The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is a More Capable Truck Than You Think
You shouldn’t pass on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator because it’s a Jeep truck. It has more muscle than you think for work and play. Once you read about the Gladiator, you may be surprised at how capable it really is.
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is one capable truck
According to Kelley Blue Book, the Jeep Gladiator uses the rear suspension of the Ram 1500 to broaden its capabilities. So, it’s not just a Wrangler truck. It combines the best of both the Wrangler and truck world.
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 lb when properly equipped. It has almost the best in class towing. The Chevy Colorado has the best in class towing with the ability to tow up to 7,700 lb when properly equipped. So the Gladiator is only 50 lb behind.
But what about the Toyota Tacoma? We won’t knock it as an excellent off-roading beast. However, it can only tow up to 6,800 lb. This is probably plenty of power for the average tower, but the Gladiator can tow almost 1,000 lb more.
The Gladiator can be a daily driver
The base engine in the Jeep Gladiator is a 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar option with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. According to Car And Driver, it took about 7.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. So, it’s not a slow, lumbering beast.
We know that its boxy shape isn’t the best for aerodynamics, but this truck can still go. Kelley Blue Book said that the Gladiator can pass others with ease during daily commutes. Car and Driver tested the Jeep Gladiator Overland model with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
You can also choose a six-speed manual transmission or upgrade to the 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. This also improves the fuel economy to an EPA estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Jeeps are thought of as slow and for having a rough ride. However, the Gladiator has a wheelbase that is 19.4 inches, which is longer than the Wrangler’s. This helps to improve the ride and handling.
While it is improved, the ride is still a little bumpy, and the steering isn’t exactly precise. But it’s off-roading suspension affects the ride while also making it one heck of an off-roading ready truck. The Toyota Tacoma also has a bumpy ride.
The Gladiator has plenty of storage
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator can carry a payload of up to 1,600 lb, which is right on par with rivals. For example, the Ford Ranger can also carry a payload of up to 1,600 lb. However, the Jeep Gladiator only offers a bed that’s 60-inches long while rivals offer longer options.
The Gladiator also has the largest backseat in the segment. It has the most space for adults to sit comfortably. There are 38.2 inches of legroom in the rear seats. Plus, there is a lockable storage box under the rear seat, and the seats fold flat.
Storage bins for your phone and accessories are conveniently placed throughout the cabin. If you feel like you need more space, remove the hard top panel or doors. Also, the soft top is extremely easy to remove. We hope it gets a power top soon though.
