Test drove the Gladiator today...disappointed.

[zrickety]

My wife was interested because it could tow our camper, maybe replace her SUV. Local Gladiator Rubicon with tow package popped up, decided to try it out. This was a 2021 built in October, with 7k miles, Alpine, loaded. I thought it was a shoe in. Well, it shifted late and revved high a lot. The Alpine was real tinny, my base stereo sounds better. I don't know who owned it, but it was clearly driven hard and put away wet. I don't expect they are all this way, but maybe you guys can chime in. Should she keep looking or not bother?

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[Monster1926]

Just because it’s rated to tow 7000 lbs+ doesn’t mean it should.

 

[DOOKEY]

I have a launch edition Rubicon and the stereo in it is leaps above the sounds in my 2018 Rubicon with the Alpine system. I'm guessing it is due to the space inside. Did you check the settings in the EQ?

I never noticed a difference in shift points stock vs. stock.

I'd try another one first and see if your opinion is still the same before you write it off.

 

[rlong69]

It is a 24 valve V-6, it did not shift late. It shifted the way a 3.6L 24V engine does. It is what it is. It is modestly powered. I 2nd the comment abut towing 7k with it above, not a great plan. Towing anything of any weight at all with a Jeep is an exercise in compromise. anyone stating otherwise is misleading people.

Sorry for your disappointment though. I get it.

 

[Sparty]

Bah - give it another shot.

My wife has a '20 Overland with the V6 and auto. The thing shifts like a dream and never had a lack of power.

Now - we didn't buy this to tow around 5Klbs (or more), but haven't had a problem with it yet.

 

[zrickety]

I have a launch edition Rubicon and the stereo in it is leaps above the sounds in my 2018 Rubicon with the Alpine system. I'm guessing it is due to the space inside. Did you check the settings in the EQ?

I never noticed a difference in shift points stock vs. stock.

I'd try another one first and see if your opinion is still the same before you write it off.

Thanks. Yes, we checked the EQ. Made some adjustments with no improvment. I'm guessing someone either modified the stereo or blew out the speakers? It was pretty sad. It had a couple other cosmetic changes that made me suspicious, which was unexpected for a nearly new vehicle. Interesting that many of you are saying not to tow 7,000...I will have to look into that because our camper is all of 6200 lbs.

 

[mwilk012]

Thanks. Yes, we checked the EQ. Made some adjustments with no improvment. I'm guessing someone either modified the stereo or blew out the speakers? It was pretty sad. It had a couple other cosmetic changes that made me suspicious, which was unexpected for a nearly new vehicle. Interesting that many of you are saying not to tow 7,000...I will have to look into that because our camper is all of 6200 lbs.

Sounds like someone damaged the speakers or radio.

However, it doesn't shift late. If anything, you are probably shifting your MT early.

 

[SecondTJ]

Interesting that many of you are saying not to tow 7,000...I will have to look into that because our camper is all of 6200 lbs.

6,200 lbs i’d absolutely go w/ a 1500

 

[Rscx4]

I seriously considered a JT last spring, but then it was what could you do with it that the JL can't do. Billed as a truck but with the exception of the extra wheelbase, the power is not there. A cooler and beach chairs without getting the carpets dirty is the difference. Jeep lost the torque battle when they went to the minivan V-6, they failed when they dropped the straight 6. Unless it's some sort of micro-lite, only a real truck will do.

 

[Retrograde]

There is a reason why the lots are full of Gladiators, yet you can't find a Wrangler for love or money. You've driven a gladiator, and have the experience to relate to.

In law enforcement, we call that "a clue".

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Someone took it away from their teenage son, it was repo’d or a recovered stolen. Did you check it for repaired collison damage?

Now go drive a new one and compare. Most lots still have a selection of Gladiators and the new price should be close to what a used one with low miles is.

 

[aldo98229]

Gladiator Rubicon weighs 600 lbs more than a Wrangler Rubicon. If you are used to driving a Wrangler with the V6, the same setup on a Gladiator is bound to feel more strained.

 

[Alanscott1]

I’d keep looking. I bought a JT Mojave a few months ago to replace a 2dr JLR. I’m definitely enjoying the longer wheelbase and practicality. Never noticed any sort of rough shifting, it does rev out more than my two door did but it’s also significantly heavier.

 

[andrew8404]

Gladiator is an awesome vehicle and exactly what Ive been waiting for. A truck to do work with and that can wheel with the best of them. I have a 21 Rubicon and shifts fine. My wife has a 18 JL and it’s nice but the Gladiator drives so much better. More stable and the JL just feels like a toy. Pros and cons to both but the clown talking crap about the Gladiator has no clue. I agree with the others though. If your trying to tow 7500 pounds that’s not a midsized pickup job. No midsized pickup will do that well. That’s a half tons job.

 

[andrew8404]

There is a reason why the lots are full of Gladiators, yet you can't find a Wrangler for love or money. You've driven a gladiator, and have the experience to relate to.

In law enforcement, we call that "a clue".

Typical law enforcement. All talk with no idea what their talking about.

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