Gladiator Mojave vs. Rubicon - A Shop Owner's Full Review
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- Опубліковано 25 чер 2024
- I think I found my favorite Jeep model! Finally a Jeep made for speed! The Mojave Jeep Gladiator! In this full review I walk you though all the differences of the Rubicon Gladiator including the price. Hint: It's not much for everything you get.
Who is Exodus 4x4? A custom Jeep shop in Central Texas. Each episode I take you to work with me and the crew at my shop. We make your Jeep badass. On our channel we do badass builds, of course, and tons of owner tips and some off-road adventures.
Our website is exodus4x4.com
Contact me at 830-629-0057 or support@exodus4x4.com for a free build quote.
For general questions post below, I always try to answer.
I post a ton more stuff @
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Facebook Page: / exodus4x4
This video was edited by the talented Gabe Hodge.
For the Legal Loons: This video was independently filmed and produced by Exodus 4x4. The opinions and actions of the individuals featured are in no way affiliated with or attributable to the products shown. - Авто та транспорт
![One Year Review of the Gladiator Mojave (REAL review) [ep 87]](/img/n.gif)
I bought Mojave to attack modern city obstacles for my daily drive and loving it.
I just picked up my first Gladiator Mojave 2022. The ride is a lot better then my 2018 Wrangler “Willy”. I love the new truck style Jeep.
I bought a 2021 Mojave off the lot in Sarge Green. I LOVE IT. I live in Montana and it’s the perfect vehicle to get absolutely ANYWHERE.
I own a 2021 Gladiator Mojave in nacho color. It gets a ton of looks and compliments. It is truly a beast of a truck. I live in SW Florida and we get hellaous storms. The Mojave cuts through it all, no slippage, no hydroplaning. I have yet to take it off road but I primarily bought it as a convertible truck and its ability to plow through really bad storms down here. Taking off the doors and top, this thing is like nothing else on the road.
I’m also in Florida and have been debating a gladiator and have been trying to tailor down which trim I should get. I don’t for see myself doing too much off roading or rock climbing. Really just want a small truck for little odd jobs here and there but also get thru storms or water if needed
All jeeps will do this. I have an 08 Sahara with a 4" lift, 37s that'll go more places then any gladiator. Still haven't seen any gladiators off road. People buy these for mall crawling.
@@greg1629 they’re cool trucks.. I need a small truck and like the customization of a jeep and the looks compared to let’s say a Tacoma or something else
@@greg1629 Try going to Colorado sometime. You will see them off road everywhere. And no, your condescending troll remark about 'mall crawling' truly shows your ignorance and lack of self confidence. Also try taking off the doors and roof on your Sahara. Let us know how it goes.
@@TpriestJrget a tacoma then
Just bought mine today and could not be happier! 👍👍
I got my Mojave 8 days ago and I love it!!!!
Great to hear this review. Unfortunately we’re only getting the sport and overland here in Germany.
I'm sure the Mojave could do a bit of rock crawling and the Rubicon could go pretty fast in the desert.
Just the information I have been looking for.
Great job in explaining the key differences between the two models
Which one did you get?
@@erikg82 I just got the Mojave
Awesome . This is exactly why I'm buying a Mojave tomorrow and not a Rubicon. Here in Michigan, we go to Silver Lake Sand Dunes a couple times a year
Can’t wait to get one !
Spot on review, thanks!
I have my Mojave for 5 months now and I love it. I test drove both the 2022 Rubi and the 2022 Mojave. I pulled the trigger on the Mojave, such a better ride IMO. I wont be doing any rock crawling, so I felt this was the better option. I didnt know the max tow package was standard lol.
I put Fox 2.5’s from a Mojave on my sport with Rubicon springs. Almost rides on road better than my f150 fx4 did. Off road it beats my f150 and trd pro tacoma. Love these damn trucks. Jeep did well
That’s great info too know!!
