History/Overview
Following a long hiatus, Jeep returned to the pickup segment in 2020 with the Gladiator, a mid-size truck based on the Wrangler compact SUV. Jeep has made a handful of changes to its truck since its introduction, but it’s fundamentally the same vehicle it was at its launch.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2023, Jeep has extended its “Jeep Wave” loyalty program to Gladiator buyers. Certain trims also get a few new standard features.
Available Trims
Jeep offers the Gladiator in Sport S, Overland, Mojave, and Rubicon trims. Standard power is from a 3.6L gas V6, which options to a 3.0L turbodiesel V6. Transmissions include a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic.
Standard Features
Gladiator Sport S comes fitted with power windows/door locks, auto on/off halogen headlights/fog lights, heated side mirrors, skid plates for fuel tank/transfer case, 17-inch alloy wheels, a folding soft roof, and basic keyless entry. Inside, there’s manual A/C, driver lumbar, cruise control, an eight-speaker stereo, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen.
Overland adds 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, a solid roof, dual-zone A/C, passive keyless entry, nine-speaker audio, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation.
Mojave reverts to 17-inch wheels and the folding roof, and gains a front skid plate.
Rubicon trim adds rock rails and part-time 4WD with low-range gearing.
Key Options
Among the Gladiator’s cooler options are half-height doors.
There’s also a vast array of packages available across the Gladiator range.
An active safety group adds rear park assist and blind spot monitoring; an advanced safety bundle brings adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation.
A cold weather group brings heated seats/steering wheel and remote engine start.
Overland trim and higher offer an LED lighting group with LED headlights/fog lights/taillights. You can also add LED headlights/fog lights to Sport S trim, and, in a separate tech package, a digital gauge display, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and dual-zone A/C.
A trailer tow package adds an upgraded alternator, a Class IV hitch receiver, and heavy-duty drivetrain cooling.
Fuel Economy
Jeep’s fuel consumption estimates start at 10.8/8.5 L/100 km (city/highway) with the diesel engine, or 11.0/8.7 L/100 km in diesel-powered Rubicon models. A gas-powered Gladiator with the automatic transmission is rated for 13.7/10.7 L/100 km, while stickshift versions are ranked at 14.3/10.4 L/100 km.
Competition
The Gladiator’s chief competitors are the GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier, and Ford Ranger – especially when those trucks are equipped with off-road packages.
