JT a sales failure & doomed to same fate as the Scrambler?

[Bonanza]

If you want perceived effortlessness, they already have a solution for that. The 3.0 Diesel covers all of the towing issues and fuel economy issues in one swipe. (And yes, if you push the 3.0 hard enough for long enough while in hot enough weather, it will derate.)

Complaining about the 3.6's towing ability without at least acknowledging that there is a better option available is a little disingenuous.

I disagree. I don't want the added premium of diesel engine, nor the premium of diesel in CA. I don't like how diesel engines sound. I don't like how diesel drives in spirited driving. I don't like the added weight. I don't trust this diesel engine long term. There are noted overheating issues with the diesel. There's a reason the diesel is being cancelled, as overall not many people, myself included, want it.

This isn't about spewing hate. It's discussing the issue of what needs to be improved in order to stay competitive. ICE engines are set to be banned altogether in the snap of a finger, so progress needs to be big, and it needs to be fast.

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[Bobbyfanman17]

4xe are HUGE. When I was trying to find my wife a purple Jeep - easily 80+% of all purple Wranglers I found were 4xe. (and that's what we got and I love it)
I drove across our county twice today for business - each trip saw one Gladiator. Each trip saw more Wranglers than I could remember, even more Grand Cherokees (many of them white)

Wow, I had no idea they were that popular. Glad you enjoy yours. Nothing beats buying a new vehicle.

 

[DirkG]

Click bait. Anyone talking about sales figures when we're still experiencing the downstream effects from the pandemic, chip shortage, and unparalleled supply chain issues has little to no business acumen.

I've been looking to upgrade to a Mojave and 2 weeks ago was quoted $950/mo + tax for a lease. Granted no way in hell am I looking to lease in this skewed climate, but that quote is an indication that this is not a normal automotive business cycle.

 

[ZoMojave]

Just my .02 cents, but I think it will take another couple of years for things to stabilize. And even if this is true, it still won't be the same as it was pre-Covid. Just the new normal.

The whole game has changed when auto manufacturers slow (or stop) production purposefully to intentionally have less product on the lots and drive demand/profits up.

All hope is not lost. The consumer still dictates those corporation profits with their wallets. If the average auto/truck buyers stay out of the showrooms, they will (eventually) need to adjust.

 

[dcmdon]

Why does everyone need a 4 second 0-60 vehicle? My 21 Mojave has been just what I wanted. Plenty of room, top and doors off and drives just fine for my standards. I'm from a GM family and would Never own another one! My opinion. My Gladiator has more character than Any midsize truck out there period!

I'm not asking for that.

I'm asking for a vehicle that can maintain 70 mph on the highway without having to drop down 2 gears every time I start up a small hill.

This is why a mildly turbocharged gas engine would be great. Lots of torque to lug you up hills without having to rev it.

The motor in the Gladiator makes plenty of power. It just had to spin fast to make it. It's about the experience, not actually whether it can go or not.

If I hold the AT in 6th, then it goes up and dcwon hills with no effort. But then it's turning 3000 rpm. It would be nice to be able to do that at 2200 rpm.

Again, this is about the quality of the experience. And with our trucks pushing 65K, experience is relevant.

 

[Jaybre007]

The gentleman in this video claims Gladiator sales have slowed significantly and, without better powertrain options, JTs are doomed to fail soon as 'too niche a vehicle'. I don't know what the latest sales figures show, but prior sales figures showed Gladiators as selling well enough.

Of course, I want the Gladiator to be very successful. But what if there was a reason the Scrambler was discontinued while the CJ/Wrangler platforms carried on? Was the Scrambler, like the JT, not a great pickup and not a great Wrangler, but only great at overlanding or other niche fun?

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The gentleman in this video claims Gladiator sales have slowed significantly and, without better powertrain options, JTs are doomed to fail soon as 'too niche a vehicle'. I don't know what the latest sales figures show, but prior sales figures showed Gladiators as selling well enough.

Of course, I want the Gladiator to be very successful. But what if there was a reason the Scrambler was discontinued while the CJ/Wrangler platforms carried on? Was the Scrambler, like the JT, not a great pickup and not a great Wrangler, but only great at overlanding or other niche fun?

I am not a big fan of this guy as he talks way too fast and he is very opinionated. to the point he lost my viewership as is reviews are horrible. I did see this video popped up and it did get my attention. Then I realized he is speaking for an entire country based off of one location with no supporting data but one dealership. Gladiators in Central Texas are getting more popular but as someone else mentioned wait 3-5 years to see if this is just a mid life crisis/ fad or a true testament to the vehicle. I like mine and really do not care whether or not someone else does not like it. I do like to be reminded how great a decision I made and how great the truck is compared to other vehicles and I do not like to associate with the negative Nancy's out there but that is human nature. I take the good with the bad lol but I really just want to hear the good lol. I equate Jeeps to Harleys, you pay for the name and they are overpriced but there is something to them that is different and that is what is appealing to me.

 

[sharpsicle]

I'm asking for a vehicle that can maintain 70 mph on the highway without having to drop down 2 gears every time I start up a small hill.

Modern transmissions are designed to do this, though. Fords do it, Chevys, Toyotas, they all include more gears in the gearbox and will shift more often. That's an advancement, it's called 'progress' as a result of innovation in transmission design. Why is that considered an issue instead? They give longer final gears for flat highway cruising efficiency, and will drop a gear or two if they need a bit more power. They can do this now (whereas they couldn't decades ago) because they can now fit 8, 10, or sometimes even 12 gears in the transmission these days. That's the expected function.

