Jeep Gladiator Pros and Cons You Need to Think About Before Your Next Purchase

Midsize pickup trucks, like full-size pickup trucks, have gotten bigger over the last 20 years. The Jeep Gladiator returned for model year 2020, after many years of being unavailable, and fits into this sturdy category. Since it’s also like the Jeep Wrangler, the Gladiator stands out from the pack of other midsize trucks. Here are the Jeep Gladiator pros and cons that you need to think about before buying your next truck.

What are the pros of the Jeep Gladiator?

The Jeep Gladiator has a number of positives 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 turbo-diesel engine option. The diesel engine has best-in-class maximum diesel torque of 442 lb-ft. The Wrangler has a hybrid drivetrain option, so iSeeCars forecasts that 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 that iSeeCars examined. The Gladiator has an EPA rating of 24 mpg, beating out the second place GMC Canyon, which gets 23 mpg. The average fuel economy for a midsize pickup truck is 22 mpg, according to iSeeCars.

The Gladiator Rubicon trim is an excellent option for off-road driving, says iSeeCars, and it has macho, aggressive styling as well. But it is also a comfortable truck for daily on-road driving too. The Rubicon’s lengthy list of off-roading features includes a low-range transfer case and front and rear locking differentials. The truck can also increase its suspension articulation by disconnecting the front sway bars. It has a ground clearance of 11.6 inches, another best-in-class measurement.

It has best-in-class towing capabilities. Depending on the truck’s options, it’s able to tow between 4,000 and 7,700 pounds, which U.S. News & World Report says is above average for its class. As another benefit, maintenance is included for three years. In addition, iSeeCars points out, people who own a Gladiator will be able to enjoy getting waved at by other Jeep owners.

What are the cons of the Jeep Gladiator?

On the negative side, the Jeep Gladiator is expensive, and not everyone likes its style, 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 style, buyers who love the Wrangler will likely also love the Gladiator. The body-on-frame truck “has the most bad-boy attitude in the segment,” proclaims iSeeCars. It also is the only midsize truck that is also a convertible. It has both a hardtop and soft tops available. With its outdoor attitude, the Gladiator is not designed to be as comfortable or refined as some of its competitors, and it doesn’t come with lots of standard features.

What else to know about the Jeep Gladiator?

The Jeep Gladiator also has strong reliability and driver satisfaction ratings, 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 audio 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, as any vehicle does, but its unique style and off-road capabilities may be just what you need for your next adventure.