The Jeep Gladiator pickup‘s new Mojave variant is due to get an SUV sibling in the form of the predictably named Wrangler Mojave, according to the enthusiast website Mopar Insiders. The online publication spoke with unnamed sources at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles who claim the upcoming, “Desert Rated” SUV will arrive for the 2021 model year in both two- and four-door body styles.
None of this is especially surprising, given the vague mechanical and size similarities between the Gladiator and Wrangler models. Like the Gladiator Mojave, the Wrangler Mojave will all but assuredly feature off-road performance items such as a set of Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shock absorbers, additional frame reinforcement, a one-inch front-end suspension lift, cast-iron steering knuckles, and 33-inch tall Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires. Similarly, we expect the Wrangler Mojave to adopt its truck counterpart’s hood (the one that features a mailslot-like center scoop), as well as the special trim’s orange-painted tow hooks, more aggressively bolstered front seats, and six-spoke, 17-inch wheels.
Of note, Mopar Insiders reports the Wrangler Mojave will ditch its Gladiator stablemate’s 285-hp 3.6-liter “Pentastar” V-6 engine for the Wrangler lineup’s optional 270-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Opting for an automatic transmission nets FCA’s e-Torque “mild hybrid” tech that provides electric assistance to the four-cylinder engine. Meanwhile, manual transmission models will make do with a simpler start-stop system. Wait a sec—did we just say “manual transmission models?”
Yep. That tidbit, if true, would be particularly noteworthy given that Jeep currently limits all four-cylinder Wrangler models to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Frankly, we think it is more likely Jeep will offer the four-wheel-drive Wrangler Mojave with both V-6 and four-cylinder engine options, but will limit the manual gearbox strictly to the bigger bent-six.
Regardless, expect the new Wrangler trim to advance the Gladiator Mojave’s desert-driving capabilities courtesy of its shorter wheelbase and better break-over angle. Then again, the Wrangler Mojave is merely a rumor and it is possible the model never sees the light of day. Yet it seems likely that Jeep will offer customers a Desert Rated variant of its legendary SUV within the next year or two, as well as Desert-Rated versions of its other models that currently offer “Trail Rated” capability.
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