Gladiator or Wrangler??

[Ogre_FL]

The main reason I like the Wrangler is for the Sky One Touch. Removing my old hard top was such a pain, I hated it and the gladiator doesn't have that option. Kids would love having that open air feeling

Don't even consider a hard top Gladiator.
IMO if you want open air the sun rider is too small, the freedom panels are just a little better and neither offers anything for the back seat passengers.

Go test drive a soft top and see what you think.
I find the Gladiator soft top much better than the Wranglers as there is much less noise with its smaller size and no soft side windows.
The rear window is protected by the bed (wranglers are always covered with road crud) and there is no need for the rear hatch, which is a plus about the hard top on the wrangler.

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[Raven65]

Don't even consider a hard top Gladiator.
IMO if you want open air the sun rider is too small, the freedom panels are just a little better and neither offers anything for the back seat passengers.

What? The SunRider for Hardtop offers exactly the same opening as with the Freedom panels removed (but is MUCH more convenient to use. Easily the best mod I've done to mine). It directly replaces the Freedom panels and folds up out of view of the occupants when opened. From the driver's seat, you see nothing but open sky with the SunRider open. Yes, rear seat passengers don't get an open roof in either case, so if that's important to you, get the soft top - but just be aware of all the disadvantages of it. You CAN still completely remove the hardtop with the SunRider installed too if you wish. I wouldn't want to do that very often (and may never), but it IS a possibility for a day-trip or maybe a weekend if the weather forecast is great.

 

[antwon412]

My opinion, if you’re not offloading, don’t get a jeep. If you only use it on the road, there are much better handling and driving vehicles. Find some thing with a convertible, top, or a huge sunroof.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

My opinion, if you’re not offloading, don’t get a jeep. If you only use it on the road, there are much better handling and driving vehicles. Find some thing with a convertible, top, or a huge sunroof.

Maybe better handling and better driving, but not as cool. ?

 

[Reddout99]

Maybe better handling and better driving, but not as cool. ?

Absolutely

 

[Stuntman Mike]

My opinion, if you’re not offloading, don’t get a jeep. If you only use it on the road, there are much better handling and driving vehicles. Find some thing with a convertible, top, or a huge sunroof.

My opinon, there is nothing to substitute a Gladiator.

If you really need something for work and other irrelevant stuff go to Ford, Toyota and others.

 

[High Alextude]

My opinion, if you’re not offloading, don’t get a jeep. If you only use it on the road, there are much better handling and driving vehicles. Find some thing with a convertible, top, or a huge sunroof.

I mean, if you want the Jeep experience with being able to take the top and doors off, even if you’re not off-roading, that’s fine. Just don’t expect it to be a comfy, straight steering ride. We can’t keep it too inclusive, otherwise no more Jeeps!

 

[5adventurers]

Maybe better handling and better driving, but not as cool. ?

Wife had a 2015 4runner, replaced it with a 2023 recently...I've had a 2015 Silverado, 207 Tacoma, 2019 JL, 2020 Tundra and a2023 Gladiator. The 4runner drives the best with a solid power train...besides that...given the capability and the doors off top off option....the Gladiator is actually a very high quality ride and drive.... Do others have more size, weight, IFS, yes. But the Gladiator really is very decent...and just had a friend test drive it against his Highlander who was looking at Tundras...his choice...he liked the Gladiator. So...again I would say. Depends on needs. I wouldn't knock a Jeep for driving characteristics. The electric steering, steering stabilizer and coil suspension have done wonders. They are way better. I even had an 85 CJ7 and a 97 TJ. The JLs are amazing....but that TJ was a solid drive too, honestly.

They make good vehicles. Buy what fits your life and makes you smile...it's why I ALWAYS come back to JEEP!

 

[j.o.y.ride]

I had a rental Wrangler for ~ 5 weeks when our GC needed a new engine.

I used to think oh the wife may like one. Nope. FTR she doesn't like the Gladiator either but the Wrangler is just tiny inside, the cargo space is way too small for an active family with a dog. What useable space there may be is taken up by speakers and roll bars. At least with the truck you can throw everything in the bed or add a cap if you need tons of space.

 

[Ogre_FL]

What? The SunRider for Hardtop offers exactly the same opening as with the Freedom panels removed (but is MUCH more convenient to use. Easily the best mod I've done to mine). It directly replaces the Freedom panels and folds up out of view of the occupants when opened. From the driver's seat, you see nothing but open sky with the SunRider open. Yes, rear seat passengers don't get an open roof in either case, so if that's important to you, get the soft top - but just be aware of all the disadvantages of it. You CAN still completely remove the hardtop with the SunRider installed too if you wish. I wouldn't want to do that very often (and may never), but it IS a possibility for a day-trip or maybe a weekend if the weather forecast is great.

Have you ever looked up?
Perhaps you sit further forward than we do, but the Sunrider is right over our heads and we are in the shade.

Technically you can't remove the hardtop, you have to remove or at least undo all the hardware and lift the sunrider to get the top off, then reattach it.

 

[Minty JL]

I know this is a Gladiator forum...

But I need a new vehicle and am looking at used Mojave's and used Wranglers.

I had a 19 Sahara a couple years ago but sold it and not sure if the Gladiator would be better in the long run and was wondering if anyone has had experience with both. I won't do any off-roading, just daily driving with the kids, errands, etc.

The main reason I like the Wrangler is for the Sky One Touch. Removing my old hard top was such a pain, I hated it and the gladiator doesn't have that option. Kids would love having that open air feeling

However, having the Mojave comforts, shocks, and bed would be better on a day to day basis (at least I think)

Any opinions would be great

Thanks!

I have both.

Get a Mojave with a soft top.........top back or back down in less then a minute in either direction.

If you have kids and a house......having a truck is a must. I daily my Mojave and the wife has the JLUR for her daily

 

[yfarm]

Have a 2013 JKUR 10th Ann, drove a 2023 JTM was amazed at the improvement in ride and handling. Also have a 11 supercab raptor for reference. JT was in the middle between the 2. In reference to a previous poster, son has 22 4runner TRD offroad and a 22 Bronco Wildtrak Sas, I have driven both and there is a huge difference in the driving experience between the two. 4runner handling and power feels 20 yrs apart from the Bronco. The 4runner engine you have to wait for the power to build before any change,Bronco is right there now. Handles far more precisely.

 

[plumber802]

My personal observation...
Wife: Stock 2023 JLUR
Me: Stock 2023 JTM
The Mojave rides way better.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

According to the title of the thread, the question is -
Gladiator or Wrangler??

The answer is - Yes


The only problem I have is that now that we have both - the Wrangler was technically bought for my wife's primary use - and according to her, it's "her Jeep".
Any time I mention taking the panels or roof off I hear "not MY Jeep"
If I mention any mods like a lift or different bumper or whatever, it's "not MY Jeep".
I was talking to a cousin of hers at a get-together and we were talking about trails - I asked him if there was anything around our area, and I mentioned it would be nice to find something around this part of Iowa, take a Jeep out - yeah, you guessed it. She was listening "not MY Jeep".

So although we have both, I have only a Gladiator. SHE has a Wrangler.

 

[SnazzGlad]

Want a bed? Yes or no.

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