2023 Jeep Gladiator Crew Cab

　　

2023 Jeep Gladiator Review

byRyan ZumMallenContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　There are normal midsize pickup trucks, and then there is the 2023 Jeep Gladiator. Now entering its fourth year on the market, the Gladiator is effectively a truck version of the Jeep Wrangler SUV, and it carries every bit of the no-holds-barred approach of its spiritual donor. Two versions of the Gladiator are mainly intended for everyday use on the street, but its most natural forms are the other two versions that make the most of its impressive ground clearance and rugged demeanor: the robust, rock-crawling Rubicon and the dune-ripping Mojave.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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) - $38,775 MSRPWillys Sport 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB w/Prod. End 04/23 (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $40,615 MSRPSport S 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M) (Most Popular) - $42,475 MSRPWillys 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $46,220 MSRPOverland 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $46,580 MSRPFreedom 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB w/Prod. End 04/23 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $47,000 MSRPTexas Trail 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $48,320 MSRPRubicon 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $50,995 MSRPMojave 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $50,995 MSRPHigh Altitude 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $54,080 MSRP

　　vs

　　$219/mo

　　Avg. Compact Truck

　　For 2023, Jeep is introducing a new package it's calling the Freedom special edition. Like the Willys model, the Freedom Edition is a package available on the Gladiator Sport rather than its own separate trim. Changes for the Freedom model include LED headlights and taillights, body-color fender flares, a winch-capable steel bumper, steel rock rails and black wheels with all-terrain tires. Other updates for 2023 are small but include additional features for some trims.

　　The Gladiator's intrinsic capability separates the truck from its competitors. Its emphasis on hardcore capability out of the box and is the big reason why you'd choose a Gladiator over say a Chevrolet Colorado or Toyota Tacoma. However, the refinement and comfort do suffer a bit as a result. Check out our Expert Rating below to read our test team's full evaluation of the 2023 Gladiator.

　　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.

　　Average

　　7.5

　　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. Other midsize trucks are easier and less tedious to drive.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below