The 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is very easy to like. This burly off-road machine does almost anything the Jeep Wrangler can do, but it's also a practical pickup with a useful bed design and healthy payload and tow ratings. Inside, the cabin is nicely trimmed and easy to live with. It offers a more spacious back seat than any of its closest rivals too. And don't forget: It's the only convertible pickup.
Look! Up there on the ridge. It's a truck! No, it's a Jeep. Wait, no, it's both. The Jeep Gladiator is classified as a midsize pickup, but it's certainly not your typical truck. It's probably easier to think of it as a longer four-door Wrangler with a 5-foot cargo bed in place of the traditional cargo area. As such, the Gladiator isn't quite as capable in the wilderness as a Wrangler. Nor is it as maximally utilitarian as some other midsize trucks. But it does get you a unique mix of the two.
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AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1C6JJTBG6ML543149 Stock: 27726142 Certified Pre-Owned: No
The Jeep Gladiator enters its third year of production in 2021. Notable for this year is a new optional diesel engine. This 3.0-liter diesel V6 provides 260 horsepower and a stout 442 lb-ft of torque. More than just an extra powertrain choice, this addition gives the Gladiator even greater appeal if you're one for road-tripping or overlanding and want the most range possible out of your rig.
Is the 2021 Gladiator right for you? Read our Expert Rating below for our in-depth take on what's great and what's not so great about this distinctive midsize pickup.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.9
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Jeep Gladiator on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7/10
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. Overall, though, it's easier to drive than a Wrangler.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Gladiator? There's no getting around the fact that its heavy solid-axle front suspension compromises ride comfort. You'll feel the Gladiator wiggle and jiggle 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
8/10
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 ease the process. 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 off-road.
Technology
8.5/10
How’s the tech? The infotainment touchscreen has attractive graphics and quick response times. It's also easy to use thanks to a logical mixture of fixed buttons, knobs and touchscreen controls. Sound quality from the optional Alpine stereo is satisfactorily crisp. The Gladiator's available advanced driver aids work well too.
Towing and Storage
8.5/10
How are the towing and storage? The Gladiator excels compared to rivals with a strong tow rating (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 glove box and center console are small, and in-door storage is nothing more than a net pocket.
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 EPA estimates the Gladiator with the V6 and automatic transmission gets 19 mpg combined. That's on par with other six-cylinder-equipped midsize 4WD pickups.
Jeep doesn't offer a more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine option, though the new diesel V6 is promising for maximizing fuel economy.
Value
7/10
Is the Gladiator a good value? The Gladiator is nicely built but expensive. A manual transmission is standard across the board, which is great if you want one but hides the fact that you'll pay around $2,000 out of the gate to get an automatic before you add any real options. Warranty coverage is decidedly average.
Wildcard
9/10
It's a Jeep Wrangler pickup. Need we say more? Yes, you give up some 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. Jeep really did it right.
2021 Jeep Gladiator trim level differences
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is a five-passenger, four-door midsize truck. It only comes in a crew-cab configuration that's available in four trim levels: Sport, Overland, Rubicon and Mojave. All come with a 5-foot cargo bed and four-wheel drive. Compare the 2021 Jeep Gladiator trim levels in-depth.
Which Gladiator trim does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend the Gladiator in the midlevel Overland trim. Beyond the bare-bones base Sport trim, it offers power windows and locks as well as a larger infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, and access to most of Jeep's optional features. But we certainly wouldn't blame buyers for gravitating toward the Rubicon and Mojave trim levels since they offer a uniquely high level of rock-crawling and desert-hopping capability.
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 7 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
7 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
24V652000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
30B
Number of vehicles affected:
32863
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Defect Consequence:
An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 30B.
Recall Number:
24V572000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
92B
Number of vehicles affected:
94
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under NHTSA recall number 23V-116. The software for the powertrain control module may cause an engine stall, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Defect Consequence:
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 92B. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-116 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Recall Number:
23V263000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
01A
Number of vehicles affected:
45832
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and 2022-2023 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail.
Defect Consequence:
Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the HPFP and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 01A.
