A longer wheelbase and a 5-foot bed transform the Wrangler into the Gladiator pickup truck.
The standard 285-hp, 3.6-liter V6 is mated to a responsive and smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic.
The Jeep returned 18 mpg overall in our tests.
Unlike most compact pickups, the Gladiator uses coil springs in the rear suspension, which make the ride relatively comfortable, though handling is pretty clumsy.
A soft top is standard, and a removable hardtop is available.
Wind noise on the highway is elevated with either top.
The off-road-focused Rubicon has suspension and tires that are optimized for rock climbing.
The damped tailgate is a nice touch, and a full-time 4WD system is available.
The 3.0-liter V6 diesel has been discontinued, and a manual transmission is no longer offered.
BSW and RCTW are optional, and pedestrian detection isn't offered.
The Gladiator transforms the iconic Wrangler into a pickup truck, using a longer wheelbase and adding a 5-foot bed.
The only engine is a 3.6-liter V6 mated to either a smooth eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual.
With the automatic, the Gladiator packs some oomph and returns 18 mpg overall.
Unlike other compact pickup trucks, it uses coil springs in the rear suspension, which makes the ride relatively civilized.
Handling, however, is rather clumsy.
Like the Wrangler, the truck comes with a soft top or an optional removable hardtop.
Either way, wind noise on the highway is loud.
The off-road-focused Rubicon has suspension and tires that are optimized for rock climbing.
The damped tailgate is a nice touch.
Several advanced safety features are available, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning. For 2021, the Gladiator got an optional 260-hp, 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine that promised better fuel economy.
Other updates include an 80th Anniversary Edition, which features unique interior and exterior trim, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and 18-inch wheels.
Full-time four-wheel drive also became available on all trim lines. The diesel engine was dropped for 2024.
For 2025, a manual transmission was no longer offered, and power windows and door locks became standard on all trims.
You will get digital access to reviews and ratings for over 8,500 products and services
to help you make better choices for life’s big moments and the everyday ones in between.
If you feel you have received this message in error, please view our customer care
FAQs or access your
account information here.
