Tag Archives: Trucks

GMC Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX Off-Road Concept

<img data-attachment-id=”1772618″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept/revealed-today-at-overland-expo-mountain-west-the-gmc-canyon-at-3/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GMC-Canyon-AT4-OVRLANDX-Concept-005.jpg” data-orig-size=”5700,3800″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”Canon EOS 5DS”,”caption”:”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX concept elevates Canyon\u2019s capability while exploring GMC\u2019s vision for the nameplate\u2019s future. Designed for the premium overlanding enthusiast, the concept vehicle shows how Canyon could be customized for ambitious off-road adventures.”,”created_timestamp”:”1627949812″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”58″,”iso”:”400″,”shutter_speed”:”0.0025″,”title”:”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT”,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT4″ data-image-description=”

GMC

” data-medium-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-7.jpg” data-large-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1772618″ src=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept.jpg” alt width=”610″ height=”407″ srcset=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept.jpg 610w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-6.jpg 75w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-7.jpg 450w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-8.jpg 768w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-9.jpg 120w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>

GMC introduced an interesting concept at Colorado’s Overland Expo Mountain West 2021 this week and the timing couldn’t have been better. While North America has always appreciated off-road vehicles, there’s been an overnight explosion in the number of people considering 4×4 adventuring as a hobby. Troubled times have encouraged individuals to embrace the kind of cars that can tackle any terrain while doubling as a mobile campsite, and the Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX Off-Road Concept certainly seems capable.

Although the hypothetical production model probably has a better chance of becoming canvases for online influences than carrying anybody through a genuine disaster. This is something GMC likewise appears hip to, as the whole point of the concept SUV is to show what can be done with the Canyon, a little creativity, and a wad of cash reserved for aftermarket accessories. 

<img data-attachment-id=”1772616″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept/revealed-today-at-overland-expo-mountain-west-the-gmc-canyon-at-2/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GMC-Canyon-AT4-OVRLANDX-Concept-004.jpg” data-orig-size=”5700,3800″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”6.3″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”ILCE-7RM4″,”caption”:”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX concept elevates Canyon\u2019s capability while exploring GMC\u2019s vision for the nameplate\u2019s future. Designed for the premium overlanding enthusiast, the concept vehicle shows how Canyon could be customized for ambitious off-road adventures.”,”created_timestamp”:”1629308345″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”47″,”iso”:”400″,”shutter_speed”:”0.00125″,”title”:”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT”,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT” data-image-description=”

GMC

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While the pickup starts at $28,000, the OVRLANDX Off-Road Concept defaults to the 3.6-liter V6 that’s standard on the AT4 variant (MSRP $40,195, including destination). Considering the base model is still pretty large for a “midsize” pickup and comes with an anemic 2.5-liter, the decision to go with the 308-hp V6 makes sense. Ditto for sticking with the AT4, which is effectively a budget version of the off-road-friendly Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. However, the torque-rich 2.8-liter Duramax diesel (181 hp/368 lb-ft of torque) would have been a similarly good fit, if not better for overlanders interested in maximizing their fuel economy and towing proficiency.

“We wanted to showcase GMC Canyon with this concept and punctuate GMC’s commitment to premium, off-road capable vehicles. Consumer reaction to this concept’s design will help us further serve the growing market of buyers leading authentic outdoor lifestyles,” said Buick and GMC Global Vice President Duncan Aldred upon the concept’s introduction.

But what kind of items does one require if you’re interested in leading an “authentic outdoor lifestyle?”

According to GMC, a factory-lifted, extra-wide, off-road chassis with enhanced underbody coverage is the place to start. Then they add rocker panel protectors, cast-iron control arms, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and upgraded front bumper with a winch, some integrated recovery points, electronic locking differentials, wheel flares, a swivel mount for the full-size spare tire you’ll be needing, and guylines to protect your windshield from branch attacks.

