How can you make something that seems perfect even better? That appears to have been the challenge for the folks at Jeep when they were deciding on what to do with the 2024 Jeep Gladiator. The decision was made to do a mid-generation refresh, along with the introduction of two new trims, the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon X and Mojave X. Since introducing the Gladiator in 2020, Jeep has focused on building this midsize pickup truck with a standard 4X4 system. This allows drivers to avoid having to decide between towing and hauling on the one hand and off-road capabilities on the other. Instead, you get a midsize truck that delivers the best of both worlds, which most folks expect from a Jeep.
The decision to do an update now shows Jeep’s commitment to the Gladiator model. In addition to the new trims, we also see Jeep making style, performance, comfort, and convenience upgrades as well. As Jeep’s senior vice president, Jim Morrison, points out, “The new 2024 Jeep Gladiator epitomizes the power of the Jeep community and how it continues to push for greater capability, advanced technology, and more refinement.” This is why the 2024 Jeep Gladiator should prove to be the most advanced version of this off-road midsize truck offered to date.
The X Factor
The biggest news for 2024 is the introduction of the Mojave X and Rubicon X trims of the Jeep Gladiator. These take the respective trims and add a number of new features to make them even better at off-roading.
The Gladiator Mojave already comes with some great features, like 33-inch all-terrain tires, steel rock rails to protect the sides, and high-clearance black fender flares to avoid damage to the undercarriage. This trim also has off-road Dana 44 axles, with the rear featuring a locking differential to reduce slippage. The Gladiator Mojave also has a one-inch front suspension lift to provide better ground clearance, as well as FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks and FOX front hydro jounce bumpers to improve the off-road suspension. Adding an X does more than look great on the Jeep badging.
Jeep has given the Mojave X trim of the Gladiator a bit more to make things more enjoyable inside and outside of your truck. The inside features a built-in navigation system with an integrated front off-road camera. This will give you images of the terrain ahead in real time. You are sure to be comfortable while off-roading in the Nappa leather seats, with the front ones and the steering wheel heated for cold days on the trail. The Uconnect system on the Mojave X also has a nine-speaker premium Alpine audio system to provide your favorite soundtrack. Meanwhile, the Mojave X adds a Selec-Trac full-time transfer case for constant 4X4 performance and front and rear steel bumpers to give your Gladiator added protection in battle. The Selec-Trac transfer case replaces the Command-Trac part-time transfer case that comes standard on the regular Gladiator Mojave truck.
The upgrades are similar for the Rubicon X. The 2024 Gladiator Rubicon has most of the same equipment as the Mojave, with a few additions. For example, the Rubicon has a Rock-Trac part-time transfer case for the drivetrain and an electronic front sway-bar disconnect, allowing you to transfer more power to the ground to get over rough terrain. It also comes with a steel rear bumper and adds a front locking differential to the rear one, reducing slippage in certain terrains. By choosing to add an X to your Rubicon, you also get Nappa leather seats, also with the steering wheel and front seats heated. You also get the nine-speaker Alpine stereo system, built-in navigation, and the integrated front off-road camera on the Uconnect system, just like the Mojave X. However, the Rubicon X adds a front steel bumper, as well as the Rock-Trac full-time transfer case. This builds on the Rock-Trac part-time transfer case found on the Rubicon trim of the Gladiator.
One Powertrain For All
Jeep has decided to offer a single powertrain on the Gladiator—a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gas engine with a choice of either a standard six-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic transmission. This will be the first time Jeep is not offering an EcoDiesel engine as an option on this truck. This gas engine has a dual overhead camshaft configuration with 24 valves for its six cylinders. It uses port-fuel injection to produce up to 285 hp at 6400 RPM and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4400 RPM. This allows the Gladiator to go from 0 to 60 MPH in just 7.3 seconds with a top speed of 98 MPH. Whether driving around town or hitting the trails, this is the kind of performance you’ve been looking for in your 2024 Jeep Gladiator.
Even with its dedication to off-roading, the Gladiator will still not let you forget that you are driving a truck. This is because it provides solid capability for trailering and cargo hauling. The standard engine on the Gladiator allows you to tow up to 7,700 lbs, which is an exceptional number for a midsize truck like the Gladiator. You can also carry up to 1,725 lbs of cargo in the Gladiator’s standard five-foot bed, which provides up to 35.5 cu.ft. of space. This is the most offered by any truck in the Gladiator’s vehicle class.
Uconnect Your Gladiator to the World
Staying connected while driving is a goal for most vehicles today. This is certainly the case with Jeep, which has equipped each trim of the 2024 Gladiator with a Uconnect 5 system. The new model features a 12.3-inch color touchscreen that comes standard. This is the largest standard touchscreen on any midsize truck, a best-in-class feature that helps the Gladiator stand out from the crowd.
Uconnect 5 lets you connect your smartphone with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to make hands-free calls and texts and to stream your favorite music and apps even if you forgot to bring your phone’s cable along for the ride. You can also connect up to two phones using the Bluetooth feature on the Uconnect 5 system. One of the best standard features is a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices. This will help you and your passengers stay connected when you go off-roading or camping with your 2024 Jeep Gladiator.
You can use your Alexa virtual assistant on the road. The Uconnect 5 has an Alexa Home to Car function, which is voice-activated in your Gladiator. Finally, Jeep has added the SiriusXM 360L platform to the 2024 Gladiator’s Uconnect 5 system. This allows you to personalize your favorite SiriusXM stations using Pandora.
A New Look for a New Year of Gladiator
Not every change deals with performance or interior convenience. Sometimes, automakers like to make exterior changes to improve the looks of their vehicles. This is undoubtedly the case with the 2024 Gladiator. The front grille has been made slightly rounder, giving it a similar look to the Jeep Renegade. Some of the wheels offered on the various trims have also been given new designs. Finally, Jeep has added a windshield-integrated trail-ready antenna, making it easier to keep your Jeep connected with the outside world and improving the performance of on-air stations.
While exterior changes are the first you will see, there are other improvements that are less obvious. These are the ones that give you peace of mind simply by being there. In this case, the new features are front and rear side curtain airbags that are now standard on every trim of the Jeep Gladiator. These will improve your and your passengers’ safety while driving. Hopefully, the airbags will never have to be deployed, and you will never see them.
The 2024 Jeep Gladiator May Be X-Actly What You Are Looking For
Upgrading a vehicle that is already performing well is never an easy task. But with the two new X trims of the Gladiator and new standard features, Jeep seems well on its way to making the 2024 Gladiator the best version yet of its off-road-worthy midsize pickup truck. Whether you haul groceries or sacks of concrete, the new Gladiator is simply X-traordinary.
