Jeep Gladiator 2024: better put together for everyday use and still agile off-road

Moab, UT – This small Utah town is the place Easter Jeep Ride, a convention that attracts thousands of off-road enthusiasts every year. Moreover, the city itself is a tribute to any car that can overcome the obstacle. 4×4 rental companies are everywhere in this larger than life area.

The landscape is amazing with all these rocks and red rocks, but what drives the American manufacturer to come back here every year is the variety of terrain available. There are many courses set and the weather changes from one day to the next. Moreover, last year, a small snow storm prevented the manufacturer’s plans in this area.

Photo: Vincent Aubé

Besides the ceremony and these concept reveals, Jeep also had a production model test scheduled for this day off the beaten track. The 2024 Jeep Gladiator was this vehicle, which receives the same upgrades as the 2024 Wrangler. The new model is easily recognizable by the widened front grille and other details such as new rim designs, radio antenna integrated into the windshield. or a color called Anvil for the Jeep’s timeless body.

And the interior should not be out of place with a central screen with a diagonal of 12.3 inches. The latter is undoubtedly the most popular upgrade, but let’s also mention that the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems are automatically installed on all Gladiators. The seats of the first row, meanwhile, finally have the right to electric adjustment.

Safety has also been improved with new curtain airbags in both ranges, as well as cruise control and forward collision warning which are all integrated into the 2024 Gladiator starting with the Sport S model.

On the track

So it was at the wheel of the Mojave car that we took the road… or rather a route of several tens of kilometers – set for the occasion -u, the last one considered difficult according to the program Trails Offroad, available for free and Gladiator (route 62 pre-recorded) or via subscription to the complete list of over 3,000 songs listed in the US.

Remember that at this time of the year, the entire region is invaded by all kinds of vehicles. In short, we met some during our day trip. In that case it was very important to listen to the advice of the driver in the lead car.

The Jeep Gladiator Mojave is not the best equipment for the most demanding courses – the task falls more on the Rubicon -, but with a lot of sand and several valleys that allow the highest speed to cross, the Mojave version has proven to be more suitable for this type. of land. What’s more, the Rubicon’s discomfort quickly reduced these offerings — all of which were driven by Jeep folks — to the back of our caravan. At the same time, Gladiator Mojave had no problem maintaining a speed between 30 and 40 km / h, sometimes more when the road allowed. Here, Fox internal shocks and reservoirs make all the difference. Of all the Gladiator releases, Mojave is definitely the most interesting.

However, it’s not just shock absorbers that make driving easier for those behind the wheel. No, water-tight front passenger seats (or the bumper will stop in English jargon) from equipment manufacturer Fox also captures the car’s movements well when it returns to the track. We also feel their work every time the Gladiator is thrown by the bumps.

Equipped with a Dana 44 axle with a 4.10 ratio, a Tru-Lok rear lock and this Command-Trac timing case with a low 2.72:1 ratio, the Gladiator Mojave can You can also count on Falken’s 33-inch services. WildPeak A/T all-terrain tires to overcome large obstacles.

When climbing the Wipeout hill – so called by the people of Moab – the tires stuck well to the rock face. There were two hills to overcome and we have to admit that despite the wise advice of our guide for the day, some vehicles in the convoy hit the ground. On the other hand, inside the Jeep Gladiator Mojave Blue Hydro, everything went as planned.

Of course, to get to the top, it was necessary to put the car in its 4Lo mode, as well as lock the rear differential lock and select the Offroad + option in the red part of the dashboard. What remained was the running gear that did not budge.

Our Mojave got stuck for several seconds as this sandy slope gave my partner a hard time. The poor man realized that he was still on a two-wheeler. By returning the car to 4Hi mode (using the small hand on the left side of the gearbox lever) and turning off the traction control, the Gladiator was able to continue on its way.

A necessary upgrade

These 2024 Jeep Gladiator Mojave driving experiences once again demonstrated the legendary capabilities of this ultra-utility Wrangler. Regardless of the livery chosen (Willys, Mojave or Rubicon), the Gladiator has the tools to return home after a day spent off the beaten track.

Let’s say that this off-road convenience is not surprising, the reputation of the brand in this sense precedes. On the road, the Gladiator Mojave is better than the Rubicon or Willys variants, while the improved digital usability (thanks to that new 12.3-inch screen) should not be denied, taking care of the car’s stability before starting to navigate the range. the use of the UConnect 5 infotainment system.

The 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine is perfect for this van chassis, a unit that remains the only option under the hood in 2024. Now it remains to be seen when the 4xe mechanics will be transplanted to the Gladiator lineup, because of the cancellation. of the turbodiesel V6 last year and the 6.4-liter V8 in the Wrangler 392, there will be only three options in 2025: a turbo 4-cylinder, plug-in hybrid or the indestructible V6 used in all trims in North America. products of the Stellantis group. And it would be very surprising if the Gladiator received a 4-cylinder, because Jeep never wanted to lock it under the hood of its truck.