Minus the tree protection, which doesn’t look as though it would stop anything more serious than a twig, the resulting package seems like a competent off-road vehicle and the AT4 was already a solid place to start. GMC said the OVRLANDX Off-Road Concept yields a 27.7-degree approach angle and a full 10 inches of ground clearance thanks to the 33-inch BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires on 17-inch AEV Crestone wheels. It’s also supposed to be able to make it through over 32 inches of standing water thanks to its custom snorkel intake.

It sounds pretty good. But remember this isn’t a real product, just a vehicle the manufacturer hopes you’ll try to recreate with your own GMC Canyon. And the brand had plenty of recommendations for roof-mounted tents, solar panels, places to affix jerry cans or traction boards, and just about every other item one might want when camping in or driving through an untamed environment.

<img data-attachment-id=”1772620″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept/with-over-20-premium-off-roading-features-the-gmc-canyon-at4-ov/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GMC-Canyon-AT4-OVRLANDX-Concept-007.jpg” data-orig-size=”5700,3800″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”Canon EOS R5″,”caption”:”With over 20 premium off-roading features, the GMC Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX concept was designed to be everything an overlanding enthusiast needs. Confident capability comes from features like the truck\u2019s heavy-duty front bumper with winch, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and 33-inch BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires, enabling a 27.7-degree approach angle and 10.0 inches of ground clearance. For longer adventures, drivers could enjoy the convenience of features like a camp kitchen, topper-mounted tent and truck bed storage system.”,”created_timestamp”:”1627950510″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”39″,”iso”:”100″,”shutter_speed”:”0.016666666666667″,”title”:”With over 20 premium off-roading features, the GMC Canyon AT4 OV”,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”With over 20 premium off-roading features, the GMC Canyon AT4 OV” data-image-description=”

GMC

” data-medium-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-23.jpg” data-large-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-4.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1772620″ src=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-4.jpg” alt width=”610″ height=”407″ srcset=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-4.jpg 610w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-22.jpg 75w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-23.jpg 450w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-24.jpg 768w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-25.jpg 120w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>

If you’re wondering why the Caynon and not something larger, like the Sierra, it’s all down to the demographics. The smaller of the two pickups is helping GMC rake in new customers, specifically younger adults who are the most inclined to build their truck up into an end-times 4×4. This Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX Off-Road Concept is simply a template for them to use in a bid to procure more sales and it certainly seems to have done its job.

It’s not going to get everyone, particularly those who are seeking longer-term solutions to vehicular living or a tiny home on wheels. But it’s bound to get the creative juices flowing for someone interested in driving to remote destinations without relying on the surrounding infrastructure more than absolutely necessary — perhaps netting the Caynon a few more sales in the process.

<img data-attachment-id=”1772614″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept/revealed-today-at-overland-expo-mountain-west-the-gmc-canyon-at/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GMC-Canyon-AT4-OVRLANDX-Concept-003.jpg” data-orig-size=”5700,3800″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”7.1″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”ILCE-7RM4″,”caption”:”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX concept elevates Canyon\u2019s capability while exploring GMC\u2019s vision for the nameplate\u2019s future. Designed for the premium overlanding enthusiast, the concept vehicle shows how Canyon could be customized for ambitious off-road adventures.”,”created_timestamp”:”1629299477″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”55″,”iso”:”400″,”shutter_speed”:”0.00625″,”title”:”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT”,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT” data-image-description=”

GMC

” data-medium-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-27.jpg” data-large-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-5.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1772614″ src=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-5.jpg” alt width=”610″ height=”407″ srcset=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-5.jpg 610w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-26.jpg 75w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-27.jpg 450w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-28.jpg 768w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-29.jpg 120w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>

[Images: GMC]

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Rare Rides: The 1979 Renha Formigão, Rear-engine and Beetle Adjacent

Not long ago, Rare Rides featured the Gurgel XEF, a Brazilian microcar of luxurious intent that was styled like a contemporary Mercedes-Benz, and based on a Volkswagen. Today’s Rare Ride is a very different Brazilian take on the same basic bones.

