At the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, Jeep introduced the Gladiator Mojave; a truck with renewed vigor and improved ruggedness to conquer the deserts. It was the first Jeep to receive the newly-coined ‘Desert Rated’ badge.

It looks like the company wants to take give this badge to other products as well. According to MoparInsiders, Jeep is planning to give the 2021 Wrangler the same treatment. Will a Desert Rated SUV be preferred to the truck?

What Makes the 2021 Wrangler Mojave Stand Out?

The report says that the 2021 Jeep Wrangler is expected to receive the same specifications as the Jeep Gladiator. The Wrangler Mojave will come with a reinforced frame to handle all the abuse it will take over time. The other things mentioned in the report include:

-* Specially-tuned FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs

-* FOX front hydraulic jounce bumpers

-* One-inch front suspension lift

-* Stronger axles with cast-iron steering knuckles

-* Aggressive off-road tires

You can also expect much better ground clearance, and approach, break-over, and departure angles.

Just to be clear, the Gladiator Mojave came equipped with a lot more stuff, but the same isn’t mentioned for the Wrangler Mojave. For starters, the Gladiator Mojave is equipped with the Command-Trac four-wheel-drive system. Then there’s the two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-gear ratio, along with heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles.

Thanks to this transfer case that gives a lot more initial torque, the Gladiator Mojave can operate at higher speeds in 4LO that will make climbing sand dunes a lot easier.

It also comes with a standard electronic-locking rear diff and a 4.10 rear axle ratio that will improve acceleration while climbing grades, uneven terrains, and carrying heavy loads.

The Gladiator Mojave also comes with an Off-Road Plus button that allows drivers to adjust throttle, transmission shift points and traction control for peak performance on higher speed passes on sand terrain, as well as during low-speed rock crawling, with just the press of a button. This feature will also enable drivers to lock their rear axle at high speeds while in 4H.

What Will Power The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Mojave?

Things could get spicy under the hood as well. The publication suggests that the Wrangler Mojave could arrive with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine instead of the famous Pentastar mill. This mill makes 270 ponies and 295 pound-feet of torque on the other products. When mated to a six-speed manual transmission, it will come equipped with an electric start/stop system. If you opt for the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic gearbox, it will be paired with the mild-hybrid e-Torque technology that is seen on other FCA cars.

Will It Come With Any Cosmetic Upgrades?

In terms of aesthetic and exterior upgrades, the Wrangler will certainly feature the Desert Rated badge. This is an extension of the Trail Rated badge that is affixed on the Jeep vehicles that are produced to tackle slow-speed rock obstacles. The automaker will also slap ‘Mojave’ decals around the body.

On the Gladiator, Jeep equipped sand slider side rails, silver skid plate, and painted tow hooks. New wheels and new paint color can also be expected. On the inside, there won’t be a lot of changes, except for new themes, embroidered seats, and the likes.

Final Thoughts

If Jeep is seriously interested in making a Wrangler Mojave, it needs to come with all the bells and whistles. The stuff mentioned by the outlet will merely make it a stronger off-roader, but not worthy of a Desert Rated badge. The outlet’s sources say that both the two-door and four-door Unlimited models will have their own Mojave edition in the 2021 Wrangler.

What are your thoughts on Jeep introducing the 2021 Wrangler in the Mojave version? Share them with us in the comments section below.