Is my brother making the wrong move?

[Jeep24MA]

My brother put a deposit down on a 2021 Ram 1500 crew cab big horn! He’s been back and forth between the Ram and Gladiator for about 6 months now! Anyone have any experience with both and can provide some insight? He’s got 2 kids and is worried about the space and the ride in general of the Gladiator which is why he finally left a deposit. He called me today and isn’t sure he made the right move! It’s still refundable! He loves the Gladiator, but thinks the Ram is the “safer” pick even though it’s like every other truck and not a head turner. He said my Gladiator creaks and rattles a bit and is obviously smaller. He loves the whole idea of having a Gladiator though. What do you all think?

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[Alans17]

Well he’s right that it is the safer move. But I’ve got 2 small kids and they fit fine in the backseat of our Gladiator. Unless he needs the power of the RAM, I think it’s mostly just a matter of personal preference.

 

[MrFahrenheit]

Sounds like he shouldn’t be buying a brand new vehicle since he hasn’t made his kind up

 

[staying_tuned]

Yeah, I had a ram "built to serve" edition in Anvil ready to go but decided to get back into a Jeep only because we've also got a CX-9 for longer road trips and just plain comfort. There is a ton to like about the ram, it would be by no means a mistake and I'd disagree on the head turner aspect. The new ones are extremely sharp.

12" display, leather, great cab, near euro quality interior, bruiser engine and aggressive (yet not forceful) exterior design all for less than a mildly equipped gladiator Sport S.

 

[Jeep24MA]

Sounds like he shouldn’t be buying a brand new vehicle since he hasn’t made his kind up

He needs a vehicle now. Both good options. Can’t go wrong either way.

 

[DeezJT]

I have 3 people in the back when family goes out. I have 2 car seats (6yr old and toddler) in the back and wife can still fit.

my last trip was to Vegas and although everyone was comfortable, noise levels was a nuisance above 60 due to high winds AND I have the sunrider for hardtop. If I ever go on long trips, I will put back the freedom panels.

I didn’t go full size since the trails I frequent are very narrow. Pinstripes Might occur but full size...most definitely.

 

[869 KPH]

LOL guess you really are brothers. I mean in a situation like this it sounds like you get a power wagon for most of the time and a beater jeep for fun.

 

[RodRecket]

I love the Jeep and for me the Gladiator is perfect. Unless he plans on hitting trails, taking the doors and roof off the Gladiator doesn't have any advantages as a family vehicle. If he likes doing "Jeep" stuff that only the JT can do the answer is obvious. If it's pretty much a family hauler with a bed the Ram is probably the better truck for him.

 

[RodRecket]

BTW I came from a Powerwagon. Awesome truck but it's a behemoth and ultimately still not a Jeep.

 

[DobaMark]

He needs to drive both and decide for himself. I had a Ram 1500 before my Gladiator. Sometimes I miss the cab room and the extra room in the bed that the Ram had. And the Ram's ride was more luxurious. . But the Ram was just so big I find the Gladiator much better to drive in town and easier to park.

Gladiator was the right choice for me. Maybe not for him.

 

[ZTMAN]

Jeeps are cool, Rams are practical. He needs the Ram.

P.S. I prefer the Ford full size trucks over the Ram, but that is a separate conversation.

 

[DirkG]

The old adage is if you're having second thoughts and become undecided, go with your initial instincts.

Sounds like his initial instincts were to go with a larger, safer truck for his family. While I don't think the JT is "not safe", the heft and size of the Ram certainly make for a more protected environment.

I also think his brother is trying to change his mind so he will buy a Gladiator like he did

 

[Lateralus]

The JL/JT is the cushiest jeep ever produced. Tell your sister to get a suburu outback ?

 

[Litfury]

I owned a 2016 F-150 lariat that was loaded with creature comforts. The truck rode amazing, the space was incredible. Unfortunately it started having Tons of electrical problems just out of warranty on top of the 3 times it was in shop under warranty. Anyways...
I used to think mid size trucks did not make any sense. The Jeep gladiator is the best vehicle I have ever owned hands down. And I have had some fun cars/trucks over the years. Also gladiator has way more back seat room than say a Tacoma.
For what it’s worth I have two kids who love riding in the Jeep.
The only caveat is we have a more “comfortable” vehicle for traveling long distances, but around town we always take the Jeep.

 

[Warman]

I came from a King Ranch F-350 that was huge and luxurious. I got the bug for a Gladiator and rented one for a couple days to see if I could handle the downsize. It passed with flying colors so I bought one. It’s the funnest vehicle I‘ve ever owned and sooo much easier to maneuver around town. Try renting or borrowing a loaner from the dealer. Good luck!

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