Say hello to the Renha Formigão.

Renha was short for Renha Indústria e Comércio de Veículos, which in English meant Renha Industry and Commerce of Vehicles. Founded in Rio de Janeiro, the company was the creation of Paulo Sérgio Renha. Renha was a powerboat racing enthusiast and held a speed record in the Atlantic for a crossing from Santos to Rio de Janeiro.

Renha previously designed some buggies and cars for other Brazilian firms and decided to found his own car company in 1977. The firm’s original product was a trike with a Volkswagen engine. The initial iteration of the trike faced legislative hurdles, as it occupied a vehicle class not yet recognized by the Brazilian government. Renha revised the trike after its initial debut and added more power and different bodywork, and was able to get it past legalization. It was sold as a kit or a complete bike.

The next year Renha had more ambitious ideas and launched the Formigão. The very small pickup truck body was attached directly to a Volkswagen Beetle chassis. It used a 1.6-liter gas/ethanol engine. Renha created his own body but made no mechanical changes underneath.

Said body was designed in fiberglass, focused on utility, and was shaped mostly by a ruler. Renha got some headlamps from a Fiat 127 to complete the square look. The pickup bed could hold up to 1,433 pounds, and its size capacity was about 25 cubic feet.

The bed capacity was not as utilitarian as one would hope, however. Volkswagen would not supply the flat design 1.6 from its second-generation Bus to outside companies, so Renha had to make do with the Beetle’s engine in its truck. As a result, there was a pronounced rectangular elevation in the bed.

Inside, buyers found three-point seatbelts and rode along with the spare tire and battery that resided behind the seats. A luxury trim was also available which offered upgraded alloy wheels, leather seats that reclined, and a useful tachometer.

Formigão remained in production for a short while, as in 1980 Paulo Renha moved on to a newly founded company called Emis and produced his trike there. Formigão was reborn in 1986 as the Coyote, after the company obtained rights from Renha. By that time, Mr. Renha had moved back into his real passion – boats – and started a ship-building firm.

Today’s Rare Ride is a 1979 Formigão from near the conclusion of initial production. With alloy wheels, it’s most likely the upscale luxury model. From the photos, it seems the engine bump issue in the bed was fixed by a later owner, or by Renha later in production. This tiny truck is yours for $14,000.

[Images: Renha]

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2021 Ford F-150 Towing Numbers Released, Truck Wars Continue

ford

The urination for distance competition (that’s a metaphor, and not literal, thank heaven) continues among the automakers who produce full-size pickups.

This time it’s the Blue Oval, firing a shot across the bow (or over the balcony, as it were), with the towing numbers for the 2021 Ford F-150 released today.

The Dearborn crew will announce today that the F-150 has a maximum available tow rating of 14,000 pounds and a maximum available payload of 3,325 pounds. Ford claims that the towing number is best in class, and a quick spec-sheet search seems to back that.

Additionally, the 3.5-liter “PowerBoost” hybrid setup will offer 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. That latter number is the most ever in an F-150, says Ford. The 5.0-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbo V6 get unspecified power bumps, as well, to 400/410 for the V8 and 400/500 for the EcoBoost, respectively.

“F-150 is the flagship of Ford’s dedication to building the best trucks and represents our commitment to not just meeting customer needs but exceeding them,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager, in a statement. “With capability and functionality foundational to F-Series, the all-new F-150 not only tows more and hauls more than any other light-duty full-size pickup, it is built to surpass customer expectations with smart innovations that will make them even more productive every day.”

Expect Ford to market that towing figure heavily, complete with Dennis Leary voiceovers. Let the pissing contest continue.

