Jeep Mojave vs. Rubicon: What's the Better Off-Roading Trim?

Carlos Kirby
· 4 min read
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There is no doubt the
Jeep Gladiator Mojave
and the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon are the dynamic duo of the off-roading experience. Both trims are cut from the same cloth yet each has something different to offer the off-road adventurer. Your choice between the Jeep Mojave vs. Rubicon depends on individual preference and which challenging terrain you decide to conquer.
The sale of off-road-ready
Jeep trucks
continues to skyrocket in America's automotive market. The Gladiator has proven its mettle, leading the way in durability, off-road settings, and meeting expectations. Jeep's Mojave and Rubicon Gladiator trims are the kings of the off-road lifestyle. But which is better?
If you are into the new Jeep truck, you’ll have to check out these two trims.
Both the Mojave and the Rubicon Gladiator trims feature the high-performance capabilities you expect from an exceptional off-road truck. Surprisingly, they don't differ regarding the powertrain. Each of them uses a 3.6-liter V6 putting out 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
The Mojave and the Rubicon are available in 6-speed manual drive or 8-speed automatic if you prefer. All Jeep Gladiator off-road packages are four-wheel drive with transfer cases and are known for their solid axles designed to withstand the pounding of unforgiving terrain.
There isn't a whole lot of difference in styling between the two trims. The Mojave does feature some identifying orange stitching and accents throughout. The Gladiator Rubicon and Mojave both use Fox shocks, though the Mojave's shocks are larger than the Rubicon's. The Mojave also includes a set of specifically-designed Fox hydraulic jounce bumpers.
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How is the Jeep Mojave vs. Rubicon different?

MORE: The Jeep Gladiator Has Many of the Same Flaws as Its Cousin
The biggest difference between the two off-roading trucks might be in their intended terrain usage. While the Jeep Rubicon is highly rated as an off-road trailblazer, the Jeep Mojave has earned the unique badge of "Desert-Rated". 
This designation and the Mojave's ability to conquer the desert dunes at high speeds also make it a better city street ride, according to
MotorBiscuit
.
The Rubicon has the edge for off-roaders looking for rugged, slower, rock-crawling thrills. There are few in its class that can beat its sturdy perseverance. The Jeep Mojave, on the other hand, can carve up desert dunes at respectable speeds without getting beaten up. And it is just as comfortable to drive when dropping the kids off at school.
Many of the differences are seen in the off-road gear features. While the Rubicon has 11.1 inches of ground clearance, the Mojave has one inch more. It also boasts a thicker rear axle, modified anti-roll bars for safety, and a wider rear track to keep it stable at higher speeds. Still, the Rubicon's gearing is more adaptive to rough terrain.

Is the Jeep Mojave or the Jeep Rubicon the better off-roader?

MORE: Off-Road Vehicles Are One of Colorado's Biggest Sources of Tourist Revenue
For off-road enthusiasts, deciding between the Gladiator’s Mojave and the Rubicon trims could prove difficult since they share so much in common. Both trucks have a starting price of $43,875 with optional added-on accessories available. All vehicles in the Gladiator lineup enjoy a robust set of tech features including Apple CarPlay and an Uconnect infotainment screen. 
As a desert runner, the Jeep Gladiator Mojave can't be beaten and leaves the Rubicon in the dust. Yet the Rubicon has its benefits as a reliable, tough, and technical rock-crawling beast. 
Its front-locking differential and low-speed gearing give it the workhorse status it is known for. But the Mojave, with its recently upgraded suspension, can give the Rubicon a run for its money on all terrains.
In the end, the choice between the Jeep Mojave vs. Rubicon depends on when and where you have your off-roading experience. The Jeep Gladiator Mojave offers more flexibility for everyday use if you only spend a few days of the month challenging the terrain. The Rubicon is great, but the Mojave is more balanced and adaptable for the money.
If you are looking for a new Jeep, you’ll need to have insurance coverage for wherever life takes you.
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