The 2025 Jeep Gladiator is essentially a longer Wrangler with a truck bed stuck on the back. That means you get a terrain-conquering skill set but at the expense of comfort and on-road driving refinement. For off-road enthusiasts, it's a worthy trade-off.Read full review
Offers bigger back seat than other midsize pickups
Cons
Steering is slow and vague, particularly on the Rubicon trim
Ride quality can get jiggly and uncomfortable at times
Subpar fuel economy and acceleration
What's new
Manual transmission has been discontinued
Part of the first Gladiator generation introduced for 2019
Overview
The Jeep Gladiator is effectively a truck version of the Jeep Wrangler SUV. It's a little longer and has a 5-foot cargo bed, but it otherwise carries every bit of the no-holds-barred approach of its spiritual donor. And as a bonus, you can remove the Gladiator's roof to get a full in-the-sun motoring experience. It's the only truck in its class to have this feature. For 2025, the Gladiator lineup expands to include the 4xe plug-in hybrid, which will be reviewed separately.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Jeep Gladiator Sport 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.03 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Edmunds spotlight: What to expect from a Gladiator 4xe hybrid
Jeep hasn't released official specs but the Gladiator 4xe (pronounced "4-by-e," naturally) will likely use the same gas-electric setup as the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and 17.3-kWh battery combining for 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. That's a robust upgrade on the current Gladiator's V6 low-end grunt, an 80% torque increase that should make leaving stoplights more exciting. We'll have to wait for the Gladiator 4xe's towing specs, but we'd expect it to pull as much as the Grand Cherokee — 6,000 pounds — if not more. The current Gladiator tops out at 7,000 pounds. Extra low-end power on the trail and savings at the pump should also boost the Gladiator 4xe's appeal. The Wrangler 4xe is rated at 49 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) and can travel up to 22 miles on battery power, while the Grand Cherokee can go 26 miles and gets 56 MPGe. We'd expect the Gladiator to fall somewhere in between.
Competitors to consider
Top competing midsize trucks include the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon and Toyota Tacoma. All have had recent redesigns and are available with dedicated off-road versions to go up against the Gladiator Rubicon. The Tacoma offers a hybrid powertrain but no plug-in option for charging the battery on its own. The Gladiator is the only available midsize plug-in pickup, for a little while anyway. Be sure to read our Expert Rating below to see what sets the Gladiator apart — for better and for worse.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our Verdict
The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Average
7.6
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator is essentially a longer Wrangler with a truck bed stuck on the back. That means you get a terrain-conquering skill set but at the expense of comfort and on-road driving refinement. For off-road enthusiasts, it's a worthy trade-off.
How does the Gladiator drive? We tested a Gladiator Rubicon with the V6 engine. Our test truck needed 8.5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. That's a little slow for a midsize pickup, but it doesn't feel like it in everyday driving. The V6 is respectably strong and has no trouble getting you up to highway speeds. The automatic fires off quick and prompt shifts too.
The Gladiator Rubicon is a champ when the pavement turns to dirt. It has plenty of ground clearance and traction to see you through or over just about any obstacle. The Gladiator's longer wheelbase does make it a little less wieldy than a Wrangler on tight trails, but it's not that far off.
On-pavement handling is compromised by the same giant tires and solid front axle that make the Gladiator excel off-road. The steering lacks precision, and crosswinds and road ruts demand some attention. Other midsize trucks are easier and less tedious to drive.
Comfort
7/10
How comfortable is the Gladiator? There's no getting around the fact that the Gladiator's heavy solid-axle front suspension compromises ride comfort. You'll feel the Gladiator wiggle and jiggle more than any other truck when you drive over lumpy asphalt. You'll also hear more wind and road noise than in other trucks. Beyond that, things brighten considerably. The seats are supportive, and the climate control system is powerful and has vents for rear passengers.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? The Gladiator has logically arranged controls that are easy to reach. The classic Jeep upright driving position works well here, and the superior backseat space is a real advantage over rival crew-cab pickups. The Gladiator Rubicon, which is the trim we tested, is tall and difficult to climb into, but ample grab handles and wide-opening doors make it easier. And did we mention it's a convertible?