I have the Mojave and I love it rides great on the highway.
I just got mine. So excited!
Highways and the mall?
hows the gas mileage compared to just a wrangler ?
I want one and im working on it, good to hear you guys are enjoying yours God bless.👍
@@mattiecreates it's the same
Have mine for 3 months, this review confirmed that I made the correct choice. I love mine and many have told me it looks sexy,
You are basing your purchase off this review.. no wonder sooo many people get screwed by dealers.. a lot of these reviewers are paid by these companies….
Give it until 30k then the FCA problems will start setting in..
Most of what you said I already knew except for the heavy duty cooling system. That should be a selling point jeep touts upfront.Thinks for the info and great vids.
Solid review👍🏾
Tazer JL allows my rubicon to run in 2 wd or 4 high with locker engaged.
I want one, first mod is a front Currie Antirock!
I bought a 2021 Gladiator Mojave love the ride
Ouch. Hope it last
I fall in love with the look of this new Mojave model it feels like a beast with lots of potential and power, right now I have a Pajero 2018 but I’d switch to this new Mojave as soon as possible. I’m in love with this suv and so keen like I’ve never been towards any vehicle in my life, specially the price is reasonable as compared with all new tundra’s and chevys.
Thanks!
Great information! 👍
I used to have a Inca Gold TJ Rubicon!
Man I want those fox shocks on my jl, I know it's more than likely more shock than I need but damn I bet they ride nice
Really good video!
I ordered an electric blue w silver steel leather seats. I've driven it off road for my job as a land developer...it's been airborne many times. It handles well at 75km hr and spinning and turning in the semi arid terrain.
We've driven it to Miami beach and back, kelowna,bc...and it handles so well on the hwys...smooth.
The look of this vehicle is slick...with the hard, soft or no top on at all...I added hydraulic steps for easier access for my wife...the 6 speed is a great additional while slamming in the dirt and hills...give it a go...it beats my jaguar xjl any day!
That's a sweet Gladiator.
Its Florida Jeep Beach Rated lol. Love the look of the Mojave and the way it handles on the beaches and side road causeway beaches.
"you ever take it off any sweet jumps......"
😂 Napoleon Dynamite 👍
The editing is great 🤣
I BET THATS HIS JEEP IN THE BACK, GOOD REVIEW
That's the model I'm going to get is the Mojave. Maybe supercharge it too.
Mel Wade just took a Mojave on a long trip through the western mountain states.
*_Who's Mel Wade?_*
Perfect for going to LL bean and Starbucks
That’s what Jeep guys do everyday anyways 🤣🤣
Exactly
Go to hell
When you forgot you commented this and realized Im driving a Mojave
Can put air lockers if you really wanted them either way and the 4:10s will push some 37s, and 38s nicely but would most definitely like to see the EcoDiesel in it
Have 2023 Gladiator Mojave (love it) only mods so far are Geolander Off Road/Mud Terrain 35X12.50R17 on stock wheels. I would like to add the Mopar 2 inch lift kit less the fox shocks that come with the kit (not sure if this kit can be done part by part from Mopar separately. Then add the Fox Performance Elite Series 2.5 Adjustable ones front and back. You could really tune your ride stiffness. Question does the Mopar lift give you a stiffer spring rate than the stock Mojave? Great video full of factual information for an honest side by side comparison. James
Unless your doing 2mph rock trails, the Mojave seems like the Gladiator to get.
Not really. Very rarely have I been on a trail where I've needed more shock than what the Rubicon comes with. With that being said, I've been in dozens of situations where my front end is close to an obstacle and the front end with the sway bar disconnected is wanting to shift toward a rock that could damage my tire or body. Locker prevents wheel slip and kept it front sliding.
Rubi's all come with 4:10 gears standard. Love your videos.
Yes and for whatever reason, UA-cam translates 4 to 10 gears as a link to minute 4, second 10 in the above video....
