When the Gladiator debuted for the 2020 model year, it marked Jeep’s return to the pickup truck segment after a 30-year hiatus. Underneath, it shares its mechanical bits with the Jeep Wrangler JL, which gave the new Jeep Gladiator some unique abilities. Want some fresh air? The doors are removable and you can fold down the windshield. You can spec a hard top or a soft top or just take the roof off. There’s nothing else in the truck market that comes close to that kind of open-air driving experience.
The Gladiator is a midsize truck with a five-foot bed, a decent towing capacity and an array of trims to suit different needs and budgets. Notable features include Jeep’s Trail Rated badge, which denotes higher-spec Gladiator models' ability to tackle some pretty extreme off-road conditions. Available heavy-duty features include locking differentials, sway bar disconnects, and rock crawling models. Against rival trucks such as the Toyota Tacoma, the Ford Ranger, and the Chevrolet Colorado, the Gladiator pitches its appeal towards those keen on off-road adventure (or at least the look) and lifestyle-focused versatility.
Incidentally, the Gladiator name goes way back to the early 1960s, when it adorned a series of full-size pickups. The SJ-generation Gladiator was based on the Wagoneer and sold from 1962 to 1971, but the name was dropped for 1972, and the vehicle was known simply as the Jeep pickup or J-series. It was sold until 1988
Jeep Gladiator Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Jeep Gladiator Pros and Cons
- Jeep Gladiator Generations
- First Generation (2020-Present)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Jeep Gladiator years are the best?
Not counting the 1960s original, there’s only been one generation of Gladiator, but within that, the models from 2022 are generally considered the best. They have fewer reliability concerns and come with enhanced safety and infotainment features. Trims such as the Jeep Gladiator Mojave and the Jeep Gladiator Willys offer specialized off-road performance, while the Jeep Gladiator High Altitude model adds a layer of luxury for more urban customers.
What are the worst Jeep Gladiator years?
The early 2020 and 2021 Jeep Gladiators had some initial teething issues, including reports of steering “wander”, plus a few glitches with the infotainment system and the occasional electrical problem. The bulk of these issues have been addressed through recalls and updates, but it’s important to check the service history.
Is the Jeep Gladiator a good deal?
The Jeep Gladiator offers a unique proposition for buyers that value and prioritize off-road capability and versatility. If that’s what you want, it’s a great option. It’s priced higher than other midsize trucks, so it’s really one for those who will take advantage of its considerable, but specialized talents. That said, it holds its value well, so that outlay could be repaid when it’s time to sell.
Jeep Gladiator Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Superb off-road ability
- Unique open-air design
- Many customisation options and strong resale value
Cons
High price Firm ride Payload limitations
Jeep Gladiator Generations
First Generation (2020-Present)
Jeep re-introduced the Gladiator name for the 2020 model year, the first time it had produced a midsize truck in decades. The new Gladiator combined Wrangler-inspired off-road ability with the utility of a truck. Built on a modified Jeep Wrangler JL platform, the Gladiator features a reinforced frame, a longer wheelbase, and a dedicated five-foot bed. Familiar Jeep features, such as solid Dana axles, a live front axle, and Trail Rated badges are all present and correct, along with modern infotainment technology and improved on-road manners.
The styling, too, is unmistakably Jeep, from the seven-slot grille and bold wheel arches to the general Wranglerness of the exterior. The doors and the roof can be removed with a wrench and an (included) T40 Torx bit, and storage bags are optional. Depending on the trim, the seats are clad in durable cloth or leather, while options include heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The infotainment system, called Jeep Uconnect, uses a seven-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen, and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Storage is catered for by lockable compartments underneath the rear seats, and some models have a portable Bluetooth speaker integrated into the cabin.
Power comes from a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gasoline engine with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed manual transmission as standard or an eight-speed automatic. All models have four-wheel drive (4WD) as standard, with no rear-wheel drive option. Most models have the Command-Trac 4x4 system, which lets you switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive and also features a two-speed transfer case to switch between high-range and low-range 2.72:1 gearing. The Rubicon model features a Rock-Trac 4x4 system, with an upgraded 4:1 low-range ratio for more extreme off-roading, with a focus on rock crawling.
