jeep gladiator price and availability
A pickup truck for Jeep purists is also pretty practical.
JEEP IS increasing its lineup by adding the Gladiator, a motortruck version of it's in style
Wrangler SUV. The formula is kind of simple: Stretch the distance, add a 5-foot floor, and improve the rear suspension—but leave the brand’s huskiness, styling, and ease intact.
The Gladiator disrupts the midsized-truck class with some key advantages, such as a removable top and doors, and the allure of the Jeep brand. We’re in the middle of putting the new Gladiator through our tests, and we’ll have a full verdict soon. For now, these are our initial thoughts.
WHAT WE LIKE ... SO FAR
The powertrain is a standout element: The 285-hp V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission work well together, as they do on the Wrangler SUV.
There’s strong power, swift acceleration, and smooth, quick shifts. And the Gladiator has an impressive 7,650-pound towing capability. The Gladiator rides better than the Wrangler, thanks in part to its 19-inch-longer wheelbase. The real trick here is that Jeep adapted the Ram 1500’s rear coil-spring
suspension, resulting in a considerably more refined ride than in most other pickup trucks.
The dashboard here mirrors the Wrangler’s, complete with rugged-looking knobs and switches. The automatic gear selector is topped with the silhouette of a classic WWII-era Jeep—a nice touch.
The rear seat is roomy for this class. The interior space clearly benefits from the Gladiator being a Wrangler from the bed forward. The rear seatback is upright, but there’s plenty of headroom and legroom for adults. Air vents, power ports, and cup holders help make the backseat comfort-able for passengers. The rear seat folds up and flat to create storage flexibility.
WHAT WE DON’T
Handling is a different matter. The steering feels loose, which makes driving feel imprecise and requires hefty twirling to get the truck to turn. (These same steering characteristics prove to be well-suited to off-
roading, where they can isolate the vibrations and impacts you might otherwise feel.)
Even with the optional hardtop headliner, there’s no hiding the fact that this is a loud vehicle, particularly with wind noise on the highway. The Gladiator’s front roof panels can be removed easily to provide an open-air driving experience, but—unlike the Wrangler—there’s no place inside the vehicle to store them when they’re off, and the vehicle remains open when parked. A soft-top version is also available. Advanced safety and driver-assist features are optional and include forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot warning (BSW), rear cross-traffic warning (RCTW), and adaptive cruise control. It’s unusual that these features aren’t standard on any trim.
THE BOTTOM LINE
More than a mere Wrangler variation, this all-new midsized truck competitor shines with its attitude, power, backseat space, and ride comfort. Plus, the Rubicon version is set up for some serious off-roading.
WHAT WE BOUGHT
Model 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport
Price $46,405
Engine 285-hp, 3.6-liter V6
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Drive wheels Four-wheel drive
From CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS
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