Sounds like the Mojave is the way to go, unless you really want to do some crazy rock crawling.
not with the diesel
3.73 with the ecodiesel rubicon
Great overview! Unfortunately the hood scoop isn't functional for cooling. You will note it is a solid piece without holes and when you open the hood it is closed off underneath.
I own a Gladiator Mojave and that good scoop is not going to stop me from figuring out how to make it functional.
The hood does have a functioning scoop, its simply blocked on the inside from the insulation.
The Mojaves hood is the hydroglide hood from the Wrangler 392, the Mojave simply lacks the correct airbox to use the hood scoop as a snorkel like the 392 does.
If by functional you mean you can replace the plastic, pull the insulation and try to make the air direction effective under the hood, then yes. But as it stands the scoop is simply not functional in it's stock application.
@@pkoz7496 so what you're saying is that you don't have a Jeep and have never been offroad. Stay in California.
@@SoloHiker1 you sure you meant me? I have a Mojave, live in PA and have been off-road tons. I'm not sure what you are implying from a comment about a decorative hood scoop.
This is an awesome vid. Thanks man. I had no idea you can’t run 4H with the rear locker engaged in the Rubi. With the Mojave, can you modify the front sway bar to manually disconnect it like a buddy of mine did on his JK? I love everything about the Mojave but would want that extra articulation up front.
You can lock the rear diff in 4 -hi if you know how to do it. Plenty of videos explaining how.
@@joelparish3851 yeah I know that now. This was before I bought it and was just starting to look. Now that I own one, ironically I made this vid. Lol. ua-cam.com/video/uXbf4zDl2rE/v-deo.html
This Mojave would be the best choice for towing a small travel trailer due to the beefed up frame, one frame shop I know of has straightened several gladiator frames due to towing Travel trailers. They also beefed up the area that bent. Max tow would be awesome to get in a Mojave. I wouldn't give up the mojave frame for the sport.
Completely ridiculous. The JT frame is based off the Ram1500. The Mojave has some extra welding back there and stronger suspension brackets. Frame is extremely strong in towing and actually is worse for the vehicle to have a stiffer frame for towing. This is why Semi Tractors have frames that flex with torque instead of develop cracks.
Those issues are clearly from severe abuse where the trailers weight severely overloaded the hitch. Any truck would have issues with thousands of pounds of force (trailer weight plus it's momentum) stabbing the back end of the frame once the suspension has bottomed out.
Simply pulling would have no issue.
@@hayden8491 not to my knowledge. This is more of a driver error than exceeding capacity. But payload forces are more dynamic off road vs on road.
You can lock the rear diff on a Rubi in 2WD and 4HI if you wanted to with a Tazer. Gives you flexibility if you really wanted a Rubicon. I want a Mojave though. Have a JLUR 19’ and the deals on 23’ look too good to pass up!
If you live near southern Utah and want a jeep to explore in the beautiful red rock area here... do you think I would really miss the disconnect sway bar and the front lock on the Rubicon if I bought the Mojave instead? Which is the best Gladiator for my area?
No I don’t!
So weird, I just watched a video on how to lock the rear in 4HI on the Rubicon. It’s some weird button pushing pattern though.
Awesome info here. Just don't like the price 😕.
Love the channel great stuff not sure if you can answer this but those cast iron knuckles how would they hold up in extreme cold winter conditions and road salt
That’s what everyone has been using for the last few decades. They’ll be fine
Take the shocks and beefed up front axel from the Mojave and put it on the Rubicon with the front locker and that's my perfect jeep
Most people and 99%+ trails out there does not require lockers. Truth is when you own a Rubicon you go out looking for trouble. Not everyone wants to tackle 10 miles of trail that takes two days to finish end-to-end. All jeeps are more than capable for most overland trips.
