Jeep Gladiator
Purchase price from $39,495
Expert rating
3 reviews
Expert opinions about this car
Expert reviews
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Car and Driver
Car and Driver praises the Jeep Gladiator for being the only convertible pickup truck on the market, delivering a combination of Wrangler-style open-air motoring and genuine mid-size truck utility. In testing, editors highlighted the Rubicon trim's serious off-road credentials: solid axles, locking differentials, a disconnecting front sway bar, and 33-inch tires make it a trail monster right off the showroom floor. The crew cab offers real passenger space, and the five-foot bed adds versatility that a Wrangler simply can't match. However, the review also emphasizes significant compromises. On pavement the recirculating-ball steering feels numb and requires constant correction, the ride is jittery over rough surfaces, and wind noise is pronounced at highway speeds. The 3.6-liter V6 provides adequate but gruff acceleration while returning poor fuel economy, and the Gladiator's crash-test scores were mediocre. Car and Driver concludes that the Gladiator is a fantastic adventure vehicle for off-road enthusiasts but clearly inferior to rivals like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma for everyday commuter duty. The overall rating is 4.0 out of 5, reflecting its unmatched capability in its niche rather than all-around excellence.
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MotorTrend
MotorTrend spent considerable time evaluating the Jeep Gladiator, including naming it a finalist in its Truck of the Year competition. The review lauds the Gladiator's authentic off-road DNA, inherited from the Wrangler JL on which it is based. MotorTrend praised the Rubicon's Rock-Trac four-wheel-drive system, generous approach, breakover, and departure angles, and the reinforced frame that allows real truck duty without sacrificing trail capability. The addition of a bed makes it far more versatile than a Wrangler, and the cabin is comfortable for four adults. However, the publication was critical of on-road dynamics: the steering is heavy and vague on center, body motions are pronounced over undulating pavement, and the long wheelbase reduces breakover angle compared with the Wrangler. The 3.6-liter V6 has to work hard to motivate the heavy truck, and fuel economy is poor. MotorTrend also noted that interior plastics are cheap for the price. The overall verdict is that the Gladiator is the most capable off-road midsize truck you can buy, but it forces real compromises in ride comfort, steering precision, and efficiency for daily driving.
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Kelley Blue Book
Kelley Blue Book assigns the Jeep Gladiator an expert rating of 4.5 out of 5, making it one of the highest-rated vehicles in its segment. KBB highlights the Gladiator's unique position as the only convertible pickup sold in the United States, offering the open-air experience of a Wrangler with genuine truck practicality. The review praised the proven 3.6-liter V6 engine, the optional diesel that boosts torque and towing, and outstanding resale values that top the mid-size truck class. With the proper equipment, the Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 pounds, which is competitive for the segment. The cabin features comfortable front seats, an easy-to-use touchscreen, and a modern set of driver-assistance features. KBB's editors noted the downsides as well: a firm ride when unloaded, elevated road and wind noise, and a price tag that climbs steeply as you add off-road packages and options. They recommend the Gladiator for buyers who want a rugged, go-anywhere machine and are willing to trade on-road refinement and fuel economy for unmatched off-road bravado and brand character.
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