Got rid of my new 2021 Gladiator in 2.5 months

[The Bean]

OP, I totally understand where your coming from. I had back surgery a few years ago (slipped a disc), and know how hard it is for people to understand what it’s like, especially with lingering after effects like hernias or sporadic sciatica. Sad to see a fellow Jeeper leave, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy the X5 a lot more, simply based on the seat comfort factor alone!

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[jpjpjp]

Godspeed for you sir, hope you find yourself the properly comfortable vehicle to suit your needs.

The dealer that told you the paint would be hard to get covered under warranty was being lazy I would imagine. Paint defects in quality and workmanship should be covered under the 36 month warranty.

Although this was many years ago, a Jeep dealer covered half of the paint repair for the roof of my Jeep even though it was a few months out of warranty. Part of it was to make up for the fact someone told me it wasn't covered a few months previously when it was still under warranty. I probably should have pushed back harder, but I think it was only a hundred bucks or so extra I figured it wasn't worth it. I should have pushed back harder when it was under warranty.

 

[dcmdon]

I wouldn't go that far. I've never seen a 10-way manual seat in my life.

Ha.

Each adjustment direction counts as one way ha. We can call it 5 way if you want.

forward
backward
seat back back
seat back forward
seat base front up
seat base rear up
seat base front down
seat base rear down
power lumbar in
power lumbar out.

 

[BLK HOLE]

I would have had a custom seat made. Sounds like you need it anyway. The radio is easily upgradable and the hard top isn't a huge deal.

 

[JTDay]

Isn't is amazing how much a car seat can exacerbate back issues? I'm having them now with my Ranger. I rented for a weekend just to make sure i wasn't going to have the same issues with the gladiator. I didn't and cannot wait to be comfortable again. The lumbar support in the gladiator works for me.

Seating comfort is so personal but I did also drive a new frontier before driving the gladiator. Out of maybe 50 cars I've rented in the past 5 years, those in the frontier were by far the best. They almost felt weird at first, like this isn't how a car seat should feel, but whatever they did worked.

The X5 is a nice vehicle. I think the current generation is the best one they've done. Enjoy it!

 

[tbaker]

I just L4 and L5 spinal fusion in May and now got to have L5 and S1 fusion in 3 weeks and I haven’t had any problems with my back while driving my gladiator but everybody is different

 

[cdyoung9799]

Man, I thought I had back problems. Based on the feedback here, I would now classify mine as "daily discomfort". I'm in my early 50's, and I've been a gym rat for 30+ years of that. My doctor told me my history of working out was the main reason I'm in as "good" a shape as I am at my age. ? He says if I had not worked out like I have, I would have probably already had a back surgery or two. Best thing you can do is just keep moving, no matter what you do. When you just sit around all day, your body just starts shutting down. Best of luck to everybody out there dealing with these issues on a daily basis.

 

[shyoung1]

BMW X5 with an upgraded seat package

I have minor back issues, had to raise the front of the seat in my 04 LJ to be comfortable, but my Mojave is great! Took it to FL and couldn't believe how comfortable it was.
My wife has an X5 M50i (523hp) and those seats are sweet!
I think you will find comfort in those seats!

 

[Trickster]

1) Kudos for the responses in not throwing the dude under the bus. That's why this board is a little different as many of the other car boards I've been on would not have understood the OP's needs and challenges.

You spoke too soon.
Read post#16

 

[Trickster]

I believe that the Gladiator is built to comfortably seat drivers 6 feet tall or less.

Not true I believe Shaquille O’Neil found it comfortable.
But he took out the drivers seat and drove from the back.?

 

[Trickster]

Good on you Marc for making the decision. Not happy?
Do something about it and you did.
I will +1 on Volvos seats, apparently the industry standard that other manufacturers should follow.
I can attest to that personally and have heard it from my passengers.
I ask, “So what do think of the Volvo?” Usually the first response is how they like the seats. Never had that before in a vehicle.
You may find the X5 a bit different drive from the JT.?
Cheers.

 

[Pescatoral Pursuit]

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

As a guy with severe back issues, I feel your pain. I drive around leaned back like one of the boyz in the hood. I knew it would be a gamble but for me (and it's amazing how similar back injuries respond to completely different circumstances) the seat is more comfortable than the fully adjustable power seat in my '06 F-150 XLT.

However, what absolutely sucks in comparison to my standard 6 disc CD changer radio is the upgraded Alpine sound system. I would call it weak and tinny sounding whereas the Ford radio was rich and full and would only barely begin to distort at full power. I'm going to say it elsewhere, but anyone considering it should save their 2 grand for a good aftermarket system.

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.

Funny it doesn't count with the heated seats tho, right?

 

[AMack6]

I just L4 and L5 spinal fusion in May and now got to have L5 and S1 fusion in 3 weeks and I haven’t had any problems with my back while driving my gladiator but everybody is different

Yes very sad to hear about OP's back/neck issues... hopefully the X5 will be what he needs! I have a crummy lower back and my current car (BMW M2) is actually pretty uncomfortable these days. Have spent more than week in the past 6 months with a Gladiator rental and a Wrangler rental and actually find the seating position way better than my M2 (at least for low back issues). Hopefully ordering a Gladiator soon and can save the M2 for spirited weekend drives and avoid having to daily it and be uncomfortable on long highway drives.

 

[Wyofuy069]

I’m a firm believer in chiropractic care. I go about every six weeks these days and can still lift heavy and go down six story water slides all day long. Definitely have some arthritis pain in my low back and neck, but I manage. I actually find the seats in the Mojave better on my back than my x5. The softer suspension might help a little too. As far as the stereo goes I have the Alpine and turned to about 18 it drowns out most of the wind noise. Of course my hearing could start a whole new thread. I must be going deaf because I hear almost nothing my wife says.

 

[Bonanza]

Totally agree that I'd trade a vehicle if it hurt my individual back. That is the WORST. It's also the biggest reason I'd never own a Tacoma-- that seating position is excruciating. The gladiator has a nice upright seating position so my back is happy with it.

The audio quality is strange-- seems like the upgraded audio would be a must-buy. I did and think it's pretty great for a Jeep.

Anyway good luck!

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