Need some advice, have a 2017 Brute Double Cab Rubicon with Hemi 5.7 33k miles. Was offered a fair price on trade for a Mojave. would break even but have a brand new Jeep. Should I keep the Brute even though parts are no longer made for Brute on cab and bed wise? Nice having an oddball truck and beefy with Brute, nothing like it
That hood scoop is not a functioning scoop! It's just for looks. The Mojave is a great rig. I love mine. I did add a steel Rubicon bumper and a winch, and the Mojave skid plate DOES NOT fit once you do this.... Just FYI. been trying like hell to find a Rubicon skid plate, they are backordered everywhere. Was able to do the entire Eye of the Whale trail in Arches with a stock Mojave. Talk about fun and awesome!
I did the same put the MOPAR steel bumper & a Warn 10k Winch on my Mojave, lost the silver skid plate, but what I did was take the skid plate from the steel bumper to a powder coat & paint shop, computer matched the black skid plate to my old OEM Mojave plate, so I'm back to the OEM Mojave silver look. With that being said, I also had a front leveling kit installed, I lost my silver front springs, I am going to have them removed & coated in silver just to maintain the Mojave unique look.
Awesome video. What are the front locker options for a mojave? ARB, Yukon?
Maybe ARB
So overall decision? I realize you cant upgrade the Mojave shocks with Fox 3.0s im almost tempted to buy the High Altitude then throw the Fox Factory 3.0s on it.
I went with the Rubi and I was surprised how comfortable it is compared to my old Tacoma. The Mojave must ride like a dream.
Just traded my 21 trd offroad tacoma in on a 23 Mojave. The ride on the Mojave feels like a 1500 class truck. Very smooth.
Just bought string grey orange mojave beautiful color.
Dude I own a 2021 JT Rubicon.. if you turn off the traction control and have it in off road then the rear locker can be turn on . Without the front locker being in . This is while in the High Side of 4x4.
I really like the Mojave but sticker SHOCK kicked in at the 2 dealers I went to .
Max Moore same here....I mean $60k plus?! Wtf🤯🤮
@@staccatoglock asking 69k plus taxes here in Ontario on a demo model with 2000 kms
Great review! Which would be better in the snow?
Either one really
That suspension set up doesn't allow the flex the rubicon does though - huge difference than the rubicon. If only I had the money for both.
I've had mine for about a year. I love it. I definitely want to lift it, throw some 37s on it. And swap it for a 6.4 Haha. I bet it really rips then.
I believe that the hood is actually solid, and that the vent is fake
@Exudos 4x4 Thank you for all the great videos ! I love the great information with a touch of added humor. I always have some takeaways from your knowledge. Maybe some JEEP experts know better, but from my understanding, the Mojave was actually designed before the Rubicon and the Rubicon was based off of the Mojave for a small offroad niche market and was going to be produced in small numbers only. The success of the Rubicon changed that, and they became a main staple for JEEP and the Mojave got put on the back burner until now. For all the reasons you stated, I am currently considering the Gladiator Mojave. I do have a question: I really like the idea of the ecodiesel... do you think that would be a good enough reason to go with the Rubicon ? I see a lot of reviews recommending to stay away from the diesel due to the initial cost, maintenance cost, potential repair cost and all of the emissions equipment. Any thoughts ? Thanks again !
I think a Rubicon diesel is a solid build platform. A lot of Mojave owners have had us install a front locker.
@@Exodus4x4 what's the cost for the installation ? If I decide against the diesel , adding the locker would be a great option. Would it function similarly to the stock Rubi ?
@@Exodus4x4 I am looking at the Mojave just ball park price how much would a front locker be to add?
The biggest actual reason to stay away from diesels is because of the cp4 fuel pump. The costs even out when you consider youre getting more torque and more range. The diesel in the usa is too dry and doesnt sufficiently lubricate the new fuel pumps. The only way to reliably sustain a cp4 is by adding LX4 additive to every fill up.
