The 2023 Jeep Wrangler and the 2023 Jeep Gladiator both enjoy the heritage of the iconic Jeep brand, known for its off-road prowess and rugged appeal. The Wrangler's lineage dates back to World War II, where it served as a military workhorse, and the modern-day version continues the tradition of a body-on-frame SUV designed for off-road enthusiasts. In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator combines the Wrangler's DNA with a versatile open cargo bed, making it a unique pickup truck with impressive payload and towing capacities.
When it comes to rugged off-road adventures and iconic Jeep styling, both the 2023 Jeep Wrangler and the 2023 Jeep Gladiator are popular options. They have a lot in common, which is why we've written this detailed comparison: to help you understand where they differ, and which might be right for you.
2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Jeep Gladiator: Rugged Jeeps Comparison
Look and Feel
CarGurus experts gave the 2023 Jeep Wrangler a high 9 points out of 10 for its distinctive design, while the 2023 Jeep Gladiator earned 7.
The Wrangler's appearance is iconic, featuring a boxy, rugged silhouette. It offers both two-door and four-door models, with the option to remove doors and even fold down the windshield for an open-air driving experience. The classic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and robust exterior hood latches maintain the Wrangler's heritage. The rear features a swing-out tailgate and a lifting rear glass for easy cargo access. The interior focuses on practicality, with easy-to-clean materials and a simple, functional design.
The Gladiator shares design elements with the Wrangler but extends the body to accommodate a pickup bed. While it maintains the rugged aesthetics of the Wrangler, the Gladiator offers a more extended wheelbase and a reinforced frame suitable for pickup truck duties. The Mojave model includes distinctive features like a hood scoop and high-clearance fender flares. The interior also resembles the Wrangler's, emphasizing durability with easy-to-clean materials. It includes unique Mojave branding for added appeal.
Performance
CarGurus experts rated the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 9 out of 10 for performance. The 2023 Jeep Gladiator was a close second, with 8.
The 2023 Wrangler excels in off-road capabilities, thanks to its solid front and rear axles and optional differential lockers. It offers a range of engine options, including a V6 with 285 horsepower, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower, a torquey 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower, and a powerful 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower. There's also the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Jeep Wrangler 4xe with two electric motors and a 17.3-kWh battery pack for 21 miles of all-electric range. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate various transfer cases, with options for crawl ratios as high as 58:1 in the Xtreme Recon package.
On the downside, the powerful 6.4-liter V8 can be challenging to handle on-road due to unimproved brakes and vague steering. However, other engine options offer better on-road performance.
The 2023 Gladiator offers two engine choices: a standard 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and an optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and a substantial 442 lb-ft of torque. Both engines can be paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Gladiator excels in off-road performance, especially the Mojave model, which benefits from Fox shocks and other off-road enhancements.
On-road, the Gladiator provides a unique driving experience, though its steering can feel imprecise. It's a solid performer on rough terrain, and it soaks up uneven surfaces, making it suitable for urban and off-road driving.
Form and Function
Both the 2023 Jeep Wrangler and the 2023 Jeep Gladiator earned 8 points out of 10 for form and function.
The Wrangler's front seats are comfortable, but amenities like ventilated seats are not available. The rear seat, especially in four-door models, can be tight, and rear-door access can be challenging. Storage space for small items is limited, as it the Wrangler sports a flat dash lacking cubbies, but it does provide multiple charging points and outlets for convenience. Cargo space measures 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Multiple top options are available, including removable hard and soft tops as well as the convenient Sky One-Touch power soft top.
Getting in and out of the Gladiator's narrow rear doors can be tricky, too, and CarGurus experts found that the optional side steps hinder more than help. The driver's seat is comfortable, but its manual height adjustment may require regular tweaking. While the rear seats offer ample space for adults, the plastic backs of the front seats may cause discomfort for taller passengers seated in the back. Storage options include netting on door panels, cupholders, and generous storage bins. The Gladiator's steel cargo box measures five feet long and 35.5 cubic feet in capacity, with various features to enhance its utility.
Technology
Both the 2023 Jeep Wrangler and the 2023 Jeep Gladiator earned 8 points out of 10 for technology.
