Interior Overview

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Gladiator's interior features a vertical dashboard reminiscent of the Wrangler's design, complete with easy-to-use controls. It incorporates robust features like a waterproof push-button start, with the option of adding comforts such as a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. The extended wheelbase, according to Jeep, provides enhanced legroom in the rear compared to the four-door Wrangler. The Gladiator also has the advantage of detachable body and roof panels, allowing for an open-air experience. With a five-foot cargo bed, the Gladiator offers smart internal storage solutions, including several spots for smartphones and a concealed compartment under the rear seat. The seats can be configured in various ways and securely locked in place for rough off-road adventures.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Each Gladiator model comes standard with a touchscreen. However, only the larger 7.0- and 8.4-inch displays are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system can be enhanced with an optional subwoofer and a portable wireless speaker located behind the rear seat. Front-seat passengers have access to multiple power outlets, including two USBs, a USB-C port, and an optional 115-volt outlet.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Despite offering a selection of driver-assistance technologies, the Jeep pickup's suite is not as extensive as some of its competitors. The Rubicon variant boasts a convenient front-facing camera that proves valuable for trail exploration or rock crawling. For detailed information on the Gladiator's crash-test performance, refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Crucial safety features include:

• Optional adaptive cruise control
• Optional blind-spot monitoring
• Optional rear parking sensors

Exterior Overview

Highlighting Unmatched Off-Road Capability

For 2023, Jeep unveils a new addition termed the Freedom special edition. Similar to the Willys model, the Freedom Edition is not a standalone trim but a package available for the Gladiator Sport. The Freedom model brings upgrades such as LED headlights and taillights, fender flares matching the body color, a winch-ready steel bumper, sturdy steel rock rails, and black wheels paired with all-terrain tires. There are also minor updates for 2023, which consist of extra features for certain trims.

The Gladiator's innate prowess sets it apart from rival trucks. Its core focus on delivering out-of-the-box capability is a compelling reason to choose the Gladiator over alternatives like the Chevrolet Colorado or Toyota Tacoma.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Gladiator is equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that delivers 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This power is funneled through a standard six-speed manual transmission, or an optional eight-speed automatic. An Overland model with the automatic option recorded a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 7.2 seconds, which is slightly below average compared to rivals. We also drove a Gladiator powered by a diesel 3.0-liter V-6, outputting 260 horsepower and a robust 442 pound-feet of torque. The Gladiator has an additional 19.4 inches of wheelbase compared to the regular Wrangler, which Jeep claims improves ride and handling dynamics. Based on our experience, the Gladiator drives quite similarly to the Wrangler. However, on paved roads, its steering is somewhat imprecise and the ride can become jittery on irregular surfaces. These attributes, nonetheless, contribute to the Gladiator's identity as a true pickup and a capable off-road vehicle. Off-roading enthusiasts will appreciate the truck's extensive off-road equipment, from multiple skid plates and rock-crawling axle ratios, to the capability to traverse up to 30 inches of water. The Gladiator's ample ground clearance and approach/departure angles further enhance its off-road prowess.

Towing and Payload Capacity

With the right equipment, the Gladiator can tow a remarkable 7700 pounds. Even the least potent variant can haul a 4000-pound trailer. To put that into perspective, the Wrangler can tow only up to 3500 pounds. As for payload capacity, the Gladiator's cargo bed can handle between 1105 and 1700 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Manual transmission-equipped Gladiators are rated at 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The automatic version maintains the city mpg at 16 but reduces the highway estimate to 22 mpg. The diesel variant is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Our tests on the 75-mph highway route, which simulates real-world fuel economy, have been conducted with gas-powered Gladiators featuring the automatic transmission. The Overland model proved to be the most fuel-efficient, achieving 21 mpg on the highway, while the Mojave model returned a considerably lower 15 mpg. However, the Mojave was fitted with larger tires and a higher rear axle ratio (4.10) compared to the Overland's ratio (3.73).