The Jeep Gladiator models are starting to arrive at our dealership, and we know folks will be clamoring to get behind the wheel of this truck that's finally returned after a decades-long hiatus.

Fans will immediately notice the similarities between the Jeep Gladiator truck and the Jeep Wrangler SUV. The two models have much in common, but there are some differences to keep in mind.

The Exterior & Interior

From the front the Gladiator and Wrangler are a spitting image, but from the side the changes are quite different, as the Gladiator has a five-foot truck bed. This makes the Gladiator 219-inches long, whereas the Wrangler (four-door) is 188-inches long. The Gladiator also has a longer wheelbase. Both models are the same width and height. The model's cabins have the same looks, so if we don't have a Gladiator on hand that day you can sit inside the Wrangler to get an accurate feel.


Both the Gladiator and the Wrangler have near similar trim-levels, but there are some subtle changes in the naming conventions. If you choose a more luxurious trim, on the Wrangler it's called the Sahara and on the Gladiator it's called the Overland. The other trims - the Sport, Sport S, and top-level Rubicon - have the same names.


The most off-road-worthy trims are the Rubicon, and when you compare the models they have the same ratings and features. The longer wheelbase might be a deterrent to some off-road aficionados, but the Gladiator still has best-in-class, rough-and-tumble capabilities, and it'll surely teach the Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado off-roading trims how it's done.


The Wrangler currently has two engines. There's a 3.6L V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft torque or a 2.0L turbocharged engine with 270 horsepower and 295 torque. An upcoming diesel 3.0L V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft torque is in the works, and there are still rumors about a plug-in hybrid option for city drivers. Since the Gladiator is in its first year back, it'll arrive with a more modest, one-engine lineup, and you'll get the 3.6L V6.


Since the Gladiator is a midsize truck, it naturally has towing chops. When properly equipped, the Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 on most trims and up to 7,000 pounds on the Rubicon. This is a big difference from the Wrangler which tops out at a max of 3,500 pounds.

If you're sure unsure which one is right for you, stop into our dealership to test drive both the Jeep Gladiator and the Jeep Wrangler!

Categories: New Inventory