Polaris RZR Pro XP Battles Jeep Gladiator on Top Gear America

Top Gear America pits Polaris RZR Pro XP against Jeep Gladiator Mojave.

Polaris RZR Pro XP versus Jeep Gladiator Mojave on Top Gear America.Motor Trend

Top Gear America’s Desert Shootout showcases two of the best off-road machines on sale today, pitting them against each other in a bid for the title of best four-wheel-drive option for “getting out there.” The competitors, however, aren’t exactly apples-to-apples. In one corner, a performance UTV: the Polaris RZR. In the other, a midsize pickup: the Jeep Gladiator.

The two share their affection for dirt and little else. Polaris touts 181 hp’s worth of twin-cylinder, four-wheel-drive fury, sending power to 30-inch tires. There are 22 inches of suspension travel at each corner, along with Dynamix active suspension tech. This isn’t just one of the big dogs of the RZR lineup; it’s one of the heaviest hitters in the side-by-side world. Not on the scale, though, as the Polaris weighs roughly one-third of the Jeep. And whereas the Jeep costs $63,000, the Polaris is $23,000. Opposite ends of the hobby, these.

Polaris RZR Pro XPMotor Trend

Jeep’s Mojave trim adds high-speed capability to the Gladiator. Its 33-inch Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tires tackle obstacles, and 2.5-inch Fox internal bypass shocks help add an extra inch of front suspension lift. Mojave represents Jeep’s first attempt at a Ford Raptor-esque desert runner. Naturally, and in typical Top Gear fashion, this makes it prime competition for the RZR.

The Jeep and Polaris represent very different means to different but ultimately similar ends. Which off-road vehicle emerged victorious? Check out Top Gear America’s Desert Shootout episode to find out.