The Jeep line has long captivated the wayfaring explorer crowd here at Landmark Dodge of Morrow, where it has been consistently prepared, customizable, and durable. The Autoblog crew reported on some changes for the 2024 model year last week, as some of the newest additions to the latest Wrangler made their outdoor-savvy way over to the recent Gladiator. It was all hands (and eyes!) on deck as it was revealed during the exciting Detroit Auto Show, with some pretty major interior changes.
The outgoing model had a bit of a playful vibe inside, the new truck focuses on comfort, and inviting while eye-popping environment. Coming as standard across the entire range is a 12.3-inch touchscreen, which is right in the middle of the dash where the very sweet Uconnect 5 software does its thing. The Sport model offers manual locks, windows, and seats as standard, with everything from Sport S on up joining the party in progress with power locks and doors. You'll also be conquering the wild with 12-way power seats that are water -resistant on the Mojave X along with the Rubicon X.
Explorers everywhere have had massive praise for the Trails Offroad feature that provides a detailed database of trails to get your chops dialed nationwide. The pair of X-badged trim levels are new for the year and combine the upper-end features from the parts bin along with some of the most heavy-hitting off-road hardware Jeep has on hand. The familiar seven-slot grille that diehard fans are accustomed to still sticks around but has just been gently reshaped for the new model. All models will scour the nearest trail with Dana 44 axles, and a heavy-duty trail rating.
The Command-Trac system is on hand to boisterously conquer boulders along with a two-speed transfer case, and the Selec-Trac adds full-time 4x4 capability. The Rubicon comes equipped with the canyon-conquering Rock-Trac part-time system, which is adequately geared low at a 4:1 range. The far corners that you choose for your next expedition will also need to contend with a sway bar disconnect, and Tru-Lok front and rear-axle lockers, 33-inch tires, and steel rock rails. The Mojave trim was always meant for dirt, and sports 2.5-inch Fox internal bypass shocks with remote reservoirs to properly cushion the imperfections.
The Mojave also is equipped with front Hydro Jounce bumpers to absorb the really rough stuff, a one-inch lift, a locking rear axle, and Off-Road + mode. The Maximum towing rating is 7,700 pounds, which is on par with the competition in the form of the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. A six-speed manual transmission standard paves the way for an 84:1 crawl ratio. The Gladiator is the only truck on the market that can take part in this level of open-air freedom, and still excel at the gritty reel truck stuff.
That very first release the only engine will be the same V6 as before, cranking out 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. As things progress during the design and release process, most experts expect a turbo-four engine or plug-in hybrid to join the mix, as well as the potential of a V8-powered 392. This would be the thrilling stuff that off-roader’s wildest dreams are made of, as it would render the Gladiator as a fierce and fire-breathing king of the Hill. For years Jeep enthusiasts had asked for what they have finally now received, and the result is a capable, exciting, always ready-for-adventure example of America's finest steel at work.