Honestly I think everyone is just upset they can hear the engine. If they couldn't, they'd never know it acts like any other vehicle does.

 

[dcmdon]

Modern transmissions are designed to do this, though. Fords do it, Chevys, Toyotas, they all include more gears in the gearbox and will shift more often. That's an advancement, it's called 'progress' as a result of innovation in transmission design. Why is that considered an issue instead? They give longer final gears for flat highway cruising efficiency, and will drop a gear or two if they need a bit more power. They can do this now (whereas they couldn't decades ago) because they can now fit 8, 10, or sometimes even 12 gears in the transmission these days. That's the expected function.

Honestly I think everyone is just upset they can hear the engine. If they couldn't, they'd never know it acts like any other vehicle does.

This is kind of funny coming from a guy who owns a torque monster motorcycle.
You are 100% correct from an engineering perspective.

But from a drivability and comfort perspective you are wrong. My wife's 3.0 turbo car cruises at just as low RPM as my Jeep on the highway. But if you dip into the throttle to maintain speed up a hill, it doesn't need to downshift. The engine starts making boost and its able to maintain speed or even accelerate in top gear.

I'm describing feel. Not function. You are absolutely right that the current motor is more than adequate functionally. When I get into hilly county I'll often lock it in 6th or 7th on the highway. The motor is more than happy to run at 2500 or even 3000 rpm for weeks. It hurts nothng.

 

[RudeJeepin]

Ha, you guys discussing dropping 1 or 2 gears, my Chevy Duramax would drop 3 or 4 gears if mashed under the right circumstances. It did have the 10 spd automatic.
We traded that for the Wrangler JLURD, my wife loved it so much so wanted the Wrangler. So I took her car and traded it for My JTRD. Yep I really like the EcoDiesel in these. Power, mileage, range, what more could you ask for. Other than a similar 10spd auto like the Chevy had, but the 8spd auto is better than the 6spd autos out there.


See my far share of Gladiators around here, not as many as the Wrangler 4dr, but close to the same number at the Wrangler 2dr.

 

[jay21mojave]

The gentleman in this video claims Gladiator sales have slowed significantly and, without better powertrain options, JTs are doomed to fail soon as 'too niche a vehicle'. I don't know what the latest sales figures show, but prior sales figures showed Gladiators as selling well enough.

Of course, I want the Gladiator to be very successful. But what if there was a reason the Scrambler was discontinued while the CJ/Wrangler platforms carried on? Was the Scrambler, like the JT, not a great pickup and not a great Wrangler, but only great at overlanding or other niche fun?

TOTAL BULL CRAP - DA in the video does not understand the marketplace and how some dealers stockpile for future actions this guy would not understand/know. BTW his assumptions are "blown up" by the sales reports.

 

[utbee]

I'd also look at the new vehicle market across brands. It's probably the worst time in history to buy a new vehicle. I know from personal experience. I was looking to replace my wife's Yukon, the prices are as high as Giraffe balls.

 

[wakeup2river]

They are overstocked at AZ dealers. They wouldn’t even give me 47k for mine in a trade back to a JKU. It’s same as new, 13k miles and about 68k into it retail, still under bumper to bumper warranty.

Id say 6 months ago I might have gotten near $60K now I’d be lucky to get $52k selling it myself. The words out, these are not the most reliable vehicles out there. Stellantis is killing the jeep brand as we know it for off-roading and it’s right about there. LOL actually I’d say it is there.

 

[Dryfly24]

This thread definitely has “Last Jeep I‘ll Ever Buy“ entertainment potential. I have faith. . . ???

 

[RHRT]

I live in AZ and see a lot of Wranglers and seeing more Gladiators. This is Jeep #5 for us(CJ, ZJ, WJ, KJ(wife bought the KJ), and the JT) and it is the best riding Jeep I have owned. My brother-in-law and I took a ride on the FS24 in eastern AZ during the bow hunt for Elk. Came across the usual assortment of side-by-sides, some JLs and 3 other JTs! Here we are on a remote road and there are 4 JTs, all different models, on this forest service road. We stopped and talked to the owner of a JT Rubicon and this was his 11th Jeep. He stated "Best riding Jeep I ever had!". Yes, it has wind noise for sure and it is not for everyone, but I believe it will never go the way of the Scrambler. It is better built and all of them are trail rated. If I am incorrect, please let me know. I am thankful that this forum is available and look forward to adding content for others to view and respond in kind.

 

[Hootbro]

They are overstocked at AZ dealers. They wouldn’t even give me 47k for mine in a trade back to a JKU. It’s same as new, 13k miles and about 68k into it retail, still under bumper to bumper warranty.

Id say 6 months ago I might have gotten near $60K now I’d be lucky to get $52k selling it myself. The words out, these are not the most reliable vehicles out there. Stellantis is killing the jeep brand as we know it for off-roading and it’s right about there. LOL actually I’d say it is there.

I do not disagree with your assertion of quality issues but Jeep has been dealing with that for the last 15+ years with the Wrangler and now Gladiator to some degree but they continue to sell in mass regardless.

The market is just correcting for the last two years of bizzarro world vehicle pricing. A 30% drop from retail price for your two model year old vehicle is about what I would expect in normal times.

Having done it on my last two Gladiators, I know that kiting high equity into the next vehicle is over.

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