The Gladiator doesn't fit neatly into the pickup world--it's part Wrangler, part midsize truck, and fully built around the idea that you might want to take the doors off on Saturday and still haul something useful on Monday. The Mojave and Rubicon trims split that personality in half. One is all about speed and control across rough ground, while the other focuses on terrain where traction and gearing matter more than momentum.
Key Takeaways:
- Jeep built the Mojave for stability and control at higher speeds on rough roads, while the Rubicon is all about slow-speed technical off-road driving.
- Both models use a 3.6-liter V6 with your choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.
- Jeep doesn't make major changes to Mojave or Rubicon for '26, but it does add a special edition model to the lineup.
What Changes Have Been Made to the Lineup of the 2026 Jeep Gladiator?
Jeep leaves the Mojave and Rubicon formulas alone and adds a new special-edition model for '26. The Gladiator Willys '41 Buzz Edition pulls inspiration from the military-style Kaiser Jeep M715 from the 1960s. It shows up in green paint with matching 17-inch Olive Drab wheels, plus steel bumpers at both ends. Jeep also adds a Mopar triple-hoop grille guard, a hood with a scoop, and Willys-specific graphics. Mud-terrain tires come standard, and the interior keeps the theme going with tan seat inserts.
What Features Are Seen From the 2026 Jeep Gladiator Mojave?
The Mojave gets a sculpted hood with a hood scoop and bright orange tow hooks that make it easy to spot. Inside, the seats are sport-bolstered cloth, and the steering wheel is leather-wrapped. The trim also rides on 17-inch dark gray wheels and features higher-performance braking hardware, which aligns with its desert-focused mission.
The Rubicon's vibe leans more functional than flashy. The grille and fenders look more purpose-built, and trail protection is a bigger part of the design, thanks to a steel rear bumper and rock rails. Inside, low-back cloth bucket seats and a premium-wrapped steering wheel match the trim's rugged exterior.
| Features | 2026 Jeep Gladiator Mojave | 2026 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior | Sculpted hood with hood scoop | Purpose-built grille and fenders |
| Exterior | Bright orange tow hooks | Steel rear bumper |
| Exterior | 17-inch dark gray wheels | Rock rails |
| Interior | Sport-bolstered cloth seats | Low-back cloth bucket seats |
| Interior | Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Premium-wrapped steering wheel |
Do the 2026 Jeep Gladiator Mojave and Rubicon Have The Same Engine?
Both the Mojave and Rubicon use Jeep's 3.6-liter V6 delivering 285 horsepower. It mates with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic. When properly equipped, the Gladiator's towing capacity reaches 4,500 pounds.
Where these trims take different paths is in the equipment around that engine. The Rubicon comes with serious off-road tools, including the Tru-Lok front axle, the Rock-Trac 4×4 system, and locking differentials in both the front and rear. Red tow hooks also reinforce its build for slow-speed recovery and technical trail situations. The Mojave uses heavy-duty axles and a reinforced setup as well, but its suspension calibration keeps the truck planted and controlled at higher speeds across broken terrain.
Which Gladiator Trim Is Best for Off-Roading?
If you want the Gladiator that feels most confident when the trail opens up, and the terrain gets fast and choppy, the Mojave is the better match. If your version of "off-road" means crawling, climbing, and picking careful lines through rocky sections, Rubicon is the trim for that job.
If you're on the fence, stop by and drive both--seeing the hardware up close and feeling the difference in ride and steering makes the choice a lot easier. Along with a large selection of Gladiators, we offer 100% transparent pricing with our Alan Jay Way. See why our customers are so loyal to us. Contact us today at Alan Jay CDJR in Wauchula!