Wrangler vs Gladiator?

[Zissou]

I'm another forum member who drives a Gladiator (Mojave). Joined the forum for that sweet member classified section and to research 392 ownership.
Girlfriend has a JL Sport, so have spent a ton of time driving both.

Regarding sales figures; the folks who said competition kills the Gladiator are spot on. Price wise I absolutely could have gotten a nice F-150 or Tundra. If I had kids I probably would have done that. But I don't so F it, I wanted something fun.

The real competitor when I was shopping was the Colorado ZR2. The suspension on those are fantastic. But Jeep sold me on taking the roof off + manual trans. I could care less about the solid front axle. I know that's a selling point for many, but I'd prefer independent front.

The Gladiator is a compromise in many ways. To get a truck bed (which I wanted as a home owner) I'm getting a slow as shit Jeep. Girlfriend's Wrangler with the same engine & trans feels like a rocket by comparison - you can tell this engine was built for the 4 door wrangler (which makes it wonderful in the 2 door).
To get all the fun Jeep stuff, compared to a truck of comparable price (1/2 tons) I was giving up things like a smoother on road ride, more towing capacity I don't need, longer bed I don't need, larger seats for fatter asses I don't need lol etc.

Really the only thing I don't like about my Gladiator is the power. The V6 is such a dog in it. It's got 1,000 lbs on the Wrangler 2 door and you feel it. Test drove a 392 and god I wish they would make a Gladiator 392. But not sure I'd want to give up my little bed - it's so nice for picking up stuff for the garden, helping friends move, little projects, etc.

Picture tax of our 2 Jeeps:

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[Lumis Shadow]

I owned a 2020 gladiator for 2 1/2 years. Loved it. Sold it to order a fully loaded gladiator with i6 twin turbo in 2024. Wife has wrangler. I prefer driving the gladiator. We just ordered 392 xr in the meantime.

 

[Lumis Shadow]

 

[Teqsand]

Wife has a 21 JLURD, but I do love my 22 JTRD .... although it's in buyback status, I plan to order another....

It's enough of both worlds to do what I need.... and with a good driver a JT can keep up with a JLU

 

[nowandthen]

 

[The White Rabbit]

I can dig it but being over 6’ I would need a slightly extended cab. I’d own one for sure if they put an extra foot behind the drivers seat.

 

[Old Jeeper]

LOL not sure where some of live, but I have done a NATIONWIDE search for a 22 JL Rubicon that is loaded. What I see is the Glads are at PREMO price and they barely have any if at all. Now if you want a JLU, they are stacked up like pancakes. Most dealers seem to think a $50k Rubicon is loaded! NOT!!! I have searched Jeep from Fl to Or and Manie to Cal

 

[Zissou]

I owned a 2020 gladiator for 2 1/2 years. Loved it. Sold it to order a fully loaded gladiator with i6 twin turbo in 2024. Wife has wrangler. I prefer driving the gladiator. We just ordered 392 xr in the meantime.

Hold up what's this now about a Straight 6 twin turbo Gladiator? Is that for real?

I've been seriously considering a 392 Wrangler to replace my Mojave because the power is so lack luster.

 

[The White Rabbit]

Hold up what's this now about a Straight 6 twin turbo Gladiator? Is that for real?

I've been seriously considering a 392 Wrangler to replace my Mojave because the power is so lack luster.

We are all holding our breath

 

[Zissou]

We are all holding our breath

I'd be all over that, doubly so for a manual but at this point an auto would be fine to get the power.

I'd also be interested in a 4xe Gladiator, though obviously a forced induction 6 would be more exciting.

 

[The White Rabbit]

I'd be all over that, doubly so for a manual but at this point an auto would be fine to get the power.

I'd also be interested in a 4xe Gladiator, though obviously a forced induction 6 would be more exciting.

I think we would have already had more power options in the gladiator by now if it wasn’t for the administrative policies.

 

[Zissou]

I think we would have already had more power options in the gladiator by now if it wasn’t for the administrative policies.

We'd have more power options if it were a hotter seller imo

The accountants at Stellantis likely aren't seeing the return on investment for adding a 3rd engine option in their revenue models

 

[Rustynail11]

I only like the Gladiator with a lift and big tires. Was at the dealer this morning for an oil change and they had 2 AEV Gladiator's on the lot and they were nice, really really like how they look. With that said I really don't like looks of the Gladiator with the roof and doors off.

 

[longfiredragon]

Same around here, every dealership I go by has Gladiators and usually no new Wranglers, but between 3 to 6 or 7 used ones. Funny thing is I rarely see a Gladiator with the top or doors off. I personally love the Gladiator, and it was my first choice. But 3 things sent me over to the Wrangler. 1. Price, a base Gladiator was almost as much as my Wrangler sport Willys. 2. I refuse to drive the gutless V6, and I don't want a diesel. Until they expand the engine options I will not look at one. 3. The wife doesn't like them, even though I would have got one anyway if not for the above mentioned.

If they expand the engine options, one day maybe.

And yes they do need lifted, although I do love the Mojave.

 

[Lumis Shadow]

Hold up what's this now about a Straight 6 twin turbo Gladiator? Is that for real?

I've been seriously considering a 392 Wrangler to replace my Mojave because the power is so lack luster.

When I was a ejs, I spoke with someone at jeep. They said hurricane in 2024 for gladiator. For what ever it's worth.

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