Got rid of my new 2021 Gladiator in 2.5 months

[Iamstubb]

I was worried about that myself-had an L5-S1 discectomy from some nagging soccer injuries. Fortunately, on an 1100 mile road trip all was good and the JT was actually very comfortable to me even down some bumpy roads. No surprise sciatica or anything. No telling how it will work out with these issues. Good luck with the X5.

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[tampahoosier]

Why do people make these posts? I didn’t even read it and don’t care to, just saw the headline and it was enough for me. Cool, you’re leaving, I don’t care. I don’t understand the need for these people to write these goodbyes and talk about all the things the vehicle wasn’t to them. Just sell it to someone who wants it quietly and move on!

 

[MrJeep]

3) I could not come to grips with the fact the radio was not up to par

That is such a shame bc the upgraded stereo is one of the best stock systems I have owned (BMWs, LR, VW, etc.)
Good luck with your back!

 

[red/green hawk]

Why do people make these posts? I didn’t even read it and don’t care to, just saw the headline and it was enough for me. Cool, you’re leaving, I don’t care. I don’t understand the need for these people to write these goodbyes and talk about all the things the vehicle wasn’t to them. Just sell it to someone who wants it quietly and move on!

I don't get it either. Especially the stereo issue. Did he not check the vehicle out before he bought it. I had, key word had a 5 inch system. He's right it sucks. Guess what? I upgraded. Is the point of these threads to get a little rub and tug?

 

[Lowcountryearl]

Disabled veteran 100% P&T spine and hip, traded my 2019 Laramie Longhorn with 10 way seats, haven't noticed a issue with the Gladiator seats, once dialed in they seem just as comfortable as the Dodge however, if it's that bad for you, good call to trade it out, it would have always nagged you. Premium sound in my Rubi isn't that great, actually have better sound in my 98 TJ with a Sony and a sub. Good luck on the new ride

 

[red/green hawk]

Disabled veteran 100% P&T spine and hip, traded my 2019 Laramie Longhorn with 10 way seats, haven't noticed a issue with the Gladiator seats, once dialed in they seem just as comfortable as the Dodge however, if it's that bad for you, good call to trade it out, it would have always nagged you. Premium sound in my Rubi isn't that great, actually have better sound in my 98 TJ with a Sony and a sub. Good luck on the new ride

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. I and my family are grateful and thankful.

 

[TwelveGaugeSage]

Different strokes for different folks. I had the base non-adjustable cloth seats in my TJ and found them oddly some of the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in. Drove it from Phoenix to Massachusetts in comfort. I would be shocked if anyone else found them comfortable though.

 

[DBravo]

You are certainly not the first person to get rid of a vehicle due to seat comfort. Unfortunately, it's one of those things that you don't usually find out until you've owned the vehicle for a while.

I have some lower back issues, and luckily I find my Mojave fairly comfortable (after installing a dead pedal).

dead pedal definitely helps!

 

[Tactileman]

Sold mine made money on it. I loved it,.. but a new house is more important… I have the mopar rock rails for sale. Panhandle of Florida.

 

[Koolcarguy]

It still boggles my mind that a $56,000 truck doesn't have power adjustable seats. And now that Ford is doing it in the Bronco, Jeep can't use the excuse about keeping electronics dry. It's just B.S. The seating position and overall comfort is certainly not the best in the JT/JL. Good luck to you.

I agree a power chair would be nice!! But its not bad enough to drive a Bronco ? lol

 

[Benny1158]

Hi All - like many of you I have scoured this great forum for information and had an entire plan in place for 35s, new wheels, spacer lifts, etc. Even had the appointment scheduled. Appreciate all the help I have received! Unfortunately, I had to make a tough call to get rid of my Gladiator. I am just posting this info in the spirit that it might help others (especially those with back/neck issues). I was so excited to live the experience and use the vehicle for camping and fun. I am bummed but it had to be done. I'll bullet out the reasons below. For anyone considering this vehicle with back issues, get the dealer to let you spend a full day with the car, or more if you can. Sit in it, go for lunch, sit in it more and drive. Make sure you can get comfortable.

1) Number 1 reason was due to discomfort. I could not get the seat into a position where I was comfortable. I have severe cervical spine issues and the ergonomics and seat positioning just wasnt working. I actually purchased a mopar replacement headrest and bent the drivers side with a pipe bender. Within the last few weeks i could feel my herniation creeping back to the point where I started having issues with my arm. Now I could have explored after market seats but that could have ended up being a money pit as for me I never know until I spend time in the seat/chair/vehicle.


