Jeep built its new 'Desert-Rated' Gladiator to tackle the world's harshest off-road conditions

Tim LevinFeb 11, 2020, 20:45 IST

Jeep unveiled the Gladiator Mojave, a new trim for its popular midsize pickup, at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show last week.
For years, Jeep has awarded a "Trail Rated" badge to its most off-road-worthy vehicles, but the Gladiator Mojave is the first Jeep to be "Desert Rated."
The Gladiator Mojave is specially equipped for desert racing thanks to suspension upgrades, larger tires, a reinforced frame, and better ground clearance.
Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Jeep has long used the Trail Rated label to distinguish its most rugged and off-road-capable models. And now it's adding an even more hardcore badge to its lineup.

At the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, which is taking place in the Windy City from February 8-17, Jeep unveiled its first Desert-Rated vehicle, the Jeep Gladiator Mojave.

The new Gladiator trim earns its Desert rating thanks to a host of modifications that prepare it for high-speed off-roading over sandy terrain. Jeep has outfitted the Mojave with high-performance suspension, a sturdier chassis, and larger tires, among other upgrades.

Scroll down to learn more about the new Jeep Gladiator Mojave and what its Desert Rated badge really means.

See Jeep built its new 'Desert-Rated' Gladiator to tackle the world's harshest off-road conditions >>

Jeep, which has slapped a Trail Rated badge on its most off-road-ready SUVs since 2004, introduced a new Desert Rated stamp at the Chicago Auto Show.

Jeep's new Gladiator Mojave — its first model to earn the Desert Rated label — sports performance upgrades that make it better-equipped for high-speed off-roading on sand than its Trail-Rated siblings.

First off, the Gladiator Mojave boasts a beefier frame that's reinforced by extra welds.

Source: Jalopnik

A stronger frame and axles help the Mojave manage uneven desert terrain at high speeds, Jeep says.

Jeep also gave the Mojave a one-inch front suspension lift to improve approach angle and ground clearance.

The truck boasts a 44.7-degree approach angle and 11.6 inches of clearance underneath.

Suspension upgrades — including new Fox shocks — help the vehicle stay level and under control when racing over irregular terrain.

Source: The Drive

External shock reservoirs keep the new shocks cool under high stress ...

And hydraulic jounce bumpers provide extra damping when suspension bottoms out.

Other upgrades include a skid plate up front to protect the Gladiator Mojave's undercarriage from nasty rocks and the like ...

And 33-inch all-terrain Falken Wildpeak tires as standard.

Plus, the truck has what Jeep calls "desert prowess," meaning it can handle the sand, gravel, dust, and heat associated with off-roading in desert climates.

The Mojave comes with the same engine as other Gladiator models — a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 285 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque. A six-speed manual is standard.

Despite its Desert Rated badge, the Gladiator Mojave is still equipped for other environments and can ford up to 30 inches of water, matching its Rubicon cousin.