Short Version
- The 2027 Gladiator Rubicon and Mojave start within about $500 of each other, and Jeep Portsmouth has both in stock.
- The Rubicon has locking differentials at both axles, a 4:1 Rock-Trac system and a 7,000-lb base tow rating on the crew cab 4x4.
- The Mojave has FOX 2.5 shocks, 11.6 inches of ground clearance and a 6,000-lb base tow rating on the crew cab 4x4.
- Both share the 3.6L V6 with 285 hp, an 8-speed automatic, adaptive cruise control with stop and Uconnect 5 Nav.
The 2027 Gladiator Rubicon and Mojave are the two trail trims in the lineup, they start within about $500 of each other, and both are in stock at Jeep Portsmouth. For a driver near Exeter who wants the full Gladiator, the choice comes down to the ground you drive most: the Rubicon for slow, rocky terrain and the heaviest trailers, the Mojave for fast rough ground and the smoothest ride over it.
Most Seacoast drivers weigh these two for the same reasons: a back road that heaves every February, a boat ramp, and a weekend north on dirt. The 2027 Gladiator Research Hub covers the whole lineup, and this comparison narrows it to the two trims people ask about most.
The matchup at a glance
| Feature | Rubicon | Mojave |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | mid-$50s | mid-$50s |
| Base towing (crew cab 4x4) | 7,000 lbs | 6,000 lbs |
| Base payload (crew cab 4x4) | 1,200 pounds | 1,100 pounds |
| Ground clearance | 11.1 inches | 11.6 inches |
| Approach / departure / breakover | 43 / 26 / 20 degrees | 45 / 26 / 21 degrees |
| Locking differentials | Front and rear | Rear |
| Four-wheel drive | 4:1 Rock-Trac | Command-Trac |
| Suspension highlight | Front disconnecting stabilizer bar | FOX 2.5 shocks with hydro jounce bumpers |
| Curb weight | 5,031 pounds | 5,042 pounds |
Every number comes from the full Trims page, which lines up all nine trims and the Sarge.
Where the Rubicon fits best
The Rubicon is the Gladiator built for slow, technical ground. Tru-Lok locking differentials at both axles keep all four wheels turning when one is off the ground, and the 4:1 Rock-Trac system gives it the gearing for slow trail work. A front disconnecting stabilizer bar lets the front axle flex over a ledge, and cab and bed steel rock rails protect the sides. It also carries the highest base tow rating, 7,000 lbs on the crew cab 4x4, so it is the Gladiator for a larger boat or a loaded camper behind it. The Towing page covers hitches and trailer brakes.
Where the Mojave fits best
The Mojave is Jeep's Desert Rated Gladiator, built for speed over rough ground. FOX 2.5 performance shocks and hydro jounce bumpers soak up washboard, frost heaves and washed-out gravel at pace, and 11.6 inches of ground clearance, the most in the lineup, keeps the skid plates clear of them. A 45-degree approach angle helps on steep entries, and a 7.0-inch color cluster display and standard heated seats make long days easier. Its 6,000-lb base tow rating on the crew cab 4x4 handles a mid-size boat comfortably. The Specs page lists every dimension.
Where they match
Under the skin the two share a lot. Both run the 3.6L V6 with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft, the 8-speed automatic and a 4.10 axle ratio, and both ride on 285/70R17 all-terrain tires. Adaptive cruise control with stop, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and Uconnect 5 Nav with a 12.3-inch screen are standard on both. Either one can take the X package for leather, power seats and blind-spot detection. The Overview walks through everything the whole lineup shares.
Which one is right for you
- You tow a larger boat or a camper from Dover or Somersworth: the Rubicon, for the 7,000-lb base rating. See Rubicon inventory.
- You drive rocky trails and want the most traction: the Rubicon, with lockers at both ends.
- Your roads are gravel, dirt and frost heaves taken at speed: the Mojave, for the FOX shocks and the clearance. See Mojave inventory.
- You want the smoothest daily ride with trail ability: the Mojave.
Still weighing a Gladiator against a Wrangler? The Wrangler vs. Gladiator comparison shows where each one fits.
Quick questions
Which tows more, the Rubicon or the Mojave?
The Rubicon, at 7,000 lbs base on the crew cab 4x4, against 6,000 lbs for the Mojave. Jeep rates the lineup at up to 7,700 lbs properly equipped.
Do the Rubicon and Mojave need different service?
They follow the same owner's manual schedule: oil on the indicator, tire rotation at every oil change and spark plugs at 100,000 miles. The Maintenance and Service page lists every interval.
Do both come with navigation and adaptive cruise control?
Yes. Uconnect 5 Nav and adaptive cruise control with stop are standard on both trims.
How far apart are the prices?
About $500 at the start, before options, and the sticker on each truck shows its exact total. More answers are on the Gladiator FAQs page.
Can I drive both at Jeep Portsmouth?
Yes. Call (603) 431-8900 and the team will have a Rubicon and a Mojave ready to drive back to back.
See both at Jeep Portsmouth
Jeep Portsmouth, at 2355 Lafayette Road, has the 2027 Gladiator Rubicon and Mojave in stock for shoppers from Exeter, Dover, Somersworth and Rochester. Browse the Gladiator inventory, get pre-approved, or schedule a test drive and feel the difference on the road.