by Staying true to oneself is not always easy. From a profitability standpoint, it might not even be the right choice in business. Nonetheless, the Gladiator is a real creation that appeared not because the company needed a truck, but rather because the fans wanted one. Of course, it wasn’t entirely selfless on Jeep’s part, as they wanted to expand their product line and, of course, profit from it.
Still, we’ve all seen what happens when some brands build a vehicle just to squeeze profit out of customers without really making it worth its name or logo. In fact, it might be that the Gladiator is so well-built for Jeep fans that it misses the opportunity to capture a larger mid-size truck market.
To verify this, we had to test the Gladiator in all the places you could imagine one. This included the city and the highway, where most of them are found. Also included were off-road trails, mud, water streams, and wilderness areas so remote possible floods almost had us squealing in the heart of nowhere. After that week, it seemed the Gladiator truly is a love letter to Jeep fans everywhere.
Quick Facts
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It starts with the obvious Wrangler ties in the form of the Gladiator. From the rear doors forward, it’s as if the Jeep designers just hit the ‘copy’ button somewhere. The angles, dimensions, and overall structure are unknown to the very tip of the Jeep DNA thread.
The seven-slot grille marks its face with classic round headlights. The fenders are high and boxy, and the exposed hinges continue to signal to everyone that this vehicle aims for utility as much as anything else. Just like, customers can opt to remove the roof and doors, as well as fold down the windshield, if they want.
Is the design beautiful? Well, no. The short front end looks somewhat odd compared to the length of the body, and it might not appeal to everyone. On the other hand, those things that draw the most attention really add real capability to this pickup. 32.7-inch tires (35s can be fitted without a lift) are just one element along with tow lines and LED fog lamps.
Interior Familiarity
Like the exterior, those familiar with the Wrangler will feel right at home in the Gladiator. The dashboard and doors are virtually identical. Controls are mostly located in the center console, and, just like in the Wrangler, they feel somewhat cheap and unremarkable. But they are meant to be high-quality and removable over time, which is a trade-off that satisfies most Jeep fans.
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The seats are comfortable and well-bolstered with generous lateral support. This is also true for the rear bench, which offers more room than one might expect from a truck of this size. I had no issues sitting behind where I would place myself in front, which I can’t say for trucks like .
The cargo bed is about average among trucks. It features sliding connections, power outlets, and a neat Jeep Easter egg at the front of the bed that mimics the famous seven-slot grille. While it’s nothing extraordinary in terms of decoration or usage, it signals how thoughtful Jeep was in building this vehicle.
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The manufacturer added so many small touches to the Gladiator that it really feels like a collection of great ideas found on Jeep forums over the years. A removable speaker works as part of the audio system, always ready to hit the campsite. Storage compartments under the rear seats are removable as a whole unit. Again, it’s easy to imagine them sitting in a tent or by a fire as general storage. They even come with small adjustable dividers so users can partition items.
Alongside this storage box, owners will find a convenient place to store every bolt or nut that fastens the doors. It’s a small touch, but it undoubtedly helps Jeep owners keep everything in place and easy to find. Additionally, there’s a small Jeep-branded tool kit that includes a wrench and all the bits and torxes needed to remove the doors. Finally, Jeep adds a large bag so owners can store roof panels without damaging them. On top of all that, there are small hidden “Easter eggs” scattered inside the cabin for fans, both young and less young, to enjoy.
Driving Impressions
Under the hood of every Gladiator is a 3.6-liter V6. The manual transmission that was once offered is gone, and instead, all buyers now get an eight-speed automatic transmission. This truck drives in a very specific way compared to the rest of the family. SUVs like the and Grand Cherokee are very clearly targeted at on-road comfort. The Wrangler, even in its extended four-door Unlimited form, drives distinctly like an off-road Jeep with just enough street manners to attract fans.
But the Gladiator blends the two extremes of the spectrum into a truly balanced truck. The added wheelbase radically softens the ride of this Jeep on the highway, particularly. It feels more stable, more firmly planted to the ground, and rough roads and pavement don’t easily disturb it. Moreover, the handling feels less floaty and more refined than that of the Wrangler.
Although I liked the sound of the Wrangler 392, I actually wouldn’t want it to be my only option for long road trips. The Gladiator, however, would be very easy to drive hundreds of miles at a time. Small additions like foam soundproofing on the ceiling panels add just a little more to the driving experience.
In the city, the Gladiator is a real joy to drive compared to larger trucks. People might expect big tires to make the ride harsh, but they actually proved to be quiet and smooth. In fact, on mid and n
