Here are Four Reasons to Love the Jeep Gladiator Mojave X, and Two Reasons to Think Twice

Here are Four Reasons to Love the Jeep Gladiator Mojave X, and Two Reasons to Think Twice originally appeared on Autoblog.

A strong offering in the off-road space

The Jeep Gladiator Mojave X is purpose-built for high-speed desert running, yet it's more than capable of tackling a wide range of demanding terrain. Positioned as a rival to off-road contenders like the Ford Ranger Raptor, GMC Canyon AT4X, and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, the Mojave sets itself apart with a specialized suspension system featuring Fox shocks. This setup allows it to absorb rough terrain at higher speeds—surpassing even the Gladiator Rubicon in that regard. While it's an undeniably rugged and visually commanding package, it's not without its flaws.

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Reason to love it #1: That suspension is amazing

The Mojave's suspension is what sets it apart from the rest of the Gladiator lineup. The front end sits an inch higher than the standard model and sports a 1.0-inch wider track. Up front, remote-reservoir Fox 2.5 shocks improve cooling and performance far beyond the standard dampers. You also get hydraulic jounce bumpers inside each front coil bucket, which help absorb the final inches of upward suspension travel—offering better performance than traditional rubber or foam stops. In the rear, the Mojave X keeps a linked suspension-arm setup and adds a pair of Fox piggyback reservoir shocks for consistent off-road control. Whether you’re rock crawling or bombing over dunes, this suspension is the real deal.

Reason to love it #2: The most comfortable Gladiator ever

Let’s start with something simple: power seats! The front seats now offer 12-way adjustability, and the improved bolstering makes long drives far more tolerable than in previous models. I’m 6'1", and while a little more rearward travel would be nice, it was plenty comfortable for me. Jeep has also overhauled the infotainment system, and the new 12.3-inch touchscreen is perfectly placed, running the intuitive Uconnect system, which is one of the easiest to use in the business. The rear seats remain bolt upright, but the cushions are more comfortable, and rear legroom is generous. Altogether, this is the most livable Gladiator to date.

Reason to love it #3: A ton of fun to drive

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Under the hood is Jeep’s familiar 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. While the 6-speed manual is no longer available, the 8-speed automatic is responsive and pairs well with the powerplant. Acceleration is peppy around town, and off-road, the Gladiator Mojave X is genuinely fun to toss around. The suspension soaks up hits like a trophy truck, and the chassis feels lively and playful. Traction is excellent. Oh, and did we mention? You can still remove the top and doors, which makes bombing through the dunes that much more exhilarating.

Reason to love it #4: A better work truck than you’d expect

Yes, the heavy-duty off-road hardware lowers its tow rating from 7,700 lbs to 4,500 lbs, and its payload capacity is down to 1,100 lbs, but it’s still surprisingly capable. I hauled around 800 lbs of gear into the mountains and used the Mojave X as a base camp with no issues at all. It handled bikes, firewood, equipment, and multiple trips with confidence. The 5-foot bed was more than adequate. That said, if you're planning to install a rooftop tent or haul heavier loads regularly, a lower-trim Gladiator might be a smarter choice due to its higher payload rating.

Reason to think twice #1: Needs more cowbell (a.k.a. more power)

The 3.6L Pentastar is a solid, reliable engine, but it's starting to feel a little underpowered in a world where competitors are packing turbocharged punch. Jeep fans have been dreaming of a Stellantis twin-turbo I6 in the Gladiator, and it’s easy to see why: passing on the highway or scrambling up steep terrain at full throttle exposes the Pentastar’s limitations. It gets the job done, but more muscle would unlock this truck’s full potential.

Reason to think twice #2: Expensive to own and drive

Here’s where things get tricky. My Mojave X tester rang in at $68,425, with a base price around $51,000—and that’s before adding key options. For that money, the Gladiator needs to be best-in-class, but it isn’t. Competitors like the Ford Ranger Raptor and Chevy Colorado ZR2 are faster, more powerful, and more efficient. Rated at 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway, I averaged just 16 mpg in mixed driving—not great for something this pricey.

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Final thoughts

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator Mojave X is a lovable brute. It’s purpose-built for serious off-road enthusiasts who want to bomb through desert trails and still enjoy a decent ride home. It's not perfect—it could use more power, and the price tag stings—but its swagger, unique capabilities, and unmistakable Jeep charisma make it an undeniably fun and capable off-road weapon.

Here are Four Reasons to Love the Jeep Gladiator Mojave X, and Two Reasons to Think Twice first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 30, 2025

This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.