The 2022 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.
Sport trim gets 7-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration standard
All other trims get the previously optional 8.4-inch screen, Alpine audio system and onboard navigation standard
Part of the first Gladiator generation introduced in 2019
What is the Wrangler?
If you're not sure if you want a Jeep Wrangler or a pickup truck, Jeep offers a combination of both! The Gladiator debuted in 2019 and immediately established itself as one of the most rugged and capable off-roaders on the market. As an added bonus, you even can get it with a convertible top. There are a near infinite number of ways to option a Gladiator, from a bare-bones off-roader with manual crank windows to an ultra-overlander equipped with a torquey diesel engine and creature comforts such as adaptive cruise control and heated seats.
Since the Gladiator is relatively new to the market, we don't foresee any significant changes on the horizon for 2022 apart from minor tweaks to standard and optional feature content. That doesn't mean we don't have our fingers crossed for the Jeep Wrangler's available 6.4-liter V8 to find its way into the Gladiator. Rest assured, we'll keep our eyes open for any and every possible update for the 2022 Jeep Gladiator.
Edmunds says
Off-road trucks don't come more capable than the Jeep Gladiator. We like its available diesel engine, useful cargo bed, near endless array of personalization options, and its unique, throwback styling. Keep it locked to Edmunds for all the updates on Jeep's toughest truck.
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.
Perfect for me
5 out of 5 stars
Dan Hirvi, 04/22/2022
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 Jeep Gladiator, so we've included reviews for other years of the Gladiator since its last redesign.
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