Visibility out of the front and rear is excellent, and drivers can easily place their tires where they need to go. A standard rearview camera can be paired with an optional forward-looking one meant for crawling over obstacles off-road.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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How’s the tech? The Gladiator's big center touchscreen is easy to see in all lighting conditions and responds quickly to your touches. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard. But the Gladiator falters when it comes to advanced driver assist systems. Jeep offers the basics, such as blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control, but little beyond that.
Towing and Storage
7.5/10
How are the towing and storage? The Gladiator provides strong tow ratings (even the Rubicon) and ample payload capacity. Its bed is thoughtfully designed, with low bedsides and a power-locking tailgate. If you're a frequent trailer tower, consider adding aftermarket tow mirrors since the Gladiator's narrow body means you won't be able to look past a wide load with the stock mirrors.
The rear seat's volume and folding strategy make it good for cargo and child seats alike. The Gladiator's main weak point is a lack of storage nooks for your personal items. The glovebox and center console are small, and in-door storage is nothing more than a net pocket.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
6/10
How’s the fuel economy? Just by looking at its blocky styling, you can tell the Gladiator isn't intended to be a fuel economy champ. The Gladiator with the V6 and automatic transmission gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg combined. That's a bit below what you can get from other midsize 4WD pickups.
Value
6.5/10
Is the Gladiator a good value? The Gladiator is nicely built but expensive compared to other midsize trucks. That's especially true if you get carried away with a lot of options. But you are getting a very capable truck in return. Jeep's warranty coverage is average for a mainstream automaker.
Wildcard
9/10
It's a Jeep Wrangler pickup. Need we say more? Yes, you give up a bit of off-road capability when you go from a four-door Wrangler to this. But if you start from the point of view of "I need a truck," this one oozes outdoor fun and Jeep personality. Competitors like the Colorado and Tacoma offer more in the way of day-to-day comfort for the casual truck buyer but can't match the adventure-ready nature of the Gladiator.
Which Gladiator does Edmunds recommend?
For our money, the Willys is the best value of the Gladiator lineup. It has a few meaningful off-road upgrades over the base Sport, including rock rails, a locking rear differential, and 32-inch tires, without requiring the full financial commitment of the Rubicon.
2022 Jeep Gladiator Sport S 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
I highly recommend the Sport S with the Max Tow Package. Torquey and smooth, the automatic 8-speed transmission is pretty nice with the trusty 3.6 L V6. It's a real hauler or puller when I need it, it's articulation is great for some off road adventures and is comfortable on the highway. Plus, the sticker on my door has a rated payload of 1465 lbs! Don't let them tell you it's not "Jeep" … enough or it's not "truck" enough or it's not comfy enough. Get the customer preferred package with hard top and stick with the M+S rated all terrains for smooth and quiet daily driving. This is a perfect niche vehicle for some people!
Prior to purchase of our new '22 Gladiator Willy's Sport, we were previously looking at a new JL '22 Wrangler 2 door Willy's to replace a '14 Jeep Patriot (2.4l, 4WD, 5spd manual). We had thought we had what we wanted sorted out, particularly being a Manual Transmission and were planning to special order the Wrangler, but we wanted to test drive a manual beforehand. A local dealer had … only one manual transmission truck on the lot, a '22 Gladiator Mojave (3.6l, 4.10 rear, 6spd manual). That's where we learned the master cylinder for the manual trans used in the JT & JL's has horrible feel. It's easy enough, but lacks feel for the engagement point. Also, the manual trans gearing is way too tall for the final gear ratios selected. If it had 4.88's stock, it would be a lot better with the manual, literally too tall to use 6th on the highway unless you're breaking the speed limit. We did come away with a great appreciation for Gladiator itself since it could actually replace two vehicles instead of one and decided to further investigate and test drive an 8spd Automatic one.
