviting raw outdoor experiences.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

Despite its strengths, the Mojave X has limitations. On pavement, it feels truck-like with notable wind noise and a boisterous cabin, even with upgrades. The absence of front locking differential and sway bar disconnect hampers extreme rock crawling compared to the Rubicon. Fuel efficiency and overall pricing position it as a premium choice, demanding commitment to the Jeep lifestyle.

• Wind Noise: Higher than sedans, though improved over older models.
• Cost: Mojave X package adds significant expense for specialized gear.
• Rear Suspension: Can feel unsettled over repeated large impacts.

Real-World Owner Insights

After 1,500 miles, owners praise its highway poise, snow-handling, and ecosystem fit alongside Wranglers. It’s a capable daily driver that transitions seamlessly to rough terrain, earning repeat-buy endorsements.

Comparison with Competitors

Versus the Rubicon, the Mojave prioritizes speed over crawl extremes. It edges out the Ford Raptor in Jeep authenticity and convertibility, while matching the Tacoma TRD Pro’s bump absorption but surpassing in axle strength.

Why Choose the Mojave X?

For enthusiasts seeking a pickup that thrives in deserts yet serves daily duties, the Mojave X delivers unmatched Jeep DNA with modern refinements. Its suspension tuning and modes make it the best Gladiator for fast trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Mojave X different from standard Gladiators?

It features Fox 2.5-inch shocks, hydraulic jounce bumpers, widened track, and Off-Road+ mode for superior high-speed off-roading.

Is the interior comfortable for long drives?

Yes, power leather seats and Uconnect 5 enhance comfort, though noise is present.

Can it handle rock crawling?

Absolutely, its live axle and protection enable capable performance, though not as specialized as the Rubicon.

What’s the water fording depth?

Up to 31.5 inches thanks to the sealed intake.

How does fuel economy compare?

It’s truck-typical, prioritizing capability over efficiency.