[Image: Ford]

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2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave Review – Meant for the Desert, at Home in the City

2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave

2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave Fast Facts

3.6-liter V6 (285 hp @ 6,400 rpm, 260 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm)

Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive

17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined (EPA Estimated Rating, MPG)

13.7 city, 10.7 highway, 12.3 combined (NRCan Rating, L/100km)

Base Price: $43,875 (U.S) / $54,845 (Canada)

As Tested: $62,410 (U.S.) / $73,885 (Canada)

Prices include $1,495 destination charge in the United States and $1,995 for freight, PDI, and A/C tax in Canada and, because of cross-border equipment differences, can’t be directly compared.

Jeep sent me a desert-running rig, and I took it to the grocery store.

Let’s back up a bit. Jeep introduced the Gladiator Mojave at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, with the intent of this trim being meant for blasts across the desert, while still being as capable as any Gladiator, if not more so, on a rocky trail.

I was all set to join others in the automotive media on a junket to drive the Mojave, almost certainly in the actual desert, in Southern California this spring. Then the world shut down.

So when a Mojave darkened my door during the height of Covid cases in my state, I knew I couldn’t do much other than some freeway runs and a trip or two to the store. An off-road park in a neighboring state, three hours away, was open, but the logistics of visiting during the pandemic were just too challenging, so I bagged that idea.

Which is a shame. Hopefully, when the world moves to whatever the post-pandemic normal is, I’ll get to wheel a Mojave in the intended environment and report the experience back to you. Still, most buyers will spend a lot of time on pavement, so my time with the truck still instructive.

The first thing I noticed was the steering. While still truckish in nature, with the need for a fair amount of corrections, it was better than the Gladiator I tested in 2019. Which surprised me, given the desert-duty wheel and tire setup.

2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave

I gave Jeep PR a buzz and was told that while it was possible that the Mojave’s shocks (more on them in a bit) also helped with on-road ride. In addition to making the truck desert-rated, Jeep also tweaked the Gladiator’s steering across the board. The improvement was noticeable, although again, corrections aplenty were still needed.

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While the on-road ride was better than expected, even on the freeway, that really only applied to stretches of road that were blemish-free. Pock-marked pavement, expansion joints, potholes – all changed the game. The Mojave did, for the most part, answer these challenges nicely, but still in a truck-like manner. Off-road shocks may have improved on-road comfort, but you don’t forget you’re driving a truck. “Car-like” it is not, but the level of comfort is good relative to this truck’s mission and wheel/tire combo.

Those shocks are FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass units, tuned to resist bottoming out when blasting through the dunes at high speed. Internal passages allow fluid to bypass the piston, via regulated ports, as the piston moves up and down. There are front and rear external reservoirs to keep the shocks cool and the fluid is “military grade” — apparently, the same stuff used in off-racing shocks.

2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave

I wasn’t able to take the Mojave apart to verify that, nor did I come close to putting the shocks through the extremes of a desert run. But hey, they made the truck more relaxed on Lake Shore Drive than I’d have guessed.

Front hydraulic jounce bumpers also work to increase damping. The Mojave’s track gets a half-inch increase to accommodate the shocks. The frame and axle are reinforced, and the front suspension is lifted an inch. There’s a front skid plate, and standard rubber is 33 inches. The standard tires are all-terrain, but mudders are available. There’s also skid plates for the transfer case and the fuel tank.

The four-wheel-drive system carries a two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, heavy-duty Dana front and rear axles with a 4.10:1 axle ratio, and a standard electronically-locking rear diff. The system is meant to allow higher-than-normal operating speeds in 4LO in order to better climb dunes and take part in other desert-specific off-road activities.

2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave

An Off-Road Plus drive mode allows the driver to adjust the throttle, transmission shift points, and the traction-control system to better adjust to the terrain. Late builds of the Mojave will include the ability to lock the rear axle at higher speeds while in 4H.

For those worried about very low-speed activities, the approach angle is 44.7 degrees; the breakover angle 20.9 degrees. Ground clearance is 11.6 inches and departure angle is 25.5 degrees. Payload is rated at 1,200 pounds and towing capacity is rated at 6,000 pounds, with trailer-sway control included as standard kit.

