Comparing 2025 Jeep Gladiator Trims: Sport S vs. Rubicon vs. Mojave for Ontario Use

The 2025 Jeep Gladiator lineup offers three core configurations that serve different purposes for Ontario drivers. Each trim builds on the Gladiator's foundation of midsize pickup capability while adding specific features for distinct use cases. Understanding these differences helps buyers in Belleville select the configuration that aligns with their work and recreation priorities.

All Gladiator models share the same 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine rated at 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission across the lineup. Maximum towing capacity reaches 3,492 kg (7,700 lbs) when properly equipped, while payload capacity tops out at 782 kg (1,725 lbs)—best-in-class figures for the midsize pickup segment.

At a Glance: Sport S vs. Rubicon vs. Mojave

Sport S: Foundation for Work and Weekend Use

The Sport S represents the entry point into Gladiator ownership with a focus on value and versatility. This trim delivers core Gladiator capability without specialized off-road equipment, making it appropriate for drivers in Belleville who need a capable truck for daily use, light towing, and occasional trail driving.

Standard equipment on the Sport S includes:

• Command-Trac part-time 4x4 system with shift-on-the-fly operation
• Dana front and rear axles with 3.73 rear axle ratio
• 245/75R17 Highway-Terrain tires optimized for on-road use
• Cloth front bucket seats with manual 6-way driver adjustment
• 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment screen with wireless connectivity
• Eight-speaker audio system
• Adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking

The Sport S uses a normal-duty suspension suitable for highway driving and light off-road use. Ground clearance measures 254 mm (10 inches), sufficient for seasonal roads and maintained trails around Ontario. The 40.8-degree approach angle allows the Gladiator to navigate moderate inclines without scraping the front bumper.

For towing, the Sport S comes with a Class II bumper hitch as standard equipment. Upgrading to the available Class IV receiver hitch increases capability. The 5-foot steel cargo box features a damped three-position tailgate and integrated cargo lights. A spray-in bedliner is available as an option to protect the box from daily wear.

Rubicon: Technical Off-Road Capability

The Rubicon trim focuses on low-speed rock crawling and technical trail navigation. This configuration adds heavy-duty components and specialized equipment for drivers in Ontario who regularly tackle challenging terrain or need maximum traction in difficult conditions.

Key Rubicon features include:

• Rock-Trac transfer case with 4.0:1 low-range ratio (part-time standard, full-time optional)
• Dana heavy-duty wide front and rear axles with Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials
• 4.10 rear axle ratio for improved low-speed torque multiplication
• Electronic Solid Swaybar Disconnect System for increased wheel articulation
• Heavy-duty suspension with high-pressure gas-charged monotube shock absorbers
• LT285/70R17C All-Terrain tires
• Steel front bumper for improved approach angle protection

The Rubicon's Rock-Trac transfer case provides a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio, compared to the Sport S's 2.72:1 ratio. This deeper gearing increases the crawl ratio and allows the Rubicon to climb steep obstacles at very low speeds with precise throttle control. The electronic locking differentials in both axles ensure all four wheels receive power, even when individual wheels lose traction on uneven surfaces.

Ground clearance increases to 281 mm (11.1 inches) on the Rubicon, while the approach angle improves to 43.4 degrees. The steel front bumper provides durability for trail use and protects the vehicle's front end during rock crawling. Standard rock rails shield the body-side rocker panels from obstacle damage.

Interior upgrades on the Rubicon include unique cloth front bucket seats with enhanced back bolsters and embroidered Rubicon logos. Available leather-trimmed seats add heated functionality for Ontario winters. The Rubicon maintains the same towing capacity as other Gladiator trims when properly equipped.

Mojave: High-Speed Desert Performance

The Mojave trim takes a different approach to off-road capability, optimizing for high-speed desert-style terrain rather than rock crawling. This configuration suits Ontario drivers who want enhanced suspension performance for rough roads, logging trails, or high-speed gravel driving.