The Wrangler comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen running Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment system as standard, although you can opt for the larger 8.4-inch screen. The Uconnect system initially appears complex, with numerous icons, but it quickly becomes intuitive. Key tech features include off-road pages with vital information, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. While the Wrangler offers forward-facing cameras and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, it keeps technology relatively straightforward, with no digital key and limited over-the-air (OTA) updates.
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator also boasts a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a USB port, and an eight-speaker stereo. Those seeking advanced tech should consider the available 8.4-inch touchscreen, which comes with navigation, connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot is available. The Gladiator further impresses with Alexa integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, a portable Bluetooth speaker that can be used outside the vehicle, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system for listening in the cabin. However, it's worth noting that the voice-recognition system on the Gladiator can be hit-or-miss.
Safety
Neither the 2023 Jeep Wrangler nor the 2023 Jeep Gladiator wowed CarGurus experts when it comes to safety, but the Wrangler did better, with 6 points to the Gladiator's 4.
Standard safety features across all trims of the 2023 Jeep Wrangler include a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. However, advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control are only standard on the top-tier 392 model. Lane-keeping assist is not available. Crash test ratings vary, with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) showing mixed results, especially in the headlights category. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards the Wrangler four out of five stars for frontal crash protection.
Standard safety features for the 2023 Jeep Gladiator are minimal, with the option to add a Safety Group that includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. An Advanced Safety Group offers adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Notably absent are lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance systems. Crash testing for the Gladiator is incomplete, with the NHTSA giving it a four-star frontal-impact rating and the IIHS expressing concerns about headlight performance.
Cost-Effectiveness
The Wrangler was the clear winner on the cost-effectiveness front. It earned 7 points, while the Gladiator earned 4.
CarGurus experts found the 2023 Jeep Wrangler to be a mixed bag in terms of cost-effectiveness. Fuel economy varies depending on body style and engine choice, with ratings ranging from 19 mpg to 23 mpg combined. The 3.0-liter diesel engine offers a more-impressive 25 mpg combined, while the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Wrangler 4xe shines with 49 MPGe (miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent) combined. Prices start at $32,990 for the base two-door Sport model, but fully loaded Rubicon models can exceed $90,000. For those who value off-road capability, the Wrangler Rubicon, at $45,090, presents a reasonable balance between features and cost.
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator, on the other hand, comes with a higher price tag. As the most expensive midsize truck on the market, it may not be the ideal choice for budget-conscious buyers, but the Gladiator offers a unique package with its removable top and doors, Wrangler-inspired design, and impressive off-road capabilities. Prices vary based on trim and options choices. The base model starts at $41,275.
Verdict
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler averaged 7.8 points out of 10 across the board from CarGurus experts, while the 2023 Jeep Gladiator averaged 6.5 out of 10.
Both the 2023 Jeep Wrangler and the 2023 Jeep Gladiator offer exceptional off-road capabilities and distinctive rugged designs. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs.
If you prefer a traditional SUV with open-air driving options, the Jeep Wrangler is the better choice. It offers a wider range of engine options, including a potent V8 and a PHEV variant for eco-conscious adventurers.
On the other hand, if you need the versatility of a pickup bed and appreciate a comfortable rear seat for passengers, the Jeep Gladiator is the way to go. Its cargo box and impressive payload capacity make it suitable for both work and play, and it retains the Jeep's off-road prowess.
Choose the 2023 Jeep Wrangler if:
- You prioritize advanced infotainment technology and connectivity.
- Safety features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control are essential to you.
- You want a capable off-road vehicle that doesn't break the bank.
Search for a 2023 Jeep Wrangler on CarGurus
Choose the 2023 Jeep Gladiator if:
- You love the unique design and ruggedness of the Jeep brand-combined with a truck bed.
- Towing and payload capacity are high on your list of requirements.
- Off-road adventures are a regular part of your lifestyle.
Search for a 2023 Jeep Gladiator on CarGurus
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler excels in performance and open-air driving, while the 2023 Jeep Gladiator combines ruggedness with pickup truck practicality. Choose the one that best aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.
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