2) During the time i was struggling with the seat I began to notice several issues. Not sure how or what happened in the production of my hard top, but it was absolute crap. Paint was coming off before 100 miles (with no accidents). I did call and the dealer told me it would be hard to get that covered under warranty. And then I noticed that on one side the paint was thin so much that you could see the white fiberglass behind it coming out. I also noticed some paint defects in the bed of the truck.

3) I could not come to grips with the fact the radio was not up to par (i had 5 inch not upgraded). I am surprised that any car at this price point would have such a lackluster stereo. I am an audiophile/musician and it was just not something i could get used to. Once again, I could have explored more after market solutions but on what little i had planned to do to the vehicle the money was starting to pile up. Also, yet another reason to spend time with the vehicle.

All this said, had I been able to get comfortable I would likely have found a way to deal with the other issues. Although not ideal for a brand new vehicle. Thanks again for all the feedback, answers and support. You are all a great bunch. I'll miss the waves!

Peace



Thanks,
Marc

I have a 2021 jeep gladiator overland i love rides great drives great.I am coming out of a 2019 Toyota Tacoma limited no comparison to the jeep except fuel mileage good luck on finding a new ride
Benny

 

[PumaChabra]

Pick one.

The rest of your points are valid and I wont discount them, but i've never met someone willing to consider themselves an audiophile who wasn't willing to spend money on an upgraded car sound system. $1295 isn't that much in the car audio world for a audiophile.

You can't in one paragraph claim to have exacting standards and also express a disinterest in paying for those standards to be met.

Totally agree with what your saying in regards to the hopocracy. That being said, I have the stock stereo as well and I just didn’t realize exactly how bad the stock systems sound would be. It wouldn’t get loud enough to hear the music with the top off and if you turned it up past 2/3 the bass drop hitting meant the vocals disappeared due to an underpowered amp.

In case anyone else has this issue, don’t sell your truck for better sound. (I know this thread is more than sound, I hope your new car gives you the comfort you need.) Here’s what I’ve done so far in case anyone else is stuck with this issue.

1.Tweeters are trash, drop in 2- Kenwood KFC-X3C in the dash. It’ll sound like your at a concert compared to before. ~$70
2. Kicker 10 inch under seat sub. Best part is you don’t need an aftermarket head unit. You can take the rear left+/- and rear right +\- as input and the sub/amp combo handles the rest. It won’t Win a bass competition but it’s better than the upgraded system IMO, but possibly because it’s under the drivers seat. ~$350
3. SSV works 6.5 inch sound bar upgrade. Two 3.5 inch speakers in a sound bar is a joke. ~$100
4. Give them some power with Infinity Reference REF-6530cx component speakers. Componet speakers are 6.5 inch speakers with built in crossover and tweeters all made to work in sync. PLUS these are 3 Ohm speakers. (Most systems are 4 ohm. 3 ohm means it will play louder at the same level. Ex.Level 15 on a 3 ohm speaker will be louder then level 15 on a 4 ohm stock speaker) ~$130

I plan to add two 6.5 inch infinity reference speakers in the knee panels and I think it will be better than the upgrade sound system for $800 plus labor. I could add a second sub on the passenger side for that price. The system SHOULD be amplified further to really power the speakers but the infinity’s save the stock amp (which is built into the stock radio)

Anyone trying to fix it on a budget, just get 4 of the Kenwoods and replace the ones in the speaker bar as well. $140 for louder, crisper sound.

 

[eaglerugby04]

The Tacoma seat was as adjustable for many years, just recently having a power drivers seat. Passenger seat of the Tacoma is still as adjustable as the Gladiators. Over time the cushion will adjust to the driver, but comfort is one rabbit hole that some people will go down. https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/gladiator-drivers-seat-is-uncomfortable.49061/

Im talking about a 2013 prius. Seat height is what is getting me here. As long as their is lumbar the cusion never bothers me. And I really don't want to buy an overpriced piece of metal and take a saw to the seat to fix it, lol.

 

[Swordfish44]

Different strokes for different folks. I had the base non-adjustable cloth seats in my TJ and found them oddly some of the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in. Drove it from Phoenix to Massachusetts in comfort. I would be shocked if anyone else found them comfortable though.

Seems like quite a few people do. I think those of us whose backs like a more firm seat would be more comfortable with the JT than others that prefer the soft cushiony seats. adjusting the lumbar support helped me a lot.

 

[MMMojave]

I will add…

i have the Mojave…the seats are fantastic.

The radio…. After some minor speaker replacements and adding a Kicker 10” powered sub my 8” head unit ROCKS.

life is too short to be unhappy though. Good luck!

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