The 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave is Jeep's first Desert Rated pickup, purpose-built for high-speed open terrain rather than slow-speed rock crawling. Starting at $49,110, it pairs a 285 hp Pentastar 3.6L V6 with 4,500 lbs of towing capacity and genuine 4WD capability — making it the right truck for Junction City families who tow to Milford Lake on weekends and commute across rolling Kansas plains during the week. No other midsize pickup offers a removable roof alongside this level of desert-validated performance.
How Well Does the 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave Handle Off-Road and Daily Driving in Junction City?
Exterior Styling and Rugged Design Features Tailored for Adventures
2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave Powertrain Performance and Towing Capacity for Kansas Terrain
A stat that matters most to Junction City families: the Mojave pulls 4,500 lbs— enough to haul a loaded boat trailer to Milford Lake, tow a utility trailer for a weekend project, or transport a pair of ATVs for a Flint Hills trail run. That number comes from a well-sorted powertrain, not an overworked one.
| Feature | Mojave |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.6L |
| Horsepower | 285 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | manual 6-speed |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
The Pentastar 3.6L V6 produces 285 hp at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, paired standard with a manual 6-speed transmission. For drivers who prefer an automatic, the optional 8-Speed Automatic 850RE Transmission is available — a smooth, wide-ratio unit with gear ratios spanning 4.71:1 in first down to 0.67:1 in eighth, providing both strong off-the-line pull and relaxed highway cruising. The in-stock Silver Zynith unit at Valor CDJR is equipped with this 8-speed automatic.
| Feature | Mojave |
|---|---|
| Seating | 5 |
| Curb weight | 4,952 lbs |
| Towing | 4,500 lbs |
| Payload | 1,298 lbs |
The 1,298 lbs of payload capacity means the Mojave's bed handles real work — camping gear, tools, or equipment for a weekend project. The 4,952 lb curb weight reflects the Mojave's reinforced desert-duty chassis, which includes heavy-duty suspension with gas shocks as standard equipment. The Command-Trac 4WD system with low/high gear ranges adds confident traction on the gravel and rolling terrain surrounding Riley County.
If you're ready to move from your current vehicle into a Mojave, Valor CDJR makes it easy to get an estimate on your trade-in before you visit the lot.
Interior Comfort and Space in the 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave for Families and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Infotainment and Connectivity Features That Enhance the Driving Experience
The Mojave's standard Uconnect 4C system centers on an 8.4-inch touchscreen — large enough to navigate clearly while wearing work gloves and responsive enough for quick inputs at a stoplight. The system includes built-in navigation with a 3D display, voice guidance, traffic information, and a traffic subscription, so you always have current routing whether you're heading through downtown Junction City or finding your way across the Flint Hills.
Smartphone integration is comprehensive and effectively permanent. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, each included — meaning they function for the life of the vehicle without additional fees. Bluetooth connectivity, a voice activation system, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
The audio system is a genuine highlight for a truck in this class. A 9-speaker Alpine system with a subwoofer delivers clear, full-range sound whether you're on a quiet highway stretch or parked at a campsite. AM/FM radio, satellite radio with a 6-month trial subscription, and digital radio round out the audio options. Two front USB charging ports and four rear USB charging ports — six total — mean every passenger stays charged on a long drive.
A 7-inch digital instrument cluster display sits in the gauge pod, delivering trip computer data including average fuel economy. Keyless entry, push-button start, and a programmable garage door opener add everyday convenience. For drivers who want to expand the Mojave's capabilities further, Valor CDJR's Mopar parts and accessories department stocks genuine Jeep add-ons including the optional TrailCam integrated off-road camera, wireless Bluetooth speaker, and auxiliary switch group for powering aftermarket accessories.
Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies Designed for Kansas Drivers in the 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave
The Mojave's standard safety foundation is solid for a truck designed to go well beyond paved roads. Four airbags are fitted as standard — dual intelligent front airbags for driver and passenger, plus front side airbags — with pre-tensioning front seatbelts (both height-adjustable) and a 3-point center rear belt covering all three rear seating positions. Height-adjustable head restraints are fitted front (2) and rear (3), and LATCH child seat anchors come standard for families with younger passengers.
The braking system runs four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS and a brake assist system that applies additional braking force when the system detects an emergency stop — a meaningful advantage on the flat-to-rolling terrain around Junction City where reaction time matters. Hill holder prevents rollback on inclines, which is useful when stopped on an overpass or a gravel rise. Electronic traction control, roll stability control, and a full stability control system work together to keep the Mojave composed on both paved roads and loose surfaces.
The optional Safety Group package adds a rear camera, rear parking sensors, LED brake lights, and Blind-Spot/Rear Cross-Path Detection— a system that monitors the lanes beside and behind the truck and warns the driver of vehicles approaching from the rear quarters. This is particularly useful when towing, where rear visibility is naturally limited.
For drivers who want the most comprehensive electronic safety net, the optional Advanced Safety Group adds Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus with automatic emergency braking that activates from as low as 3 mph, a brake assist link to the collision system, and automatic high-beam headlight control. The trailer stability program is standard, actively managing sway when towing — a reassuring feature for anyone pulling a loaded boat trailer on a windy Kansas highway.
