The midsize pickup truck has undergone a significant transformation in the past few years, with newly designed models from Ford, GM, Toyota, and Nissan. Yet, none of these new trucks has anything close to the character of the Jeep Gladiator, and of course, none of them are convertibles, either. Jeep’s pickup can do everything you need in a pickup while giving you a fun experience in every drive that those conventional trucks cannot approach.
As of this writing, the 2024 Gladiators are still fresh in the Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram inventory, having started production in February 2024. These new models come with a host of new standard features, all without a price increase. Some of the notable additions include:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen with the Unconnect 5 operating systems
- First- and second-row side-curtain airbags (uncommon in a convertible.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Forward collision warning (Sport S and above),
- Advanced cruise control with stop (Sport S and above)
- Trails OffRoad, Jeep Adventure Guides built into the UConnect 5 Nav system (on Nav-equipped models)
Gladiator trims include Sport, Sport S, Willys, Mojave, Rubicon, and new for 2024, the Mojave X and Rubicon X. All are powered by the Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6, which produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Almost unheard of in the industry anymore, every trim is available with a 6-speed manual or an available 8-speed Torqueflite transmission.
The Mojave and Rubicon are evidence of Jeep’s understanding that all off-roading is not created equal. The subject of this post, the Mojave, specializes in carrying speed over sand and light off-road terrain, which may mark it as the most fun-loving trim in the lineup. By contrast, the Rubicon’s specialty is crawling over very rough terrain at slow speeds. That is not to say that the Mojave can’t do the slow, rough stuff. Its 11.6-inch ground clearance is up for it, as are the 44.7° approach, 20.9° break-over, and 25.5° departure angles. The Rubicon will just have an easier time of it. But you can lose the Rubi in the sand.
The differences lie in the chassis, where the Mojave features 2.5-inch aluminum internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs for additional heat management and overall higher-speed suspension tuning. The Rubicon has a lower crawl ratio, a front locking differential (both have rear lockers), a swaybar disconnect, and high-pressure gas-charged monotube shocks with hydraulic rebound stops. The Mojave X and Rubicon X are similarly equipped, but simply add every option available.
The Gladiator shares the Wrangler’s dash design, which combines the usefulness of the large touchscreen with an impressive array of analog gauges and physical controls, including one to turn the screen off if you don’t want the distraction.
When it comes to truck duty, the Gladiator Mojave will carry 1,100 pounds and can tow 6,000 pounds with the 8-speed automatic. If you need greater capacity, it will cost you less, rather than more, as the entry-level Sport can carry 1,725 pounds or tow 7,700 pounds.
In short, the Gladiator is an extraordinarily capable mid-size pickup that gives you a sense of being in something special every time you get in. It can also give you thrills like no other when the roof is removed, and you are speeding from one dune to the next. If any of these special pickups sound like what you would like in your next truck, visit Benna CDJR for a test drive. Have fun!
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