I love everything about the Mojave except the no front lockers. I have '12 JK Rubicon and have never felt it was necessary to disconnect the sway on trails but i lock the difs all the time. Everything else is superior but that is such a huge feature to leave off it may be a deal breaker.
Yea true though rear lockers in 4hi is nice. I'm looking at a gladiator soon and I'm thinking I'd rather have lockers in 4hi than a front locker.
@@bluejaye44 4 high rear lockers is awesome and probably all i would need for 80-90% of the trails i drive. It would make driving in those 80-90% of conditions a better experience than doing it in 4 low. But the 10-20% of the time i would need 4 low front lockers could be a catastrophe. Not having it could limit where i could go or worse. The perfect setup would be 4hi rear and 4lo front and rear. I'm no engineer but this seems more like a cost saving move than an engineering obstacle. Even offering it as an option for the few of us who would actually benefit from it seems like it would make a lot of sense.
@@scottbarth7155 yea both would be great for sure.
Ive never needed a front locker, rear yes. Ive taken my jeep where it shouldnt have been.
Yeah I got the Rubicon just for the front locker. I never want to "wish" I had it
Do you think that locker in 4-hi and off-road+ will ever be available as an update in the older JLs? It’s obviously just a computer update.
Pretty sure that’s coming
If your driving in the sand shouldn't you have lockers up front to prevent being stuck.
Can you put 35s on without Lifting
Never understood why the Mojave does not have Tru lok differential and sway bar release.
Love the video but everything else I've seen and read said that the air scoop on the hood of the Mojave was cosmetic and not functional at all??? You said it aided in cooling but I'm not so sure about that.
It is but you have to DIY. Such a fail on Jeeps part
Does that mean my jk has aluminum
(Aluminium after 8pm in Britain) suspension parts ?!?
does Rubicon also use aluminum?
I have a 21 white Mojave, wish they had the diesel option on Mojave platform gas sucks on this truck lol
What would you get if your plan was to run 37s asap? Would you have to ditch the good suspension?
Rubicon
And thanx tay there always first time lol
Will the rear locker still be susceptible to the sensor failure like in my JT Rubicon?
Yep
I wonder could you do a Hellcat engine swap in the Mojave and add a disconnecting sway bar and lockers?
Yes, it’s all possible.
Why. Just wait till 392 comes out.
Oh but you CAN use the rear locker in 4H with the Rubicon. :)
Ok good review. Does the rear locker, unlock at 18mph? Does it have sway bar disconnects? Will the hood vent allow fresh air in? And what size axles?
The Mojave? I can’t remember if the locker still disconnects but I think it does. No it doesn’t have disconnects. Same axles as Rubicon minus the front locker.
No the hood vent doesn't allow in fresh air, manual says the Rubicon lockers disengage at 30mph and do not list the mojave as disconnects the locker at any speed.
Great review.. I found a 21 Mojave at a great price.. what do you suggest for sway bar disconnect? How would the current suspension do with 35” tires?
SwayLoc and I’d get the 2.5” lift with shock extensions
It doesn’t actually need the lift with 35”. I am running 35x12.5 on 17x9 rims. (-12 offset, tire sticks out about 2”. Makes it look much better as well) No issues at all with clearance or rubbing even with the stock bumper. That extra inch the Mojave has makes a big difference in having to lift it or not. With that said though I am eventually going to put the Mopar 2.5” level kit on it though. More because I like the look than rather it needs it or not.
@@christopherjustme1372 so you have the Mojave ?
I have a 2022 Mojave. I plan to put 35 inch tires with a 2.5 inch lift. I also Paul a 3500 pound boat and an airstream Basecamp 20 X that weighs about the same. In your opinion what would the best option be for more towing power? I’m looking towards the Magnuson supercharger or trading it in for the eco-diesel.
For more towing power I would just put my foot down a little farther. 3500lbs isn't anything at all as far as weight goes and shouldn't require more power. People have been towing much bigger for much longer on less power.
Does the suspension support
a truck tent topper effectively?
