Gladiator Off-road Capability

[LostAndStranded]

So I’m in a Colorado ZR2 currently but am looking for a gladiator for the better off-road performance and easier mods like lifting it and fitting larger tires. Was just curious how impressed you are with your gladiator off road, it’s going to be my do it all vehicle so I need some utility but would also like to be able to off-road some moderate to harder trails. I know all about the wheelbase and all that stuff so no need to go into that but I need a bed and to be able to tow so a wrangler really isn’t an option. Thanks!

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[ALVagabond]

If you're familiar with Wranglers, a Gladiator will be almost but not quite as capable due to being a bit longer.

That said, a stock Gladiator will be very capable. You won't have any problems with moderate trails. With a few mods, you shouldn't have trouble with difficult trails either.

 

[JTenn]

I traded my 16 Z71 colorado for my Willys Gladiator a year ago. I haven't looked back. This Gladiator is so capable and it's a blast to take off road. I dont have any idea what your needs are but it sounds like you do some off roading. That being said my only suggestion (if you off road regularly) get a Rubicon or Mohave for the lockers. I didn't get lockers and I will be adding some shortly. You're on a forum full of Gladiator enthusiasts so you're gonna get biased answers. Don't let all the problems scare you away. There's WAY more good stories you never hear about than the few bad ones you do. Yeah there are some issues but show me an auto maker that doesn't have them. If you like a truck that doesn't look like every other truck on the road, you're in the right spot. If you get one be ready to get your wallet out. The mod bug lives in these trucks. Good luck and welcome.

 

[jay21mojave]

Have not really off roaded .. not into the Rock Crawl thing; that's mostly what is at the OVH parks here. It was great on a 5.500 mile trip to the Grand Canyon last summer.. Here is a good series on the Mojave on uTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FarFromOrdinary

 

[Chief_jeep]

Insanely impressed with the gladiator off-road and on road. Wouldn’t trade it for any other vehicle. It’s endlessly modifiable to whatever your needs are plus it’s a ton of fun to drive. There are things about it I don’t love, like the white non insulated roof, but that is a fairly easy fix.

 

[Gvsukids]

So I’m in a Colorado ZR2 currently but am looking for a gladiator for the better off-road performance and easier mods like lifting it and fitting larger tires. Was just curious how impressed you are with your gladiator off road, it’s going to be my do it all vehicle so I need some utility but would also like to be able to off-road some moderate to harder trails. I know all about the wheelbase and all that stuff so no need to go into that but I need a bed and to be able to tow so a wrangler really isn’t an option. Thanks!

We're biased, you should probably ask in another forum. The ride won't be the same.

 

[AZCooWhip]

What kind of off roading are we talking here ?

And yes ….the Gladiator is very capable.

 

[guarnibl]

So I’m in a Colorado ZR2 currently but am looking for a gladiator for the better off-road performance and easier mods like lifting it and fitting larger tires. Was just curious how impressed you are with your gladiator off road, it’s going to be my do it all vehicle so I need some utility but would also like to be able to off-road some moderate to harder trails. I know all about the wheelbase and all that stuff so no need to go into that but I need a bed and to be able to tow so a wrangler really isn’t an option. Thanks!

Goes everywhere my Wrangler on 40’s goes. Just gotta lift it a bit more and understand the bed will scrape. Lines are a bit different, too. Love my truck.

 

[Terry]

So I’m in a Colorado ZR2 currently but am looking for a gladiator for the better off-road performance and easier mods like lifting it and fitting larger tires. Was just curious how impressed you are with your gladiator off road, it’s going to be my do it all vehicle so I need some utility but would also like to be able to off-road some moderate to harder trails. I know all about the wheelbase and all that stuff so no need to go into that but I need a bed and to be able to tow so a wrangler really isn’t an option. Thanks!

I look at it this way. If my Gladiator can get me in and then get me out safely, then it has performed as advertised and to my expectations.... and I've never been disapointed.

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

My two finalists for this truck were a ZR2 and JT Mojave. I felt the JT had a better interior, better back seats, better front seats, and was nicer to drive. The ZR2 had a little better suspension on pavement with the multimatic shocks but it didn’t make up for everything else. Plus I got a manual, so there’s that….

 

[Glad Jeeper]

We have owned everything from POC vehicles to high end luxury and my Mojave is by far the best vehicle we have owned. We use it 80%-85% pavement pounder and the rest overlanding and beach running. More than capable to do what we put it through...

 

[ShadowsPapa]

 

[Chocolyle]

Rubicon w/Manual Trans Stock Suspension: 4 LO, locked F/R 3rd Gear and it just goes. Hasn't let me down yet, haven't had to use the winch yet. 1st Jeep, still excited when I see it in the driveway.

Also, I think it rides fantastic but it is solid axle so wash board will make you pucker at speed. Fit and finish is top notch too.

Bonus, door and roof come off, whole other world!

 

[PlayfulBird]

Proper Armor and a winch and I reckon with time and patience you can get anywere with a few going around it rather than through it

 

[legacy_etu]

Rube. Clearly he didn’t engage Duck mode!

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