Jeep owns many of the top 10 spots of America's most popular vehicles list, and the new 2021 Jeep Gladiator is no exception. When introduced, the Jeep Gladiator was the first time the brand had offered a vehicle with a bed in nearly 30 years. Now, recreational users and offroaders are thrilled about the Gladiator's new diesel-engine option and Mojave desert setup.
From the Jeep's invention in the 1940s to its massive popularity with adventurers today, the Jeep Gladiator continues its tradition of quality and offroad handling. Plus, the Gladiator gives you the cargo space and towing capacity to bring everything you need on your next expedition.
The following article will break down the 2021 Jeep Gladiator and discuss its new features and what makes the model unique, even among Jeeps.
Under the Hood
The Jeep Gladiator comes standard with a 3.6 liter, 285-hp V6 that offers an impressive 260 pounds of torque. The 285 horsepower engine comes with a six-speed manual transition or an eight-speed automatic.
For 2021, Jeep adds a 3.0-liter V-6 diesel to the Gladiator's list of options. The diesel engine produces 442 pounds of torque and 260 horsepower.
This extra twist gives the Gladiator the towing capacity that its Wrangler cousins lack while also allowing it to handle steep inclines.
The standard Gladiator gas engine, with the manual transmission, gets 16 mpg for city driving and 23 on the highway. Take on the automatic transmission, and your city mileage improves to 16 mpg while your highway drops off a mile per gallon.
However, if you opt for the diesel version of the Gladiator, you'll see your city and highway miles spike to 21 and 27 mpg, respectively. In addition, the Jeep Gladiator sports the EcoDiesel technology, which CDJR boasts brings 25 percent more fuel efficiency.
Handling and Ride
The Gladiator's mid-sized pickup classification puts it in heady company, like the Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, and Toyota Tacoma. And these brands are popular trucks with not only off-roaders but commuters.
But just because the Gladiator looks like a Wrangler with a small truck bed doesn't mean it rides like one. The truck has a wider wheelbase than the Wrangler, which helps make it a smoother ride. The Gladiator sports an extra 19.4 inches from the front to rear axels. However, unlike the Ranger and Tacoma, the Gladiator's steering can handle not only city curves but the trail as well.
In fact, off the pavement is where the Gladiator shines, especially compared to its mid-sized truck rivals. Massive skid plates, sway bar disconnects, electronic front and rear differentials, and its excessive clearance helps the Gladiator outperform other trucks. Furthermore, the truck can swim through at least 30 inches of water without stuttering or sputtering.
Interior Setup
Already one of the best interior setups in the world of 4x4, Jeep almost directly ported over the Wrangler's poplar insides to the Gladiator. That's a major plus to purchasers. However, the truck's designers did add a couple of extras that the Wrangler can't offer due to the increased size of the Gladiator. This truck has some of the best rear-seat legroom of its class. Also, the rear seats have several fold-and-secure options - completely flat or as a shelf - that would make a contortionist proud.
As a security feature, you can also lock the backseats so they stay in place and won't fold down. This is also helpful if offroading gets dicey. Furthermore, you can also opt for a hideaway Bluetooth-enabled rear speaker that comes out of its dock so that you can power that campfire party. Plus, there's a nearly hidden compartment for storage under those rear seats.
As stated above, the rest of the interior is very much like the Wrangler. The Gladiator sports a waterproof push-button start, heated seats and steering wheel, and classic Wrangler upright dashboard.
A touchscreen display comes standard, but you'll have to upgrade to the 7 or 8.4 inches to get the popular Android Auto or Apple Car Play. As far as power options go, the Gladiator is tricked out with multiple USB and USB-C ports, a 115-volt power adapter, and many cubies to store your smaller gear and devices.
Cargo and Appearance
One of the most exciting things about owning a Gladiator is stripping it down. Like a Wrangler, you can remove the doors, the top and drop the windshield. The thrilling experience of a convertible pickup truck is darn near unbeatable.
In addition, its 5-foot cargo bed has multiple tie-downs and optional LED lighting and power options.
Trim Levels
The New 2021 Jeep Gladiator has a variety of different trims available to cater to any lifestyle.
The Sport
The Sport is your base model and lacks many of the off-road features you'll want for exploring rough terrain. However, the Sport is perfect for most family campers. The trim includes a 3.6-liter V6 engine or an optional 3.0-liter diesel. The vehicle is four-wheel drive, has a fold-down windshield and removable doors.
Sport S
The Sport S has a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power front windows, 17-inch silver aluminum wheels. It also sports automatic headlamps, LED tail lamps, an Alpine premium audio system, and a security alarm. The Sport S is available with the 3.6-liter V6 engine or optional 3.0-liter diesel.
Willys
The Willys model comes in colors like Hydro Blue and Granite Crystal, plus 32-inch BF Goodrich KM2 mud terrain tires, all-weather slush mats, and a gross black sport grill. The Willy also features a limited-slip rear differential and the Rubicon Cab Rocks rails and shocks.
Overland
With the Overland, many of the vehicle's power features are standard, including power windows, doors, mirrors, locks, etc. In addition, the Overland trim model includes the 3.6-liter V6 engine or optional 3.0-liter diesel, automatic headlights, two USB ports, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and automatic climate control.
Rubicon
The mighty Rubicon is trail-rated, and the version people have the most offroading dreams about. The Rubicon has all your luxury items plus beefy tires, better ground clearance, and body-protecting rock rails. Its features include all-terrain 33-inch tires, FOX shock absorbers, and an electronically disconnectable front stabilizer bar. The Rubican is available with the 3.6-liter V6 engine or optional 3.0-liter diesel.
80th Anniversary Edition
For Jeep's birthday, the company released this trim package that features cloth, black-diamond embossed seats, an 8.4 touchscreen, exterior trim in Neutral Gray Metallic, and special commemorative badges throughout. The 80AE also sports 18-inch alloy wheels and body-colored fenders.
Mojave
Last is the Mojave. As the name implies, this style is set up for a desert experience and is equipped accordingly. It has a transfer case geared for higher speeds so it can zip over desert terrain. The Mojave also comes with bypass shocks, hydraulic jounce bumpers, a high-speed transfer case, and a 1-inch lift.
High Altitude
At the top of the Gladiator trim levels is the High Altitude. This model includes additional cross-traffic, parking, and blind-spot safety warning features, and the leather-trimmed seats come standard. The wheels are a full 20-inches and come with a body-color hardtop and exterior accents. The High Altitude looks like a super-luxury Rubicon.
Reliability
Like many CDJR vehicles, the Gladiator comes with a limited warranty covering 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty for 60,000 miles. Furthermore, you won't have to worry about scheduled maintenance as that's covered for the first three years that you own the truck.
Test Drive the New 2021 Jeep Gladiator
The only way to truly appreciate the handling and extensive capabilities of the new 2021 Jeep Gladiator is to get behind the wheel of one. You can read all the reviews by the "professional" drivers you'd like, but until you experience the Gladiator in action, you can't know how it handles on the trail or those streets around town.
If you're ready to get behind the wheel and feel the wind in your hair? Contact us today to test drive a Gladiator or other Jeep now.
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