Jeep Unveils New 2020 Gladiator Mojave and 'Desert Rated' Designation

Anyone who has ever been to the Chicago auto Show knows that it is a huge venue for Jeep. They have a specially designed course to try out the new Jeeps inside the McCormick Place. This year, Jeep is using the nation’s largest auto show to unveil a brand-new designation for Jeeps. The new 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave is the first to be ‘Desert Rated’. Jeep says the new badge indicates that the vehicles “represent the ultimate in high-speed off-road capability and performance in grueling desert and sand environments.”

“4x4 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 4x4 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.”

What Desert Rated Means

According to Jeep the Desert Rated badge is an extension of Jeep’s Trail Rated designation. Desert Rated will be reserved for the vehicles that show they are capable of handling off-roading at high speeds while maintaining stability and control, despite the grueling conditions. The Desert Rated 4x4 vehicles will be tested in five categories: Ride Control and Stability, Traction, Ground Clearance, Maneuverability and Desert Prowess. Desert Prowess means the Jeep can withstand the intense heat, sand and gravel, and the ever-present dust that one finds in the desert.

Jeep Gladiator Mojave Upgrades

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave will feature a number of upgrades. The Mojave models will have specially-tuned, high performance Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks and industry-exclusive Fox front hydraulic jounce bumpers. The Gladiator’s frame is reinforced for strength and it comes with a one-inch front suspension lift for better ground clearance. Ground clearance sits at 11.6 inches which puts it best in its class. It also has a silver-skid plate, stronger axles and 33-inch Falken All-terrain tires.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave will have a payload of 1200 pounds and up to 6000 pounds of towing capacity.
The Gladiator Mojave will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission and the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. An eight-speed automatic transmission will also be available. The 3.6-liter V-6 kicks out 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The V-6’s low-range torque will come in handy when out on the trails or when hauling cargo.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave will have beefed up seats to keep passengers stabilized while out on the trail. It will also have special badging, a special heavy-duty hood, orange tow hooks, unique 17 x 7.5-inch wheels and Jeep Performance Parts slider side rails.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave models will arrive in Jeep showrooms in the second quarter of 2020. Pricing and fuel economy should be released closer to delivery dates.

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