The Gladiator’s load capacity of between 1,100lbs and 1,700lbs (depending on the exact model) is decent, but slightly lower than that of competitors such as the Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma. However, the towing capacity of up to 7,650lbs (with the Max Tow package) is among the best of all midsize trucks, making the Gladiator a great choice for hauling trailers, boats, or other heavy loads.
Owners report fantastic off-road ability and a reasonably refined on-road experience, considering what the Gladiator is, although the ride is reportedly stiffer than that of other midsize trucks.
The Jeep Gladiator trim levels for 2020 started with the basic Jeep Gladiator Sport, which features manual windows and locks, while the Jeep Gladiator Sport S added power windows, keyless entry and a few more tech options. A limited edition Altitude model, based on the Sport S, added a handful of exterior and interior enhancements.
For more of a comfort focus, the Jeep Gladiator Overland features leather upholstery and further upgrades to the infotainment system, while the off-road-focused Jeep Gladiator Rubicon has locking front and rear differentials, a disconnecting sway bar and chunky 33-inch all-terrain tires. It formed the basis for the high-spec Rubicon Launch Edition, which was restricted to 4,190 units.
The Gladiator Mohave was the ‘first and only desert-rated Jeep’ according the manufacturer, and equipped with uprated Fox internal bypass shocks, a reinforced frame and a hood scoop. Meanwhile the limited-edition High Altitude model sat at the top of the tree, with loads of standard features.
The 2021 model year saw the addition of a diesel engine—a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, offering enhanced fuel economy and towing performance. A Freedom Edition, based on the Sport trim, was launched with a military theme and various unique design elements. Meanwhile, in Texas, the imaginatively named Texas Trail Edition, based on the Sport S model, was released to celebrate the Lone Star State, featuring 1836 decals (the year Texas declared itself an independent republic).
Enhanced safety features were added in 2022, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems on higher trims. The new Willys and Willys Sport trims added retro styling inspired by the Willy Jeep of the 1940s, as well as extra off-road features such as cab rock rails and 17-inch black-painted aluminum wheels.
In 2023, there were a few minor tweaks, with extra USB-C ports inside and wireless smartphone compatibility, while the limited-edition High Altitude model was re-introduced at the top of the range, with a premium audio system and leather upholstery. A FarOut Edition marked the end of the EcoDiesel engine option.
In 2024, two new top-end trims were added—Mojave X and Rubicon X—both with an off-road camera system, steel front and rear bumpers, body-color fender flares, and a body-color three-piece hardtop. The whole Gladiator range got a style refresh, too, with a new grille and updated wheel designs. The Overland model was dropped and the infotainment system got an overhaul with the latest tech.
A new plug-in hybrid drivetrain, badged the Gladiator 4xe, arrives for the 2025 model year, but manual transmission fans must wave goodbye to self-shifting, as the Gladiator goes auto-only.
Standard safety features include a multi-angle back-up camera and a full complement of front, side and curtain airbags. Options include the Safety Group Package, containing blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and ParkSense rear park assist, and the Advanced Safety Group Package that adds forward collision warning with active braking, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlights.
The Jeep Gladiator has thus far proved generally reliable. That said, 2020 models were prone to steering issues and recalls were issued to fix the problem, so verify that the work has been done if you’re going to test-drive a used model at a dealership or with a private seller. Make sure software updates have been applied to the infotainment system, too, to ensure maximum responsiveness, as some early models were prone to freezing. Dependability seems to improve considerably from 2022.
As the Gladiator is designed for off-road use, it can take a lot of abuse, but check any used model for signs of damage or excessive wear. If you’re looking at a diesel model, make sure the diesel particulate filter (DPF) is in good order, as repairs can be costly. If past owners have made regular long journeys with the car, that should be enough to keep it in good shape, but diesel vehicles used predominantly for short trips may run into trouble here.
Prices for the Jeep Gladiator vary by model, and as there are quite a few to choose from there’s quite a spread. At the time of writing, the new Gladiator Sport (the entry-level model) had a starting MSRP $37,895, and early 2020 Jeep Gladiators started at around $30,000 while high-spec 2024 models could fetch upwards of $50,000. These prices represent strong resale values, as the Gladiator has proved desirable on the used market, especially higher-end trims and special editions. While this means you might have to stump up more money up-front than other midsize trucks, the signs are encouraging that you’ll get more back when you sell.
