It’s that time again: you’ve decided to hit the market for a new ride. Excitement simmers under your skin, not unlike Christmas mornings as a child. The thought of a new vehicle presents an open-ended future of limitless possibilities and unquantifiable questions. Where will you go? Who will you meet? What will you become? And yet, as you dip your toe into the water, anxiety starts to creep in. Will gas prices rise soon? What if changing regulations prematurely devalue my new car? What if my circumstances change and this car no longer meets my needs? What if I fall head-over-heels on the look, but it loses its luster once I start putting some serious miles on it?
If you see a Jeep Gladiator for sale, that last question will likely stick in your mind. Everyone will agree the Gladiator is a creature of beauty and fortitude—no doubt about it. Her 33-inch tires immediately give the impression there’s no terrain she can’t conquer. Her seven-slot front grille resembles an aggressive maw—an iron grin that informs the other drivers who really owns the road.
However, its size and stature can have you asking just how realistic an option a Gladiator is for you. You may also struggle with whom to ask; most dealerships prioritize sales, so you’re not sure if they’ll answer your questions honestly. Online reviews are an imperfect resource, tending to waver between suspect and partisan. But don’t worry—we’re here to help. Let’s take a look at the Gladiator and find out who it serves best and who may want to keep browsing.
The Lowdown on the Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is specialized for carving through mountain trails, and it does not disappoint in that regard. SUVs and most pickups can handle trails, too, but the Gladiator will leave them in its wake; this is its domain. For those adventurers who curate their gear for outbacking, the Gladiator responds with 7,700 lbs of towing at its higher trim. That, coupled with a potential 1,710 lbs of payload ability, is why the Gladiator is so popular among the adventurous.
Its in-meets-out design encourages you to enjoy any climate. Removable doors and rooftops allow the summer breeze to flow over you on a warm day. On the other end of the spectrum, you can opt for Cold Weather Group accommodations for extra heating in the Gladiator’s seats and steering wheel, should snowy destinations be more to your taste than hot ones.
Its performance deserves to be boasted about, too. The Gladiator arrives with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine that offers 285 hp. For the fuel conscious, there’s a diesel option, too, whose output is only slightly lower at 260 hp. It’s a tad larger than the Jeep Wrangler—its closest relative—as the distance between its front and back wheels is a neat foot-and-a-half longer. This keeps the Gladiator stable during its moments of peak power and provides its attuned driver with a finer degree of command.
Will the Gladiator Work for Me?
If the description above has you salivating, the Gladiator should be at the top of your list. If you’re someone who loves trekking to remote destinations to take in the outdoors, not only is the Gladiator designed for you and your ilk, but it is likely your best option. With you as its tailored target audience, you’ll have a hard time finding a better vehicle to match your lifestyle. Instead of merely being able to “handle” difficult terrain, the Gladiator lives for difficult terrain. It is just as excited as you are to sail across desert dunes or scale a forested mountain slope. With an unparalleled infotainment system at your fingertips, your adventures will be enjoyable even for those who aren’t as daring or outdoorsy as you are. The Gladiator will keep comfortable any friend or family member who bristles at your proposition of outbacking.
Clearly, however, not everyone lives for this kind of lifestyle, so it’s fair to question if the Gladiator is an apt pick for any driver. Not everyone who sees a mountain dreams about standing upon its summit, or courts the idea of blasting across bumpy terrain with the music blaring.
The Quieter Lifestyle
If you’re someone who primarily travels in a rush-hour commute or on errand runs, frequenting few exotic destinations, the Gladiator may still be for you. You may love its look and the sense of energy it brings to every drive. At the same time, a Jeep this large may prove overwhelming, and you might be better off with a smaller ride. There’s no shame in that: you ought to have a car that suits your sensibilities, not stresses you out.
On the flip side, if you do live a quieter lifestyle but are looking to add a little flare, then the Gladiator may be the right move. If its poise and power interest you, consider giving one a test drive if only to experience the particular brand of zest that Jeep has to offer.
The City Dweller
For those who live in the city, the Gladiator can manage your expeditions away from the4 metropolis. A petite car designed purely for city streets won’t fare well on the interstate or rural roads, let alone outbacking. However, if your urban residency includes daily driving, the tight traffic and close corners may make owning a Gladiator a pain. In this case, your Jeep may be a preferable option for some trips but not so much for others. If your inner-city circumstance affords you only one vehicle, you might want to go in a different direction.
Suburban & Rural Drivers
Anyone living in the suburbs or rural areas will find the Gladiator a great buy. It can drive with command, provide stability no matter the weather, and conjure a cool persona wherever you go. It also opens up new possibilities. You may have never before considered journeying into nature, but, once seated in the saddle of a Gladiator, you begin to see roads where there are none. The getaway locales will have multiplied, and life will become more exciting.
Plus, the Gladiator offers more seating than the Wrangler, and the Gladiator has space to pack athletic gear if you have kids who play sports. While your image of the Gladiator may be of a Jeep alone in the desert or buried in snow, it can support suburban and rural living just as well. Families will love its spacious interior, and single drivers will love its style and ease.
The Gladiator’s luxurious and comfortable interior will surprise anyone who holds an outdated mental image of the Jeep as a cramped metal 4×4. None of your passengers will be dissatisfied with the ride. In fact, the Gladiator’s adaptability may mean your Jeep will be the vehicle everyone prefers to take, no matter how long or short the trip is.
The Gladiator Lives to Serve
The Gladiator will be a smart buy for most. There are some who may want to go a different avenue, especially shyer drivers or drivers whose daily demands include navigating tight spaces, but—outside of that—the Gladiator will impress and likely leave its first-timers wondering why they didn’t make the switch sooner. If you purchase one, you’ll expand what’s possible for your driving life, and you may even inspire your neighbors to follow in your footsteps.
The Gladiator lives up to its name: it’s impressive, powerful, and tough. If this sounds like your style, you won’t do better than a Jeep Gladiator.
