Jeep Gladiator vs. Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is a classic SUV that’s popular among off-roaders everywhere. It’s a solid choice for your outdoor adventures, but you might also be considering the Jeep Gladiator. While these vehicles share many similarities, there are also some differences worth considering. Not sure which is right for you? Check out this comparison guide to learn the key differences between the Wrangler and the Gladiator.

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Trim Levels

The Gladiator and Wrangler each have several trim levels. This range of options gives you plenty of flexibility when choosing the vehicle that suits your budget and off-roading needs. Both models feature the Sport, Sport S, Willys, Willys Sport, Rubicon, and High Altitude. The Mojave, Altitude, and Overland are exclusive to the Gladiator, while the Sport Altitude, Sahara, Sahara Altitude, and Rubicon 392 are signatures of the Wrangler.

If you want the luxury of extra interior storage space, you can choose a Wrangler two-door trim. This style retains the classic Wrangler look and reduces the vehicle’s weight to result in better gas mileage. The Gladiator trims are only available in four-door models, allowing this newer model to establish its own unique style.

Fuel Economy

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With the Gladiator, the most popular engine is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. This engine has a relatively good fuel efficiency for a truck, with drivers getting up to 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The V-6 is available on the Wrangler, but you can upgrade to the 2.0-liter turbo engine for greater fuel efficiency. 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway helps you keep fuel costs down even on your longest adventures. If you want maximum fuel efficiency, upgrade to the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine for up to 30 mpg.

Price

When it comes to pricing, Jeep Wrangler is the more affordable option. Its MSRP starts at $29,995, whereas the Gladiator’s MSRP starts at $36,380. The higher price point comes with advanced features like a truck bed, premium towing capabilities, and an automatic tire fill alert.

Grille Inserts

These two vehicles have slightly different grille inserts on their front bumpers. The honeycomb openings are larger on the Gladiator to allow for better cooling that permits heavy towing jobs. The Wrangler’s honeycombs are slightly smaller, as the vehicle doesn’t require as much cooling assistance. Both grille inserts are effective for their respective vehicles and offer subtle aesthetic differences.

Storage Space

If you have lots of belongings that you want to keep in the cabin, the Wrangler is the way to go. The storage area has plenty of room for keeping luggage, coolers, and other equipment you need for your adventures. You can even fold down the back seats to take advantage of a maximum of 72.4 cubic feet of storage space.

The Gladiator’s cabin has limited storage, as you can’t fold down the seats like you can in the Wrangler. You can pull the back seats forward to access a small, lockable storage space behind them. The seats also fold up to provide a small storage area underneath, and you can fit this space with a locked box.

While the Gladiator has limited room for interior cargo, it makes up for it with its truck bed. The truck bed allows it to exceed the total storage space of the Wrangler. Many people use it to transport long and heavy objects or items that are too dirty to put in the cabin. The truck bed is also ideal for transporting luggage, as you can choose from multiple racks and weatherproof covers.

Towing Capabilities

Jeep built the Gladiator with towing in mind. The V-6 engine provides 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque that helps you tow up to 7,650 pounds. While towing isn’t the focal point of the Wrangler, it still has some impressive lugging capabilities. The turbo engine provides 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque for a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

Maneuverability

The Gladiator has a long wheelbase of 137.3 inches, while the Wrangler’s wheelbase is only 118.4 inches. Many drivers don’t notice the difference when they’re on flat roads, even if they’re parking or maneuvering in tight areas. The longer wheelbase of the Gladiator might become more obvious when you’re on rough terrain. Exceptionally bump surfaces might lead to an impact on the Gladiator’s belly, but you can avoid this by upgrading from the 33-inch to the 37-inch tires. This extra height works with the built-in three inches of lift to help you comfortably climb even the bumpiest of surfaces.

Axle Configurations

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All Gladiators come with Dana 44 front and Dana 44 rear axle configurations. This setup makes a vehicle ideal for off-roading, as it can absorb impact and withstand the stress of bigger tires. The Sport S Max Tow Package comes with the Rubicon’s wide track axles, 14 gears, and bigger brakes but omits the lockers to serve as a more affordable option.

Wrangler trims come with varying axle configurations. For instance, a Wrangler Sport features a Dana 30 front and Dana 35 rear axle configuration. 35-inch tires allow you to overcome rough terrains with this axle configuration, but you may want to upgrade if you use bigger tires. The Sahara models allow you to get a Dana 44 rear for optimal shock absorption.

Ride Quality

Both models offer relatively smooth rides, even when you’re driving over rough terrain. The stock suspension on the Wrangler is a little smoother. If you want to maximize comfort in the Gladiator, it might be smart to invest in a suspension lift.

There’s no doubt that the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator are reliable vehicles. Which one is right for you ultimately boils down to your driving preferences and budget. Off-roaders who want something a little more compact with plenty of interior storage often opt for the Wrangler, while the Gladiator is popular among those who like midsize trucks and plan to do some serious towing. If you want to learn more about these models or check out our inventory, contact one of our representatives today.