2023 Jeep Gladiator

The Jeep Gladiator is the truck derivative of the Wrangler JL, making it one of the few products in its midsize pickup-truck segment that offer solid front and rear axles, but it still lacks a hybrid or V8 powertrain option. What you do get is a naturally aspirated Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 good for 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque or a turbocharged EcoDiesel 3.0-liter V6 which generates 260 hp and 442 lb-ft. All trims, consisting of the Sport, Willys Sport, Sport S, Freedom, Willys, Overland, Rubicon, Mojave, and High Altitude are available with the gas engine, but just the higher trim models can adopt the oil burner. The Pentastar drives three variations of the brand's 4x4 system by your choice of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission while the diesel uses a different variation of the self-shifter only. The 2023 Jeep Gladiator's competitors include the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado. They don't have the same level of off-road capability as the 2023 Gladiator and while this makes the Gladiator unique in this segment, it is also reflected in its noticeably higher pricing. Buyers don't seem to mind too much, as Jeep sells around 50,000 per year, close on the heels of the popular Ranger.

With more models than there really need to be, there's an incremental price point for every new Jeep truck buyer to be happy. The pricing of the Gladiator range kicks off with the entry-level Sport with an MSRP of $38,775. Next in line is the Willys Sport at $41,480 and the Sport S at $42,570. The regular Willys asks for $46,615 while the Overland is priced at $46,975. The Freedom goes for $47,865. Both the Rubicon and Mojave are priced from $51,390, while the range-topping High Altitude starts at $54,475. Adding the turbodiesel V6 will add $4,000 to your bill, necessitating a further $2,000 for the eight-speed automatic gearbox. The Selec-Trac Full Time 4WD system, which allows you to use the four-high with an open center differential, costs an additional $795.

At a high $71,790 price tag, the limited-run Jeep Rubicon FarOut Edition is the swan song to the diesel engine, adding over $12k worth of equipment. These prices do not include Jeep's destination charge of $1,795.

Before getting behind the wheel of the Jeep Gladiator, you must understand that it is built for off-road driving first and foremost. Its mechanical specifications include solid axles front and rear, so it can tackle the toughest trails, but if you explore the city and highway, you're going to notice that the ride and handling leave much to be desired. It is noisy at speed, the steering is slow and vague, and it generally feels lumpen and ponderous. But it shines off-road, clawing its way over obstacles, with the robust chassis soaking up the punishment. The Jeep Gladiator has not kept up with the times, as products like the Land Rover Defender and the new Toyota Tundra offer very good off-road ability too, with little to no compromise on their on-road ride and handling over tarmac surfaces. The Mojave makes the most of the Gladiator's chassis with its Fox suspension.

Entry-level trims including the Sport, Overland, and Mojave get the basic Command-Trac drivetrain for moderate off-roading. Selec-Trac allows users to permanently lock the center differential 50:50 and run in high range with the center diff. Part-time 4:1 Rock-Trac, standard on the Rubicon, is the option for serious off-roaders as it adds an extra-low crawl gear and the option to disconnect the sway bar to increase axle articulation. Both of the Jeep Gladiator's engine and transmission options offer enough power and response, but their mpg figures are poor.

The best way to sum up the new Jeep Gladiator truck is by clarifying that it makes for a great off-roader but a poor road car. It is a perfect option for hardcore off-roading, but as a family car, it demands some clear compromises. With the cheapest Jeep Gladiator trim starting at an MSRP $38,775, it is quite expensive too; the flagship costs over $54,000. This is a perfect pickup alternative to the Wrangler range but its technology feels a bit out of place in a world where other manufacturers use innovative design to make more multi-talented off-roaders. In its defense, there is no other product like it currently available in the USA, so if you are a traditionally hardcore rock climber, you may find that a road-test review of the Jeep Gladiator may just seal the deal for you. It also has the visual presence to turn a few heads while you are on the go, not to mention the option to remove the doors and roof so you can really be part of the action.

The Jeep truck offers a wide variety of talents, and will appeal to different kinds of people. The base Sport offers a nice blank canvas to which you can add several aftermarket accessories.

If you don't have any problems with Jeep putting together a model for you, opt for one of the top trims. The Mojave offers the best balance between on-road manners and off-road ability, thanks to the Fox suspension. The Rubicon, however, is for technical off-road drivers who like slow rock-crawling. We'd avoid most of the 'special edition' models as there charge you mostly for stylistic elements without much concrete advancement in the overall spec. Stick within the base trims and spec a few options, like the diesel engine and eight-speed automatic gearbox, and you're bound to find the best Jeep Gladiator truck for your needs.