Sure, you can find a more comfortable midsize truck, one that’s easier to drive — and costs less, too.

But the 2025 Jeep Gladiator pickup — essentially a rugged Wrangler with a cargo bed — is all about off-road capability. It offers four advanced 4x4 systems, steep approach and breakover angles (44.7 and 26 degrees) for the big bumps, skid plates and 22.6 inches of ground clearance. It can handle anything the terrain can throw at it, and wade through 31.5 inches of water along the way.

It’s also the only open-air truck in the industry with removable doors, three removable roof options and a folding windshield. So, yeah, it’s breezy fun, too.

Still in its first generation from 2019, Gladiator is available in nine trims, but thrill seekers will set their sights on the Mojave or Rubicon. Named for the driest desert in North America, the Mojave is Jeep’s only “desert rated” model and is specifically engineered for high-speed runs over dunes, but it can handle gravel and rocky trails as well.

Visible through the wheel wells are Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks with hydraulic bump stops to improve comfort and lessen harsh impacts. It has 1-inch lifts, 33-inch all-terrain tires and high-clearance fender flares.

Mojave also has a desert-specific Off-Road+ mode: Just press a button while in 4-High to adjust throttle response, transmission shift points, and traction control for wheel spin and thrills on loose terrain. It also works in 4-Low for rock crawling, adding power and precision.

Rock climbers will prefer the Rubicon with its electronic sway bar disconnect, locking front and rear differentials, and steel rear bumper. A front-end camera shows the way — and even washes its own lens.

Coming off a refresh in 2024, Gladiator still made a few changes for 2025. First, an eight-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board; The manual transmission is gone. Also, cabins now can be pre-cooled or heated via a phone app. Two colors were added, including an olive green called ’41 (for Jeep’s birth-year 1941).

Under the hood is Jeep’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, rated at 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. That’s good for 4,500 pounds of towing in the Mojave but, if needed, you can get up to 7,700 pounds with other trims. Jeep plans to add a 4xe plug-in hybrid model, capable of 22 miles on electric alone, by the end of the year.

So we know Mojave can handle the rough stuff, but how is it as a daily driver on pavement? That’s where most will spend their time.

The simple answer is that it’s acceptable for those who really need/want Jeep’s off-road guts (reread the lead). Rivals include the versatile Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma, and they can play in the dirt but offer better rides around town.

The Gladiator is no speedster to 60 mph (around 8 seconds) but swift and accurate shifts from the 8-speed automatic make it seem faster.

While necessary for off-roading, the huge tires and solid front-axle suspension hamper ride quality around town. Railroad tracks and road dips don’t go unnoticed. Steering is rather vague and, like the Wrangler, think open-air fun over finesse when it comes to curves and corners.

The EPA estimates fuel economy of 17 mpg city, 22 highway, for a combined 19 mpg — comparable to the other 4x4 midsize pickups.

Getting into the Gladiator is a small challenge, but grab handles and wide doors help. Inside, plenty of comfort features await. Optional heated seats are roomy and toasty and spacious. Rear leg room and head room throughout are best-in-class.

Also best is the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, which houses one of the best infotainment systems in the business. It offers good clarity, crisp graphics and quick response to inputs. It also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. And Gladiator has a navigation upgrade for detailed guides on thousands of off-road trails.

Front passengers get a pair of USB ports and one USB-C, plus a 115-volt outlet. A worthy option is an upgraded nine-speaker Alpine audio system, with weather-resistant subwoofer and portable wireless speaker behind the rear seat. Tailgating anyone?

Nooks and crannies for stuff are few in the Gladiator; the center console and glovebox are small and the door pockets nearly useless, but there is a lockable under-seat storage space in the rear.

The 35.5-cubic foot cargo bed is versatile and can carry a hefty payload of 1,725 pounds. Buyers can opt for a soft tri-fold tonneau cover ($625), spray-in bedliner ($525), power outlet and cargo lighting. A lightweight aluminum tailgate is easy to lift and has a power lock.

Gladiator’s safety list is somewhat shorter than its foes' but Mojave gets key features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, advanced brake assist and forward collision warning, blind-spot and cross-path detection, and rear park assist.

Are there other pickups more suitable as a daily driver or even work truck? You betcha. But frequent off-roaders will find all the comfort they want in the rugged, open-air Jeep Gladiator Mojave.

2025 Jeep Gladiator Mojave

BASE PRICE: $51,695

AS TESTED: $66,990 (Includes transmission skid plate, cargo group with tonneau cover and trail rails, heated front seats and wheel, technology group that includes Uconnect 5 with 12.3-inch touchscreen, Alpine premium audio, forward off-road camera, 3-piece hard top)

What's all the excitement about? Open-air and versatile Gladiator Mojave ready for desert racing, boulders or 31.5 inches or water. Automatic transmission standard this year along with power locks/windows and pre-cooling or heating of cabin.

Powertrain: 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine good for 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque drives the four wheels; mated to 8-speed automatic (manual tranny discontinued).

How's the performance? Among the best in off-road capability; On road, acceptable not exceptional, due to firm suspension and 33-inch all-terrain tires. 0-60 mph in around 8 seconds.

Fuel economy: EPA-estimated 17 mpg city, 22 highway, 19 mpg combined

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