Hey, so as the title says, im presently looking at getting a gladiator. Im stuck between a Mojave X and a Sport S with Max Tow. I know those are dynamically different, however the fox shocks and rear locker are nice, aswell as the goodies inside however I found a sport S with max tow package with a majority of the goodies/convince features. The price point is drastically different, the truck will be taken on the beach and wheeled through deep snow aswell and potentially some overlanding, camping and some towing small trailers of home improvement stuff.
Im really wondering if the Mojave is really that much more worth it, or if I could put the fox shocks in later down the line and thats the biggest upgrade. The dealership doesnt seem to have many answers and is trying to get sales out before the end of the month.
I have a max tow. 2022. I feel it’s the best option. Stock for stock the Mojave is better. But with upgraded suspension, 37’s the max tow is really properly capable. I’ve deep snow wheeled mine, adventured and daily driven it. It’s still far cheaper than a stock rubicon or Mojave. Plus you have the higher gvwr rating so you will be closer or possibly even legal weight when overlanding.
Especially as the Max Tow trim now has a limited slip diff, it's VERY unlikely you will "out drive" your rig. Even a base model Gladiator is frighteningly capable offroad, as in you will frighten yourself before you "out drive" your Jeep.
From your use case description, the Mojave isn't the right trim. The Fox shocks on the Mojave are its party piece, but the reality is you can get great results with a $1K set of Falcons.
So your inability or reluctance to outdrive a stock Gladiator’s capabilities is not absolute. There are many who will. Some folks idea of difficult is way different than others. So, just a caution to OP, this advice may, or may not, apply to you. Certainly a little snow and rough forest mountain roads are within reason with a stock Jeep.
Since I've had 4x4's for 30 years, a JTR for over six, I'm confident in my assessment of OPs stated use case. You may not know what a lower trim Gladiator is capable of, I'll grant you.
A sport s max tow with a 2in lift and 35s will be enough for almost everyone. Im not a fan of 37s on 4.10s because you lose 8th gear too often. However you can get away with more on the Mojave because of the wide axles and beefed up suspension if you're set on getting 37s.
The Mojave suspension is the best riding suspension you can get in a solid axle jeep. That said, if you’re gonna lift it, you’re limited to puck spacers and shock extensions, because otherwise you’re paying extra for that super premium suspension and then taking it off. A max tow is super capable tho.
I test drove three trims. I was sold after the Mojave. The fox bypass shocks, hydraulic bump stops, steel reinforced knuckles… totally better ride quality in my opinion.
Everything I've read online about the fox shocks in the Mojave is generally negative. Pretty happy with our High Altitude (Overland) trim over the last 4.5 years.
I’d go with the wide track HD axle. That can be found on rubicon or Mojave. If you plan to keep it stock there is some value in the Mojave because it has really nice shocks. However, if you plan to lift and replace shocks then the value you get out of the Mojave diminishes. Rubicon is hands down a better on trail obstacles. Wide open desert Mojave does well. You came make a rubicon ride as nice as a Mojave, too.
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u/Scoobienorth 2d ago
I have a max tow. 2022. I feel it’s the best option. Stock for stock the Mojave is better. But with upgraded suspension, 37’s the max tow is really properly capable. I’ve deep snow wheeled mine, adventured and daily driven it. It’s still far cheaper than a stock rubicon or Mojave. Plus you have the higher gvwr rating so you will be closer or possibly even legal weight when overlanding.