Jeep Gladiator VS Wrangler
Jeep Gladiator VS Wrangler. The Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator series are among the labels that laid the groundwork for the American 4×4 and catapulted Jeep to success. These vehicles are rugged, versatile, trusted off-roading companions. What is the difference between the two? Despite their similarities, the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator are different. The Wrangler is an SUV, and the Gladiator is a pickup truck. Understandably, however, this distinction is growing more obscure due to recent developments in automotive technology.
Trim Levels
The Wrangler and Gladiator are offered in essentially the same trim levels, with one small exception. Both start with a base Sport model, followed by the Sport S. Which adds essentials like air conditioning, power equipment and a larger infotainment screen. The two models diverge when it comes to their luxury trim levels. The luxury Wrangler gets the “Sahara” name. While the luxury trim on the Gladiator will be known as the “Overland” model. The top trim level of both vehicles is the mighty Rubicon, which comes with a variety of features that prime either vehicle for heavy off-road use.
Powertrain
The Gladiator’s powertrain lineup won’t be quite as diverse as that of the Wrangler’s. Currently, the Wrangler is offered with either Chrysler’s venerable 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which makes 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft of torque, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with a mild hybrid component, making 270 hp and 295 lb.-ft. The 4-cylinder turbo is only available paired with an 8-speed automatic, while the V6 can be had with either the 8-speed auto or a 6-speed manual. In the coming months, a 3.0-liter diesel V6 is planned to be added to the lineup making 260 hp and 442 lb.-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid is also rumored to be in the works.
The Gladiator launches with just one engine, the 3.6-liter V6, which will make the same 285 hp and 260 lb.-ft of torque that it does in the Wrangler. Just like in the Wrangler, the Pentastar-equipped Gladiator will be available with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. In 2020, the diesel engine will be added to the Gladiator lineup and will make 260 hp and 442 lb. -ft of torque and come mated exclusively to the 8-speed auto. Jeep has said that the 4-cylinder offered in the Wrangler has been deemed unfit for the towing needs of the Gladiator, and therefore won’t be offered. The same likely goes for the plug-in hybrid.
Both the Wrangler and Gladiator come standard with 4-wheel drive.
Exterior
The Gladiator has a bed, while the Wrangler sticks with a classic, boxy SUV profile. Both vehicles have the exact same removable doors, a windshield that folds down and available hard and soft tops, either of which is removable. Essentially, the Gladiator is all Wrangler from the back seat forward, although it is said to have wider grille slats to promote better cooling given its need to perform truck-like duties.
Interior
Inside is more of the same, save for the Gladiator’s second row seating. Underneath the Gladiator’s rear seat is a lockable storage area, while behind it is an optional, portable Bluetooth speaker that can support your adventures once they move outside of the vehicle.
Capability
Regardless of how it’s equipped, the Wrangler Unlimited offers a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. And a payload of just under 900 pounds. The gas V6-equipped Gladiator on the other hand offers a rather impressive maximum towing capacity of 7,650 pounds. Along with a 1,600-lb payload capacity. Rubicon models will be able to tow a still impressive 7,000 pounds. These figures will potentially increase with the introduction of the diesel powertrains.
Off-Road
A comparison of the off-road ability of the Wrangler and the Gladiator should probably focus on the Rubicon models. The Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon comes with a litany of off-road features. These consist of an off-road oriented transfer case. 33-in all-terrain tires, rock sliders and underbody skid plates, an off-road suspension, locking front and rear differentials. Disconnecting front and rear sway bars and beefier fenders. The Gladiator Rubicon retains all of this. Adding additional rock protection to the corners of the bed, which are vulnerable due to their length.
Altogether, both of these vehicles will be best-in-class off-road. While many will cite the Gladiator’s added wheelbase as a drawback off-road, this hasn’t stopped midsize pickups like the Tacoma and the Colorado from dominating the off-road industry for years.
Safety
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4 out of 5 stars in the frontal crash test. And 3 out of 5 stars in the rollover test. The Gladiator got four stars in front crash testing and three in rollover testing.
Based on these assessments, prospective buyers should give it careful thought before purchasing or upgrading to a Wrangler.
On this note, there are a few recalls you should be wary of. One is quite recent and involves a number of 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xes.
It is reported that the 2.0-L hybrid engines had a proclivity to shut down unceremoniously due to PCM/TCM errors. Another class action lawsuit points out that the affected vehicles cannot run on electric-only mode due to issues with its fuel and oil refresh mode feature.
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