Meet The 2020 Jeep® Gladiator Mojave – The First Ever Desert Rated Jeep:
The First Jeep To Wear The New "Desert Rated" Badge...
You might remember, that several months ago we showed you pictures of a unique Jeep® Gladiator that was out testing on the roads of Metro Detroit. We are now learning a lot about this new Gladiator variant this morning, with the Jeep brand’s introduction of its first Desert Rated model, the 2020 Jeep® Gladiator Mojave. The Gladiator Mojave is the first new Jeep model to wear the newly minted Desert Rated badge.
Later today, the Jeep brand will introduce the all-new 2020 Jeep® Gladiator Mojave in front of the media at the Chicago Auto Show. The new Gladiator Mojave represents the ultimate in high-speed off-road capability and performance while traversing grueling desert and sand environments, of the new Desert Rated badge.
“4×4 capability has always been the foremost pillar of the Jeep brand and the new Gladiator Mojave is a natural extension of our legendary Trail Rated 4×4 capability leadership,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America. “Jeep Gladiator is already the most capable midsize pickup on the planet and, with the addition of the new Mojave model, we are delivering our most passionate customers a new level of capability with the ability to master high-speed desert and sand terrains.”
The Jeep Gladiator Mojave features a new, specially tuned FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs, industry-exclusive FOX front hydraulic jounce bumpers, a reinforced frame, a one-inch front suspension lift with a silver front skid plate, stronger axles with cast-iron steering knuckles, aggressive front seats with integrated upper bolsters and standard 33-inch Falken Wildpeak All-terrain tires. All of these standard features enable the Gladiator Mojave to become the Jeep brand’s first Desert Rated vehicle.
The starting point for the Mojave edition’s new level of capability is Gladiator’s proven Command-Trac 4×4 system, which features a two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, and heavy-duty third-generation Dana 44 front and rear axles with a 4.10:1 axle ratio and standard electronic-locking rear differential. The Jeep Command-Trac 4×4 system is used to provide higher 4LO (low range) operating speeds for climbing sand dunes and other challenging desert events.
With a best-in-class approach angle of 44.7 degrees, a breakover angle of 20.9 degrees, a departure angle of 25.5 degrees, and a best-in-class ground clearance of 11.6 inches further enhances Gladiator Mojave’s off-road credentials. Other Gladiator Mojave capability highlights include Jeep Performance Parts step sand slider side rails, a silver front skid plate for protection over rugged sand terrain, best-in-class articulation and up to 1,200 pounds of payload and up to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity.
Under the hood, is the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and features engine stop-start (ESS) as standard equipment. It is engineered to provide a broad torque band with a focus on low-end torque, an essential trait needed for extreme off-roading. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission is optional.
With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, Gladiator Mojave boasts an impressive crawl ratio of 57.3:1 and 52.6:1 on Mojave models equipped with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission, both of which make cresting a dune or scaling any obstacle on the trail easy.
To earn the first-ever Desert Rated badge, Jeep engineers equipped Gladiator Mojave with specially-tuned high-
performance FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks to maximize handling, comfort and bottom-out resistance on high- speed sand runs. The FOX shocks contain internal passages that allow fluid to bypass the piston through regulated ports as it moves through the suspension travel. The result is a predictable ride over normal off-road driving conditions, with the ability to ramp up damping force in extreme use.
Front and rear external shock reservoirs keep shock fluid cool, preventing shock fade during long runs through the hot desert at high speed. Military-grade suspension fluid maintains performance at extreme temperatures and is the same fluid used in off-road racing shocks.
The industry-first FOX front hydraulic jounce bumpers act as a secondary pair of shocks, which provide additional damping force as the suspension reaches maximum compression, in order to soften impacts and prevent bottoming out in harsh off-road situations at speed. They combine race-proven technology with new, cutting-edge features to provide increased damping performance and bottom-out control in the last few inches of suspension travel. In summary, the FOX shocks and jounce bumpers provide drivers confidence and capability, including bottom-out control on harsh desert terrain at high speed, while delivering a comfortable ride over gravel washboards or broken pavement on the backroads.
A half-inch increase in the Mojave’s track provides additional stability and allows for the packaging of the larger shocks. Jeep engineers also reinforced both the frame and axle to handle rough desert terrains at high speed. Gladiator Mojave features a one-inch front suspension lift for increased jounce travel, with a silver front skid plate and standard 33-inch Falken Wildpeak All-terrain tires or optional Falken Wildpeak Mud-terrain tires.
These engineering enhancements to the Gladiator Mojave’s suspension provide ride control and confidence on any high-speed sand or desert terrain, while an Off-Road Plus button allows drivers to take Gladiator to the next level of tractive capabilities. With a push of a button, drivers can adjust throttle, transmission shift points and traction control for peak performance on higher speed passes on sand terrain, as well as during low-speed rock crawling. The Off-Road Plus drive mode on Mojave will also feature, for the first time on Jeep, the ability for drivers to lock their rear axle at high speeds while in “4H” (this feature will debut later this year).
Inside, the Gladiator Mojave features more aggressive front seats with integrated upper bolsters to hold occupants comfortably in place. The upgraded seats are available in leather or cloth with orange accent stitching and embroidered Mojave logos. Mojave features two interior color options Black and Steel Gray, as well as a competition-inspired leather-wrapped steering wheel with accent stitching that features an aggressive rim section for extra grip and ergonomic comfort.
Featuring a one-inch front suspension lift that results in a more prominent appearance, Gladiator Mojave is adorned with a unique hood decal on its heavy-duty performance hood with center scoop, unique exterior badges, orange tow hooks, unique 17 x 7.5-inch wheels, with Jeep Performance Parts step sand slider side rails between those wheels. An available forward-facing off-road camera allows obstructions in the desert to be easily seen as well (previously a Gladiator Rubicon-exclusive option).
Gladiator Mojave models will arrive in Jeep showrooms in the second quarter of 2020.
2020 Jeep® Gladiator Mojave Image Gallery:
