Mid-size pickup trucks, like full-size pickup trucks, have gotten bigger over the past 20 years. The Jeep Gladiator returned for the 2020 model year, after many years of being unavailable, and fits into this rugged category. Because it’s also like the Jeep Wrangler, the Gladiator stands out from the crowd of other midsize trucks. Here are the Jeep Gladiator pros and cons that you need to consider before buying your next truck.
What are the advantages of the Jeep Gladiator?
The Jeep Gladiator has a number of positive features that make it an appealing purchase. It has a standard 3.6-liter V6 gas engine paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic transmission, but it also has a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine. The diesel engine has a best-in-class maximum diesel torque of 442 lb-ft. The Wrangler has a hybrid powertrain option, so iSeeCars predicts it may soon be available in the Gladiator as well.
With its V6 engine, the Gladiator has the best fuel economy of the seven midsize trucks iSeeCars surveyed. The Gladiator has an EPA rating of 24 mpg, beating out the runner-up GMC Canyon, which gets 23 mpg. Average fuel economy for a midsize pickup truck is 22 mpg, according to iSeeCars.
The Gladiator Rubicon trim is an excellent off-road option, says iSeeCars, and it also has macho, aggressive styling. But it’s also a comfortable truck for everyday driving on the road. The Rubicon’s long list of off-road features includes a low-range transmission and front and rear locking differentials. The truck can also increase its suspension travel by disconnecting the front sway bars. It has 11.6 inches of ground clearance, another best-in-class measurement.
It has the best towing capacity in its class. Depending on the truck’s options, it can tow between 4,000 and 7,700 pounds, which according to US News & World Report is above average for its class. As another benefit, maintenance is included for three years. Plus, points out iSeeCars, people who own a Gladiator will be able to enjoy being waved at by other Jeep owners.
What are the disadvantages of the Jeep Gladiator?
On the downside, the Jeep Gladiator is expensive, and not everyone likes its styling, reports iSeeCars. A new 2023 Jeep Gladiator has a starting price of $38,775. Its competitor, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma, has a starting price of $27,250.
While not everyone loves its styling, buyers who love the Wrangler are likely to love the Gladiator as well. The body-on-frame truck “has the most bad-boy attitude in the segment,” proclaims iSeeCars. It is also the only midsize truck that is also a convertible. It has both a hardtop and soft tops available. With its outdoorsy attitude, the Gladiator isn’t designed to be as comfortable or refined as some of its competitors, and it doesn’t come with a ton of standard features.
What else to know about Jeep Gladiator?
The Jeep Gladiator also has strong reliability and driver satisfaction, says iSeeCars. Its infotainment system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus it has Amazon Alexa integrated. A 7-inch touchscreen is standard, but an 8.4-inch touchscreen is available. The Gladiator also comes standard with Bluetooth, three USB ports, satellite radio and an eight-speaker sound system. In addition, two more USB ports, navigation, HD radio and a removable speaker are available options. In addition to its many other options, the Gladiator comes with either an extended cab and a long bed or a crew cab and a short bed.
The Jeep Gladiator has pros and cons, like any vehicle, but its unique style and off-road capabilities may be just what you need for your next adventure.
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