It's a completely different truck with the well matched gear ratios of the 8spd Automatic transmission, even with the base diff 3.73 final gearing. We tested several others, including a base Sport model (3.73 rear) with a manual 6spd again just to confirm the clutch feel was that way across the board and a Sport S with the Max Tow package (4.10 gearing & 8spd automatic trans, stiffer suspension/firmer truck like ride, etc) to narrow down the drivetrain options. We decided on the base gas 3.6l Willy's Sport, with the 8spd automatic and factory tow hitch as the only options. With these trucks, there's only 4wd, even stock you get dual Dana 44 rears. The Willys package adds a Limited Slip Rear differential, aluminum rims w/ mud terrain tires, rock rails and appearance features like a blacked out grill & bumper, tinted windows, painted fenders and retro decals.
What makes these specials compared to their other mid-size counterparts isn't entirely about what you get with them, but what they don't come with. Manual windows, manual locks, manual seats, manual transfer case (less to fail), basic screen display, actual manual knob controls instead of the screen, basic & functional plastic interior, minimal Nanny Devices, etc. Simple & durable over the long haul. As for what comes standard, Dana 44 solid front & rear axles, 3.73 gearing, A/C, Cruise Control (an option on almost all other mid size trucks), 4/7 way trailer wiring, floor drains, lockable interior storage, LED bed lights, trans/fuel tank skids, a convertible top, 8 speaker stereo std, brake-lock diffs, etc. Let's not forget that it's the most capable 4WD mid-size truck, even the base models work well off-road and the aftermarket support if you want to modify is endless.
This isn't the truck for everyone. Those that basically want a car with a truck bed or expect that level of luxury & quietness may not like the simplicity of the Gladiator. The Gladiator is like a New-Old truck, just refined. It's narrow enough (just like the JL) and has the right running gear to get into some serious off-roading, and the electronics don't get in the way while doing so unlike other brands. It rides superbly well for a solid front axle vehicle. The windshields are prone to cracking from stones due to the angle. There is some extra noise, especially with a soft top, but it's much less then you'd expect short of when it's raining. The exterior door hinges are prone to chipping paint sheerly because of the fact that they are designed for easy removal and stick out. The 3.6l V6 is a little chattery, but it's normal and runs well. Oil changes are a breeze with the top mount oil filter. Also, the heater in these is exceptionally good! Heats up very quickly and will literally fry your fingers like a hot dog. The standard 8 speaker stereo sounds fantastic. The Android Auto and screen are easy to use. The back-up camera is very clear. The soft top is very easy to drop on a nice day and makes clear warm night drives extra special. The hard top panels are easy to remove too. The fuel economy is exceptional for a 4,700 pound truck with a non-direct injected gas engine. I'm getting 18mpg on stock running gear in the city & 22 unladden on the highway. It tows my 3,000.lb loaded trailer without breaking a sweat (the 8spd auto/gas V6/3.73 gearing max tow capacity at 6,000.lbs). The ZF 8spd auto is one of the best modern "too many gears" automatics. It's always in the correct gear for the situation, doesn't "hunt" around or automatically upshift to 8th when you're barely spinning enough RPM's for 5th. It'll automatically downshift to use engine braking on declines as well. Shifting is smooth. The manual transfer case shifts better as it gets used (breaks in/meshes between range shifting) and works as it should. Fit & finish is better than my decades worth of GM's (which I still own, LOL). Seats are firm but comfortable. The rears are easy to fold-up or remove.
Also should note, they are built at the original Willy's-Overland plant in Toledo, OH where all the Wranglers and the original Gladiator trucks were built.
After 5,000 miles, and more than a few of those earning a few Jeep Honor Trail badges and clambering off-road, it's holding up exceptionally well. No trips back to the dealer for warranty issues yet either.
It's everything you need and nothing you don't.
