2022 Jeep Gladiator

　　

2022 Jeep Gladiator Review

byReese CountsVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　For years, enthusiasts clamored for a truck version of the venerable Jeep Wrangler. A few years back, the automaker finally obliged. The 2022 Jeep Gladiator is a crew-cab pickup truck with a 5-foot cargo bed and more off-road prowess than most other vehicles you'll find on the road. From the front seats forward, the Gladiator looks and feels nearly identical to the Wrangler it's based on. And as with the Wrangler, you can remove the Gladiator's roof to get a full in-the-sun motoring experience.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Jeep Gladiator Sport 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M) 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$200/mo  for Gladiator Sport

　　Gladiator Sport

　　Sport 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $37,170 MSRPWillys Sport 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $39,480 MSRPSport S 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $40,570 MSRPAltitude 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $42,365 MSRPWillys 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $43,465 MSRPTexas Trail 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $43,715 MSRPOverland 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $44,580 MSRPRubicon 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M) (Most Popular) - $49,110 MSRPMojave 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $49,110 MSRPHigh Altitude 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $54,080 MSRP

　　vs

　　$219/mo

　　Avg. Compact Truck

　　Sounds great, right? Well, it is until it's not. The Gladiator also shares many of the Wrangler's downsides, including a noisy interior on the highway and a jiggly ride. In comparison, the Honda Ridgeline is a lot more practical and sensible, while the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma give you a balanced combo of comfort and off-road capability. Which truck should you get? Check out our test team's Expert Rating of the Gladiator to help you decide.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar 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.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below