Pricing Breakdown of All 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave Trims
Warranty Coverage, Maintenance, and Service Options for 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave Owners
Jeep backs the 2022 Gladiator Mojave with a warranty structure that gives owners genuine peace of mind across the vehicle's early years of ownership. The basic vehicle warranty covers 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain warranty — covering the Pentastar engine, transmission, and drivetrain components — extends to 60 months or 60,000 miles. Anti-corrosion protection runs 60 months, and roadside assistance is included for 60 months or 60,000 miles, meaning Jeep's manufacturer-backed roadside coverage travels with you on every trail run and long-distance haul.
| Coverage | Duration | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Basic vehicle | 36 months | 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain | 60 months | 60,000 mi |
| Anti-corrosion | 60 months | Unlimited mi |
| Paint | 36 months | 36,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | 60 months | 60,000 mi |
For Valor CDJR customers in Junction City and the surrounding area, keeping your Gladiator Mojave properly maintained is straightforward. Our service team is familiar with the Pentastar V6, the Command-Trac 4WD system, and the specific maintenance intervals these trucks require — from oil changes and tire rotations to transfer case fluid and differential service after heavy off-road use. Military families and local professionals with busy schedules can book a service appointment online at a time that works around their week, with transparent pricing and no surprises.
Awards, Expert Reviews, and Recognition Highlighting the 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave's Strengths
Third-party recognition for the 2022 Gladiator is consistent and credible. Kelley Blue Book named the Gladiator to its Best Resale Value: Top 10 list for 2022 — a meaningful signal for buyers who care about long-term ownership costs. Vincentric awarded it Best Value in America: Small/Mid-Size Pickup for 2022, and the Specialty Equipment Market Association recognized it as SEMA Mid-Size Truck of the Year for 2022.
Expert reviewers have been equally direct. MotorTrend observed that the Gladiator Mojave's desert racing-inspired suspension allows it to go almost anywhere and get there faster than any other Gladiator and most other trucks — high praise that reflects the engineering investment Jeep made in the desert-specific tune. A follow-up MotorTrend evaluation noted that Jeep gives the Gladiator more of what buyers want with the Mojave while taking essentially nothing away in return.
Car and Driver described the Gladiator as a legitimate pickup truck and a trail-ready tool simultaneously, while Edmunds noted the Mojave's specialized suspension setup positions it as the ideal choice for buyers who prioritize high-impact desert endurance and open-trail composure. Kelley Blue Book reinforced the Gladiator's unique market position as a pickup with a detachable roof and doors — a distinction that remains true in the midsize segment today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Owning a 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave
The 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave has a towing capacity of 4,500 lbs. That is enough to haul a mid-size boat, a loaded utility trailer, or a pair of ATVs on a tandem trailer. The standard trailer stability program actively manages sway while towing, and the optional Trailer Tow Package adds dedicated trailer towing preparation for buyers who tow regularly. For families heading to Milford Lake or Tuttle Creek State Park on weekends, this capacity comfortably covers most recreational towing needs.
Yes. The Mojave comes standard with the Command-Trac part-time 4WD system, which includes both high and low gear ranges. An optional Selec-Trac Full Time 4WD System is also available for buyers who want a system that can remain engaged on mixed surfaces. The standard 4WD system is well-suited to the gravel roads, rolling plains, and occasional muddy conditions found across Riley County and the Flint Hills region.
The EPA rates the Mojave at 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. With a 22-gallon fuel tank, that works out to a calculated range of 418 miles per fill-up. The engine runs on regular 87-octane unleaded fuel, keeping day-to-day operating costs reasonable for a truck with this level of capability.
The Mojave is rated to carry 1,298 lbs of payload in its bed and cabin combined. The bed measures 60.3 inches long, 56.8 inches wide at the rails, and 44.8 inches between the wheelhouses — a short-box configuration that fits in standard parking spaces while still handling full-size gear loads, camping equipment, or materials for a weekend project.
Valor CDJR currently has a 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave in Silver Zynith Clearcoat with leather seating, the 8-speed automatic, LED Lighting Group, Cold Weather Group, and Uconnect 4C navigation available on the lot at 1825 Goldenbelt Blvd, Junction City. To ask about availability, schedule a test drive, or get answers about specific options, give our team a call at (785) 238-5114— we are happy to walk you through everything the Mojave offers before you make the drive in.
The Mojave is Jeep's Desert Rated trim — the only Gladiator specifically engineered for high-speed open terrain and sand running rather than slow-speed technical rock crawling. Its suspension is tuned for compliance and composure at speed across washboard and whoops, which also makes it more comfortable on paved roads than the stiffer Rubicon setup. Standard equipment includes heavy-duty suspension with gas shocks, a 9-speaker Alpine audio system, Uconnect 4C with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and the full suite of Jeep open-air roof and door options that make it one of the few pickups that can be driven with the top and doors removed.
