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Mar 14, 2023

9 Things We Now Know About The Jeep Gladiator

The Gladiator is Jeep's first model with a cargo bed since the early '90s, and it's a very capable mid-size off-road truck.

Stellantis North America's Jeep division produces the Jeep Gladiator, a midsize pickup truck. On November 28, 2018, it debuted at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show and was available in dealerships in the spring of 2019. The Gladiator is Jeep's maiden pickup truck since they abandoned the Comanche in 1992, and it is designed on the same chassis as the Wrangler JL.

The Jeep Gladiator competes against the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and Toyota Tacoma in the medium-size truck segment. However, even among this outstanding company, the Gladiator distinguishes out for its challenging aesthetics, all-terrain abilities, and fun-loving disposition.

The Gladiator is more than just a Wrangler with a pickup bed; it fills a distinct position in the truck market. The options and features on the new Jeep Gladiator appear to be nearly unlimited.

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Most pundits predicted the Jeep Gladiator would be Jeep's robust entry into the truck sector when it initially appeared on the scene. The Gladiator's capability and propensity for adventure, though, may have astonished specialists the most.

However, the Gladiator's arrival is impressive, given that other trucks have decades of expertise building high-quality vehicles. Even though it is the newest (and most competent) vehicle in the lineup, it outperforms the rival in terms of flexibility and interior quality.

The Gladiator's 3.6-liter V-6 engine produces 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. That'll keep this massive Jeep moving down the road or through rough terrain without breaking a sweat.

The Pentastar V-6 has variable valve control and engine stop-start. The Gladiator takes a full 7 seconds to reach 60 MPH, making it a tad slower than its competitors.

Related: These Are the Best Off-Roaders You Can Pick Up For $10,000

Although it's wonderful that Jeep offers a manual transmission in the Gladiator, we ultimately recommend the automatic gearbox for most purchasers.

The six-speed manual transmission is straightforward and enjoyable to operate, though you'll have to row through the gears to maintain this Jeep in the proper rpm range. Because the eight-speed automatic is well-behaved, there isn't a negative option here.

The Jeep Gladiator takes everything you love about a Jeep Wrangler and adds a 5-foot bed and a smart tailgate that's perfect for light work and excursions.

The five-foot pickup bed is paired with a three-position tailgate and optional roll cover for all of your goods hauling needs. The steel bed, combined with the easy-to-lower tailgate, provides the ideal amount of space for your journey on or off the road.

By removing the doors, removing the top, and lowering the windscreen, the Gladiator remains true to Jeep style. The Gladiator is the only convertible pickup truck in a field of one.

What is the significance of the soft top? It's the Jeep Gladiator's best option. Apart from driving around with no top, owners can opt for a zipperless Sunrider soft top for simple access and Black Independence roof.

What is the Jeep Gladiator Mojave, and how does it differ from other Jeep Gladiators? The Gladiator Mojave option is equivalent to the Rubicon package in desert prerunning, mud, and uneven terrain. The Jeep Gladiator Mojave is the pinnacle of Jeep suspension technology. While the Rubicon includes specially tuned springs and monotube Fox shocks in front and rear, the Mojave takes things to the next level.

Because Mojave has a better spring rate than Rubicon, it stands 1-inch taller. The higher lift is due to the spring's tune to compliment the Fox shocks and the necessity for greater travel before the suspension bottoms out during intense off-road running.

Related: 10 Classic Pickup Trucks That Are Still Surprisingly Cheap

When was the last time you heard someone praise a Jeep Wrangler's smooth, comfortable ride? Unless you're bringing a donkey cart as a trade-in, the answer is a loud No.

The Gladiator, on the other hand, comes with a suspension that is remarkably independent and well-rounded. The Gladiator's broader wheelbase and beefier suspension gives it a highway ride that's in line with what we've come to expect from Jeep.

Both the Wrangler and Gladiator are similarly designed, with the detachable doors, tops, and windscreens that make them both desirable. They have a similar portfolio, starting with Sport models and progressing to Rubicon models with off-road features.

The Jeep Wrangler and Rubicon have nearly identical scores. The Wrangler has a small advantage in fuel economy, but your decision should depend on your needs. The Gladiator is the truck to choose if you need a truck bed and want a better ride and increased towing ability. The Wrangler is the greatest off-roader if you desire fuel economy, a wider backseat, or a two-door model.

The Gladiator comes to life beyond the regular predictability of asphalt roadways. The Gladiator, like the Wrangler, is capable of traversing terrain that would cause most trucks' bumpers to crumple and suspension to bend.

The Gladiator's larger size and heaviness mean it can't quite equal the smaller, lightweight Wrangler in terms of overall rock-crawling prowess, but it gets close.

Next: These Pickups Will Obliterate Most Sports Cars In A Drag Race

Okokoete is incredibly enthralled by the world of technology and automobiles. He looks forward to seeing car trackers in all vehicles at affordable rates for an average person. Okokoete is a content strategist and an on-page SEO editor and now works as a contributor to Hotcars.com. He loves cooking and indoor games. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.

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