Do Gladiators Ride Smoother Than Wranglers?

[Sandman 4x4]

Curious what your opinion is? Do Gladiators have a smoother ride than Wranglers? Longer wheelbase would suggest so however some people say with an empty truck bed they are actually a little bouncy and rude rougher. I'm considering going from a Wrangler to a Gladiator but would really prefer a smoother ride. Thx

If a smooth ride on city streets, light off road, highways to beaches are your biggest concern? Then I suggest you take a Gladiator Sport S, without the Max Tow/Payload Package for a ride, especially with the 245/75-17 HT tires on the alloy wheels. Because mine has to be the best riding truck that I’ve ever owned with 4x4! Yes the rear is a little bouncy when empty, but add a few hundred pounds, just enough to leave enough payload left for 4 adults if need be and that’s a sweet spot for the ride. When it’s time to replace the shocks I’m planning on using Bilstein 5100’s with no lift or leveling, but they do offer an extra inch in overall length that equates to a little longer travel, that helps the ride considerably over speed bumps and potholes, never mind off road. Tires are also important for a good ride, just use passenger tires and no LT, heavier weight rating tires. I would say the Michelin LTX is the best ride/quality option.

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[Rubicon Runnin' Bob]

Prior to purchasing my 2023 JT Sport, I owned a 2007 JKU Sport, and then a 2013 JKU Sport (both bought new)

Between the 2 JKU's I put somewhere around 275,000 (+/-) miles on them

After 13 months with my 2023 JT Sport I feel comfortable in saying that the ride of my 2023 JT is superior to either of my JKU's, my wife has said the same.

The longer wheelbase certainly plays a part in that, I would think

Sample size = 2

 

[Labswine]

I can't make the Gladiator to Wrangler comparison as I've never had nor, ridden in a Wrangler.

I have pretty much had only Grand Cherokees in the past and, currently also have a 2019 GC Ltd. (built, 6/19).

My Overland (ordered 5/19, delivered 7/19) in my opinion actually rides nicer than my Grand Cherokee Ltd. I also find the seats (cloth) in my JT are also more comfortable than the GC on long trips which is important because my JT is also my tow vehicle for my travel trailer.

The nicest GC ride I had was in my '08 GC Overland (Hemi) and, those seats were some of the most comfortable car seats I ever had the privilege of parking my keester in.

 

[Light]

My Mojave rides the best of the Jeeps I have owned, including Gladiator max tow sport s, JKU rubicon, and JKU rubicon recon.

Agreed

 

[Sweetums]

I can say that ours rides significantly better than the Wrangler.

Granted, that's a 2005 LJ...

 

[sharpsicle]

No

Yes

 

[Jaxmax]

Our non lifted 21 Mojave rides better then my wife’s 2019 JL Sahara both loaded. Mojave ride better without the cap on and rides even better with the cap on. I think it is the wheelbase difference…..Jack

 

[usncrbi]

When I test drove different models of Gladiators the Mojave was noticeably the best riding and what I went with based on how I intended to use it. I need a truck for utility purposes, beach driving in the summer to go fishing, and logging trails in the winter to go hunting. My Daughter bought a 2015 JK which was a much less comfortable ride. Unfortunately she was hit head on (everyone was ok) and insurance totaled it, so she replaced it with a 2016 JKU. I just put new Bilstein 4800 shocks on the otherwise stock JKU and it rides really nice. The edge goes to my Mojave, but not by much. The Mojave hits the bump stops more often which can be a nuisance.

Like someone already said, just pick the one you want based on utility and planned use. If you want a comfortable riding truck the Mojave is awesome. If you don't need a truck I have no doubt a JLU would still ride great based on my experience with the JK's.

Good luck with the decision!

 

[DylanM]

In my opinion, yes, but your opinion may differ. Best that you test drive both and make a determination for yourself.

 

[cybercat]

That depends."
"Depends on what, Dex?"
"On how good your manners are … how big your pocketbook is."

 

[Janster]

The question should be.... Do you want/need a truck????

 

[Stan H]

Yes

Possibly I should have said in stock form.
My Wrangler swayed left to right ,in the same token so didn't the Gladiator, the Gladiator also after 25-30k the front end started bobbing and bottoming out. I feel as though for smoothness my JKU was way smoother on rough roads in stock form
Now after upgrading the suspension and installation of a lift and Falcon shocks . It's leaps and bounds above both iterations in original stock form. IMHO

 

[jeepdan]

Traded a 2016 JKU for my 2020 Gladiator Overland. Both stock, no mods.
Gladiator rides better, but steering is worse.

 

[Speeder757]

Thanks for all the replies. Sorry I should have mentioned I have a Rubicon with the 35" tire pkg. I was looking into a Gladiator Mohave which I would also add 35" tires to. My Rubicon seems really wollowee and bumpy on stock 35 KO2's. I was hoping to smooth out the ride a bit as I have a 45 minute commute.

 

[ScottBeach]

Mojave will be smoother . Test drive the Mojave. Find one with leather also. Seat comfort matters

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