Mojave’s off-road goodies are what allows it to be called “desert rated” by Jeep. That’s a different version of the brand’s “trail rated” designation, meaning the truck is qualified, by Jeep’s own standards, to be a desert runner.

Underhood is the stalwart 3.6-liter V6, making 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. You can get a six-speed stick, but my test loaner came with the available eight-speed automatic. The crawl ratio is 57.3:1 for the manual and 52.6:1 with the slushbox.

2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave

Like other Gladiators, the Mojave isn’t fleet of foot. Flooring the pedal brings about more noise than thrust. There’s just enough power on tap for freeway merging, although I’d still recommend planning your two-lane passes with care and patience. Jeep marketing copy speaks a lot about high-speed desert running, but it doesn’t mention that accelerating up to that speed won’t break the stopwatch.

Checking the Mojave option box won’t change much inside. You’ll get front-seat bolstering that’s more aggressive, plus a choice of cloth or leather. There are two interior color options, and the steering wheel has minor differences, such as the stitching. It’s meant to offer more grip, too.

Otherwise, the interior retains the Gladiator look, which is generally attractive. Controls are within easy reach and easy to use. The hardtop may quell more noise than a soft top, but the cabin will still be louder than other trucks.

Outside, a hood scoop (decorative), Mojave decals and badging, 17-inch wheels, side rails, and orange tow hooks distinguish the Mojave from the rest of the line. Like with the Rubicon trim, a forward-facing camera is available to help with off-roading.

The Mojave bits add some panache to an already solid styling package. The Gladiator already looks great, but the extra flair and 33-inch tires show it means business.

2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave

Jeep’s Gladiator Mojave is a top-trim truck, just like the Rubicon. Both have the same base price. So it follows that the standard feature list is long, and that with options boxes ticked, this truck rang the register at more the $60K. For a midsize, that’s eye-popping.

Options included leather-trimmed seats ($1,495, also included rear cupholder armrest, full-length console, and leather wrapping for the parking brake and shift handle), Trailer-Tow Package ($350, Class IV receiver hitch, heavy-duty engine cooling), Cold Weather Group ($995, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, remote-start system (auto only)), Premium LED Group ($1,045, LED lighting, including fog lamps), and 8.4-inch Radio and Premium Audio Group ($,1695, UConnect infotainment, navigation, 8.4-inch display, Alpine audio, satellite radio, auto-dimming rear-view mirror).

We’re not done. There’s more: Jeep Active Safety Group ($895, rear-park assist, blind-spot and cross-path detection), adaptive cruise control with forward-collision + ($795, adaptive cruise control with stop and full-speed forward collision warning plus), hardtop headliner ($555), cargo management system ($895, in-bed A/C outlet and underseat locking storage), rollup tonneau cover ($595), the eight-speed gearbox ($2,000), body-color three-piece hardtop ($2,295, rear-sliding window, rear defroster, storage bag), step assist ($1,050), wireless Bluetooth speaker ($295), 17-inch gloss black wheels ($995), spray-in bedliner ($495), and forward-facing trail cam ($595).

2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave

That’s $62,410 after $1,495 in destination fees, and not every option was selected. Yikes.

That’s serious dough for a serious machine. I wish I could have used it for its intended purpose. Then again, even the most dedicated dune runner will need to get to the trail, and will still use the truck to gather groceries and haul stuff in the bed.

For that purpose, the Gladiator Mojave is fine. If you never off-road, you can save a bundle of dough by buying a Gladiator in a lower trim, of course, but the Mojave doesn’t force major sacrifice upon you. It rides and drives acceptably well in an urban environment.

If you plan on using this truck the way it’s meant to be used, or you just like to have the top trim of everything, or you just like expensive toys, the Mojave doesn’t disappoint. For the rest of us, there are other Gladiators on offer.

[Images © 2020 Tim Healey/TTAC]