FIRST LOOK: 2024 Jeep® Gladiator Rubicon X and Mojave X

Earlier today, Jeep® enthusiasts were treated with the debut of the highly-anticipated 2024 Jeep Gladiator (JT) in Detroit. While some were surprised by the absence of an eagerly awaited Gladiator 4xe model, given Jeep’s ambitious electrification goals, the event showcased two thrilling new models: the Rubicon X and Mojave X, tailored to meet the demands of off-road aficionados who are looking for a more premium pickup in 2024.

Rubicon X – 

Designed to conquer the formidable Rubicon Trail, the 2024 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon boasts a robust Rock-Trac 4×4 system featuring heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles and a 4:1 “4LO” ratio, poised to take on any challenge. Standard 4.10 front and rear axle ratios and Tru-Lok front and rear-locking differentials ensure improved articulation. An electronic front sway-bar disconnect further enhances wheel travel.

With impressive crawl ratios of 84:1 (with a 6-speed manual) and 77:1 (with the optional 8-speed automatic), the Rubicon masters tough obstacles effortlessly. It rides on 33-inch all-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch aluminum wheels, guaranteeing optimal grip in low-traction conditions. To fortify against rugged terrain, the vehicle is equipped with skid plates and steel rock rails, safeguarding vital components.

For those who want more luxury from the hardcore trail king, the Rubicon X elevates the standard Rubicon with features like heated Black 12-way power-adjustable front seats in premium Nappa leather, heated steering, a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen display with navigation, a premium 9-speaker Alpine audio system, ParkSense rear park-assist system, Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM) rear Cross Path Detection, a steel front bumper, integrated front off-road camera, body-colored fender flares, body-colored hardtop with headliner, an integrated Bluetooth speaker, and a Rock-Trac full-time transfer case.

The Rubicon X package also adds a new 17-inch ‘Machine’ wheel design with Black pockets, Black side wall 33-inch tires, and the Gladiator Cargo Group. The Cargo Group adds a trail rail system to the pickup box and features a lockable rear under-seat storage area, roll-up tonneau cover, exterior 115-volt plug in the box, and 240-amp / 400-watt inverter.

Mojave X – 

For those off-roaders who could care less about the slow trail ride and want to blast through the desert sand, there is the Gladiator Mojave. The Gladiator Mojave earns its Desert Rated badge with specially tuned FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, finely tuned for high-speed sand runs. These shocks are equipped with external reservoirs to maintain peak performance in extreme conditions. Hydraulic jounce bumpers provide additional damping force during maximum compression, preventing bottoming out.

An Off-Road+ mode allows drivers to tailor performance for sand or rock terrains. The Mojave’s Desert Rated badge signifies top-tier high-speed, off-road capability in challenging desert environments.

While the Mojave builds upon the Sport S model with the addition of LED headlamps, taillights, and fogs, 33-inch all-terrain tires, steel rock rails, and more, but there are some who want to blast through the sand in comfort. The Mojave X package takes luxury to the next level, featuring Black and Green 12-way power adjustable Nappa leather front seats, a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with navigation, a premium 9-speaker Alpine audio system, heated front seats and steering wheel, ParkSense rear park-assist system, Blind-Spot Monitoring, rear Cross Path detection, steel front and rear bumpers, integrated front off-road camera, body-color fender flares and hardtop with headliner, integrated Bluetooth speaker, and a Selec-Trac full-time transfer case.

In addition, following in the shadow of the Rubicon X, there are new 17-inch ‘Machine’ wheels with Dark Gray pockets, Black sidewall tires, and the Cargo Group. Again, the Cargo Group adds a trail rail system to the pickup box and features a lockable rear under-seat storage area, roll-up tonneau cover, exterior 115-volt plug in the box, and 240-amp / 400-watt inverter.

All Gladiator models come standard with the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine under the hood for 2024. It delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and features engine stop-start (ESS) as standard equipment. This engine is meticulously engineered to provide a broad torque band with a focus on low-end torque, which is great for off-roading, heavy loads, or towing.

For those who prefer a manual transmission, a 6-speed manual transmission is standard, while an 8-speed automatic transmission is optional. With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the Gladiator boasts an impressive best-in-class crawl ratio of up to 84:1, while the optional 8-speed automatic transmission offers a crawl ratio of up to 77:1. 

Both models are available in ten exterior colors, including Anvil, Black, Bright White, Firecracker Red, Granite Crystal, High Velocity, Hydro Blue, Sarge Green, and Silver Zynith, offering a range of options to suit individual tastes and preferences. The popular Bikini color will also return as a limited-run exterior color later in the year.

Pricing has yet to be officially announced. However, our dealer sources have indicated that they are allowed to order the 2024 models as of today.

The new X models aim to bring additional premium content to the Gladiator, positioning the premium-priced off-roader on par with the rest of the competitive midsize luxury pickup segment.