Mojave-specific features include:

• FOX 2.5-inch diameter aluminum internal bypass shock absorbers with external reservoirs
• Performance hydro jounce bumpers for high-speed compression control
• Heavy-duty suspension tuned for fast washboard and whoops
• Reinforced steel frame sections at strategic points
• 4.10 rear axle ratio
• LT285/70R17C All-Terrain tires
• Mojave hood decal identifying the desert-rated trim

The FOX shock absorbers represent the Mojave's primary distinction. These high-performance dampers feature internal bypass zones that adjust damping rates based on suspension travel. At low speeds, the shocks provide compliant ride quality. During high-speed compression events, the bypass design increases damping force to prevent bottoming and maintain control.

External reservoirs on the FOX shocks increase fluid capacity, reducing heat buildup during extended off-road sessions. This design maintains consistent damping performance even after repeated compression cycles on rough terrain. The hydro jounce bumpers at the front suspension limit harsh impacts when the suspension reaches full compression.

Ground clearance on the Mojave reaches 294 mm (11.6 inches)—the highest in the Gladiator lineup. The approach angle improves to 44.7 degrees, allowing the Mojave to attack steep approaches at speed without scraping. Unlike the Rubicon, the Mojave uses a standard Command-Trac part-time transfer case rather than the Rock-Trac unit, as low-speed crawling is not the primary focus.

The Mojave maintains best-in-class towing capacity of 3,492 kg (7,700 lbs) when equipped with the available Max Tow Package. The cargo box, seating capacity, and interior dimensions remain identical to other Gladiator trims.

Performance Comparison: Which Excels Where?

Each Gladiator trim addresses specific terrain types and driving styles common in Ontario:

Sport S excels at: Daily driving in Belleville, highway towing, light trail use, maintained seasonal roads, and value-focused truck buyers who don't need specialized off-road equipment.

Rubicon excels at: Technical rock crawling, steep inclines requiring low-speed control, muddy trails where locking differentials provide traction, and situations demanding maximum wheel articulation on uneven terrain.

Mojave excels at: High-speed gravel roads, rough logging roads at faster speeds, washboard surfaces, and conditions where suspension travel and damping control matter more than crawl ratios.

For Ontario drivers around Belleville, the Sport S serves as a capable daily driver that handles winter roads and recreational towing. The Rubicon provides maximum capability for drivers who regularly encounter challenging trails or need confidence in difficult conditions. The Mojave suits buyers who drive rough roads quickly or want enhanced suspension performance without rock-crawling specialization.

Standard Features Across All Trims

Regardless of trim selection, every 2025 Gladiator includes:

• 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine (285 hp, 260 lb-ft)
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 5-foot steel cargo box with damped tailgate
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic emergency braking
• Four-pin and seven-pin trailer wiring
• Removable doors and fold-down windshield
• Wash-out interior with drain plugs

These shared features ensure that even the entry-level Sport S provides modern connectivity, safety systems, and the open-air freedom that defines the Gladiator experience.

Fuel Economy and Operating Costs

All 2025 Gladiator trims achieve identical fuel economy ratings of 13.7 L/100 km city, 10.7 L/100 km highway, and 12.3 L/100 km combined. The 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 uses regular unleaded fuel (87 octane), and all trims feature the same 83.2-litre (22-gallon) fuel tank capacity.

Operating costs remain similar across the lineup, with the primary difference being the initial purchase price. The specialized components on the Rubicon and Mojave—such as FOX shocks or locking differentials—may have different maintenance or replacement costs compared to standard components, though these are not routine service items.

Which Gladiator is Right for You?

Ontario buyers should evaluate how they'll actually use the Gladiator. If daily driving, highway towing, and occasional gravel roads describe your typical use, the Sport S provides all necessary capability at the lowest entry price. Buyers who regularly encounter technical trails, steep climbs, or need maximum traction in mud or snow will benefit from the Rubicon's specialized equipment.

The Mojave serves a specific audience: drivers who spend time on rough roads at higher speeds, such as those accessing remote properties, driving unmaintained logging roads, or who simply want the best suspension performance available in the Gladiator lineup. For most Ontario recreational users around Belleville, the Mojave's desert-focused tuning may exceed daily requirements, though the enhanced ride quality benefits any rough-road driving.

Experience the Gladiator at Belleville Chrysler

The 2025 Jeep Gladiator lineup delivers midsize pickup capability with three distinct approaches to off-road performance. Book your test drive at Belleville Chrysler to compare how the Sport S, Rubicon, and Mojave handle Ontario roads and to determine which configuration suits your driving priorities.