How can jeep possibly price
this the same as the Rubicon
with these goodies? Impressive.
What's the tire size you can
run without modifications?
33”
Great overview as usual. Do you think the Mohave would be a better choice over the Rubicon as a truck used for work, towing and camping. I will never be rock crawling here on Vancouver Island...
Personally, I feel like the Mojave is the perfect JT for someone that never wants to mod the suspension or drivetrain.
" work, towing and camping" Max tow package sport; look at the cargo and towing for the different packages,
But will there ever be a V-8 2 door gladiator? I hear next year...
That would be interesting
Is it possible to upgrade a lower trim level up to Mojave grade parts aftermarket?
Not really because the frame is different.
I believe you can you your rear locker in 4H on the rubicon as well.
Not without a tazer to reprogram.
These are some of the most beautiful trucks built with tones of plastic and world renowned minivan v6 engines ........
I am SO attracted to the Gladiator but you cleverly summed up why I have not parted with my hard earned money. Thank you for the laugh. Now I need to clean up the coffee I just spit out.
Need diesel 373 front locker
some bad info in here....
1. Mojave does not come with any additional cooling. If you want the higher output fan, you need to buy the Tow Package same as any other model.
2. The fake hood scoop does nothing. It isn't functional the way it is on 392. It is completely blocked off. Not even a vent.
Mojave……❤❤❤❤ but I wish the rear locker could be used in 2wd.
Het Bubba i have talked with you a few months back. Whats your thoughts on the new RAM TRX. I really think jeeps are next with the Hemi from dodge.Less conversions?
If Jeep could actually put a V8 in. Wrangler, why did they develop the 4 cylinder? They can’t meet emissions as it is, FCA will never let it happen.
which one would be better in the snow? I am in Canada. like 3 ft of snow regularly
Rubicon
@@Exodus4x4 Thank you Sir ! :)
What year? model sport? sport s etx
Yay first from Hawai’i
What parts are necessary change if I buy the mojave hood? Thanks for your help.
Hood and the cowl
The 2020 and 2021 Jeep Gladiators all models are developing leaking axle seals on primarily the rear drivers side. Jeep knows this and are replacing the axles under warrenty. There is a good chance that a recall is coming soon.
There won't be a recall. Toyota axles have leaked for decades without any government intervention. Toyota refused to even fix mine on my 2010 tacoma. I've check my rubicon, 10k miles, and the axle is not leaking. From the pictures I've seen it's not a danger to the vehicle, just unsightly.
3.6 or 3.0 eco diesel in the Rubicon?
Asking me what I would choose?
Exodus 4x4 please do tell us which you would choose 3.6 or 3.0 eco diesel - I have a short commute but go on very long road trips once a month.
So did the frame of all Mojave’s get beefed up? Or Justin the gladiator line?
There isn’t a Wrangler Mojave. Yet?
so I'm currently in the market for my first Jeep and I had my eyes set on the Rubicon Gladiator, but I'm not sure it's going to be really necessary (here's where I'm asking for opinions) my fiance and I are getting into camping a lot more and will be towing our OffGrid trailer getting into more of the Overlanding space.... all this being said, even IF we do some trails here and there without going super hardcore (like Imogene/Black Bear Pass and others) would the Mojave be the better choice or still the Rubicon model?
The Mojave is cool, but for what you’re doing the Rubicon would be the better choice.
The Mojave frame has been reinforced so it’s stronger for towing
@@anthonyandmelaniesantos7545 negative, the stronger frame is not for towing, it is for high speed running in the desert/off road. A higher strength frame can actually be worse in towing situations.
I have 2021 Mojave. I love the ride than Rubicon. I glad I chose Mojave.
Which one do you recommend to buy
I love the Mojave, so I’d go with that one
What lift kit would be better for the Mojave would it be okay to lift it
I’d leave it alone until the warranty was out and then replace it with a similar setup, just taller