Love it so far
5 out of 5 stars
Treemanrick, 04/09/2022
2022 Jeep Gladiator Sport S 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
I drove it from Richmond Va. to Orlando fl. And back. The average was 30.1 mpg. Not bad. Got the deal from Dotta Chrysler Jeep in Pa. They delivered to Richmond. Va. I asked a little more for my trade and they agreed. Chris is a working sales guy. A regular guy. No hype. See Chris. It is a sport s diesel. Not a choice on Edmonds.
It’s really nice and fits my needs I like it a lot and I was able to custom build my gladiator. I didn’t want the power windows or locks because I like taking my doors off and don’t want to have power cord issues
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Jeep Gladiator, so we've included reviews for other years of the Gladiator since its last redesign.
Rivian R1T vs. Jeep Gladiator Off-Road Comparison Test | Can a Rivian Outdo a Jeep on the Trails?
NOTE: This video is about the 2023 Jeep Gladiator, but since the 2025 Jeep Gladiator is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
The Jeep Gladiator is effectively a truck version of the Jeep Wrangler SUV. It's a little longer and has a 5-foot cargo bed but it otherwise carries every bit of the no-holds-barred approach of its spiritual donor. And as bonus, you can remove the Gladiator's roof to get a full in-the-sun motoring experience. It's the only truck in its class to have this feature. For 2025, we expect the Gladiator will get another distinctive feature: a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Edmunds spotlight: What to expect from a Gladiator 4xe hybrid
Jeep hasn't released official specs but the Gladiator 4xe (pronounced "4-by-e," naturally) will likely use the same gas-electric setup as the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and 17.3-kWh battery combining for 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. That's a robust upgrade on the current Gladiator's V6 low-end grunt, an 80% torque increase that should make leaving stoplights more exciting. We'll have to wait for the Gladiator 4xe's towing specs, but we'd expect it to pull as much as the Grand Cherokee — 6,000 pounds — if not more. The current Gladiator tops out at 7,000 pounds. Extra low-end power on the trail and savings at the pump should also boost the Gladiator 4xe's appeal. The Wrangler 4xe is rated at 49 miles per gallon equivalent (mpg-e) and can travel up to 22 miles on battery power, while the Grand Cherokee can go 26 miles and gets 56 mpg-e. We'd expect the Gladiator to fall somewhere in between.
Competitors to consider
Top competing midsize trucks include the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon and Toyota Tacoma. All have had recent redesigns and are available with dedicated off-road versions to go up against the Gladiator Rubicon. The Tacoma offers a hybrid powertrain but no plug-in option for charging the battery on its own. The Gladiator will be the only available midsize plug-in pickup, for a little while anyway. Check back in the coming months for more information about the Gladiator as it becomes available.
Edmunds says
We won't be surprised to see a Jeep Gladiator 4xe materialize for 2025. Check back with us for all the updates as we find out more.
FAQ
Is the Jeep Gladiator a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 Gladiator both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.6 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 Gladiator gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 43 reviews) And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Jeep Gladiator. Learn more
What's new in the 2025 Jeep Gladiator?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Jeep Gladiator:
Manual transmission has been discontinued
Part of the first Gladiator generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the Jeep Gladiator is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Gladiator. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Gladiator's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 Jeep Gladiator a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Jeep Gladiator is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 Gladiator and gave it a 7.6 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 Gladiator gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 43 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 Gladiator is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Jeep Gladiator?
The least-expensive 2025 Jeep Gladiator is the 2025 Jeep Gladiator Sport 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $38,100.
Other versions include:
Sport 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $38,100
Nighthawk 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB w/Prod. End 02/25 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $40,895
Sport S 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $41,600
High Tide 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $43,800
Texas Trail 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $43,800
Big Bear 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $43,800
Willys 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $45,200
Rubicon 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $51,100
Mojave 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $51,100
Rubicon X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $61,100
Mojave X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $61,100
If you're interested in the Jeep Gladiator, the next question is, which Gladiator model is right for you? Gladiator variants include Sport 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Nighthawk 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB w/Prod. End 02/25 (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Sport S 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), and High Tide 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A). For a full list of Gladiator models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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