Recall Number:
23V116000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
19A
Number of vehicles affected:
69201
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Defect Consequence:
Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software on the vehicle that mitigates all safety risks related to the clutch assembly, free of charge. Interim owner letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 6, 2023. Owners will receive a second notice once remedy parts become available. FCA US will notify dealers and begin notifying owners, in phases, starting with the 2023 model year vehicles on or about 11/30/2023, 12/19/2023 for 2018 model year vehicles, 04/18/2024 for 2019 model year vehicles, 06/04/2024 for 2020 model year vehicles, 07/02/2024 for 2021 model year vehicles, and 08/01/2024 for 2022 model year vehicles. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Recall Number:
22V767000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
Z96
Number of vehicles affected:
60413
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
Defect Consequence:
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
Recall Number:
22V638000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
Z86
Number of vehicles affected:
7895
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.
Recall Number:
21V028000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
Y01
Number of vehicles affected:
42887
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Defect Consequence:
Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Recall is expected to begin March 19, 2021.
2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport S 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
I have been a mid size truck guy for many years. The mid sized trucks fits my life better than the full sized. Yes I 've owned both. The Gladiator checks off more boxes than anything else has....ever. The back seats are actually comfortable and that is rare in a mid-size. The front seating area is great. Plenty of room, easy to read gauges and display. Everything within reach and … easy to use. It tows a considerable amount. Although it is a truck it still looks and feels like a Jeep. I love that! Also the roof and doors pop off and the windshield folds down. How cool is that? Does it go everywhere a Wrangle can go? No. Does it fit everything a full size truck can fit? No. You know why? Because its not a Wrangler or a FS truck. What it does, and does perfectly, is blend the two to give you the best of both worlds.
UPDATE after 1 year of ownership: First lets talk about quality. This truck has NEVER had to go back to the dealer for anything other than an oil change. I am getting about 23 MPG on the highway. This truck has exceeded my expectations in every way. When I needed to buy a new stove, it fit right in. Taking out the ATVs? No problem towing at all. Family, groceries and dog all fit with no problems. It's like a Swiss Army knife. It does so many things you cant belive its only one vehicle.
Edmunds does not show the option for the diesel engine? Anyway so far 1000 miles into the ownership, no mechanical issues so far but on delivery the C pillar on the cab had a large swell in it. This really showed up since its the painted cab in Snazzberry Pearl. At first the dealer was going to have this fixed by swapping out the cab with another Gladiator but when they wanted FCA … approval they were turned down. FCA said "this is a commercially acceptable flaw"? First time I have ever heard that on a new car. Anyways the dealership ended up repairing and all is good now. I test drove a few different PentaStar V6 models before driving the EcoDiesel, what a difference! The gas V6 has decent power off the line and around the city but for highway driving the diesel transforms this truck. Even pushing a strong headwind the transmission just holds 8th gear, doesn't hunt for gears like the gas motor. The diesel does have less towing rating than the gas motor. Because it is a Jeep the aftermarket selection of suspension/wheels/decals/lighting....is just awesome. The High Altitude trim has the nicest interior, does lack the off road suspension and off-road based tires that the Rubicon/Mojave have. The trade off is the best handling Gladiator in the city and highway driving, the front end grip with the 275/55/20 tires is very impressive. The overall ride has a large truck feel to it, doesn't feel light and jittery like other mid-sized trucks
For some areas to improve: The front seats do not have enough travel to them, long legged folks will feel cramped when driving. The steering is vague, worse when fitted with taller tires. Aftermarket kits can improve this but should be addressed by FCA. The bed is very shallow compared to the other mid-sized trucks. The next comment will have Jeep fans a little mad but while this is a Wrangler based truck I think FCA should add a solid non-removable cab and an one-piece cab as options.
More bells and whistles than a 737. If you leave the instruction manual out of the vehicle, the gas mileage increases 2 mpg. I'm a tech guy but this thing is awsome. I haven't went off road yet but I'm sure it will handle everything I throw at it. I have the Gladiator Mohave model, Solid Black inside and out. Eight Speed Transmission and I hope it will pull my bass boat with ease. Right … now with 400 miles on it I will give it 5 stars. Thanks for reading.
I got a 2021 Willys edition Gladiator and I love it. It has several features of the more expensive models ( shocks, rock rails, wheels, and more) . It IS a Jeep AND a truck so it can be a stiff ride on back roads, but it is quite comfortable on the main roads.
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