The Jeep Gladiator has never played by the usual truck rules. It's a mix of open-air freedom, pickup utility, and real trail talent. The two trims we're reviewing today cater to different types of buyers--one who needs a daily driver with a side of light adventure, and the other who needs a serious off-road companion. Let's take a look at the Mojave and Rubicon trims.
Key Takeaways
- Mojave is more of a daily driver with the ability to handle light off-roading, while the Rubicon is an off-road beast.
- The Gladiator is in our showroom now--are you ready to test drive two of its most popular trims?
- The Mojave and Rubicon models see no new changes for 2026; however, there's a special new Willys in the lineup.
For 2026, Jeep keeps the Mojave and Rubicon largely as they are, but adds something special for fans of the model--a Gladiator Willys '41 Buzz edition inspired by the military-style Kaiser Jeep M715 of the 1960s. It comes finished in green paint with matching 17-inch Olive Drab wheels, steel bumpers at both ends, a Mopar triple-hoop grille guard, and a hood with a scoop and Willys-specific graphics. (Mud-terrain tires come standard.) Inside, there are tan seat inserts adding to the military theme.
Interior and Exterior Differences in the 2026 Gladiator Mojave vs. Rubicon
The Mojave carries a more high-speed desert vibe with a sculpted performance hood, a hood scoop, and bright orange tow hooks, while the cabin offers sport-bolstered cloth seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Mojave has 17-inch dark gray wheels and high-performance braking hardware.
The Rubicon's grille and fender design look more purposeful, as are its steel rear bumper and rock rails. Inside, low-back bucket seats trimmed in cloth and a premium-wrapped steering wheel complete this rugged picture.
Engines in the Jeep Gladiator Mojave vs. Rubicon
Both the Mojave and Rubicon use Jeep's 3.6-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. When properly equipped, towing tops out at 4,500 pounds, giving the truck decent flexibility for small trailers or light weekend gear.
Where the trims diverge is in the supporting hardware. The Rubicon adds the Tru-Lok front axle, the Rock-Trac 4×4 system, and both front and rear locking differentials, and its red tow hooks underline the Rubicon's focus on recovery and technical trail work. The Mojave, meanwhile, uses heavy-duty axles and its own reinforced setup, but its suspension tuning is all about stability and control at higher speeds across rough terrain.
Choosing Between the Gladiator Mojave vs Rubicon
Your choice of Gladiator model depends on your driving habits. The Mojave is the one you pick if you want a Gladiator that is a "desert driver," and the Rubicon is the trim built for crawling, climbing, and picking your way across any and every trail. If you're trying to figure out which version fits your driving style, reach out! Our Thunder CDJR sales team can walk you through the differences, show you the features up close, and give you a test drive.