Looking to buy, not sure if it will be good enough

[Carden85]

Hello and thanks for adding me. I don't own a Jeep and honestly have never owned one. The closest thing I've ever had was an old '62 IH Scout 80. My wife and I are looking at buying a Gladiator with the max tow package and all the threads I've seen regarding my topic seem to be from back in 2020 and none of those were really convincing. Now that it has been out for a few years I figured it was worth seeing what peoples' updated opinions are for it.

The Gladiator's primary job will just be my daily commuter for work and then towing a boat in the warmer months to the lake. I have almost exclusively owned trucks from the smallest being an F-150 with a V8 to having a Ram 3500 dually with the Cummins. Nothing I've seen about the Gladiator has gotten me really excited and ready to race to the dealership to make a purchase, but my wife has always wanted a Jeep so she believes this is a good way to bridge the gap between what she has wanted and a truck big enough to haul the family and some additional toys to the lake. She likes that we'd be able to take the top and doors off and modify it with a lift, bigger tires, and several other modifications.

Is the Gladiator more than capable of doing what I need it to do? I don't want to buy something that is going to leave me disappointed with its power and performance and make me want to trade it off right away for a vehicle that I know will get the job done. I also want to be open minded and give this thing a fair chance if it is deserving of one.

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[J3colt]

That's a tough question. You should definitely take a Gladiator out for a long test drive to see what you think about the ride. I personally think it's extremely comfortable. Then again I've owned 10 jeeps these past 30 years and it's a frigging limousine compared to my 1979 CJ-7, TJs, XJs, JKUR and even our WJ. It will tow, haul, and can serve as a daily driver with the right mindset that it's not a Lexus. This truck is extremely "Jeep" and makes no apology for its brand quirks. I love it! YMMV Good luck in your search.

 

[CerOf]

How big a boat?

It is VERY much a Jeep. It IS solid axles.
it won’t handle like your F150, but it is a lot more refined than Jeeps from even the later 2000s. (Thinking of my 2009 wrangler unlimited, specifically)

I honestly believe it is the most fun on 4 wheels that you can get that has a bed.

They’ve shown to be pretty darn reliable. Even the first year ones seemed to be right, right outta the gate.

 

[Pescatoral Pursuit]

You have to want a Jeep because it's a Jeep, not because it's a great DD or tow vehicle.

Your wife is on the right track- she wants a Jeep.
It will do the other things sufficiently but not as well as most other highway vehicles.

 

[Carden85]

How big a boat?

It is VERY much a Jeep. It IS solid axles.
it won’t handle like your F150, but it is a lot more refined than Jeeps from even the later 2000s. (Thinking of my 2009 wrangler unlimited, specifically)

I honestly believe it is the most fun on 4 wheels that you can get that has a bed.

They’ve shown to be pretty darn reliable. Even the first year ones seemed to be right, right outta the gate.

The boat is just an older 18' Maxum 1800. I read the earlier ones had a steering issue that may have been fixed. What about the V6? With the major manufacturers slapping on turbos from the factory I'm surprised they haven't done it with this engine yet, especially given its low HP numbers. Does it seem to provide plenty of power or does the gear ratio do a great job of compensating?

 

[CerOf]

The boat is just an older 18' Maxum 1800. I read the earlier ones had a steering issue that may have been fixed. What about the V6? With the major manufacturers slapping on turbos from the factory I'm surprised they haven't done it with this engine yet, especially given its low HP numbers. Does it seem to provide plenty of power or does the gear ratio do a great job of compensating?

Can’t comment on the V6, I went diesel.

But, intest drive a gas and it can get out of its own way.
HP is high 200s, 285 I think?
it’s not a rocket ship, but will get the job done.

It’s more oomph! than several V8s from 90’s.

It’s a pretty flat torque curve for a modern V6 with a pretty darn good transmission.

Go drive one, see if they’ll let you take it home for a night.

 

[obrianmcc]

You have to want a Jeep because it's a Jeep, not because it's a great DD or tow vehicle.

Your wife is on the right track- she wants a Jeep.
It will do the other things sufficiently but not as well as most other highway vehicles.

....x2

 

[Bantam]

Ehhh…take it for a long test drive, be sure to hit some highways and a bumpy back road. I never recommend anyone buying a Wrangler/Gladiator - if you want a Jeep, you’ll love it. It you don’t, well, you’ll be reminded everyday you get behind the wheel.

I will say my brother-in-law’s parents, people I never thought would like a Jeep (luxury brand type of people), were interested in a Wrangler. They took my Gladiator for a ride with the doors off and wound up with a Wrangler Sahara a few weeks later and are loving it still. ??‍

Good luck! ?

 

[Pedal Metal]

The boat is just an older 18' Maxum 1800. I read the earlier ones had a steering issue that may have been fixed. What about the V6? With the major manufacturers slapping on turbos from the factory I'm surprised they haven't done it with this engine yet, especially given its low HP numbers. Does it seem to provide plenty of power or does the gear ratio do a great job of compensating?

What low horse power and compared to what, a high output motor, another midsized truck, a Tacoma, a monstrous raptor, etc. Look, I get it that near everything is an arms race, but let’s not get it twisted that a 285 hp v6 mated to an optional 8 speed auto is really not low horse power. I can go as fast as what I think is safe on the interstate in my ‘21 Mojave. Sure, it’s not a speed demon, but it’s a Jeep midsized truck and I’m fully reconciled with that and the offsetting benefits of a modest truck, decent performance, nimble agility, spunky throttle and top open experience rarely known to any other actual truck. Have I driven faster, well just as sure as a fat kid likes donuts as I previously had an ‘18 xlt supercrew 3.5 ecoboost, but I really don’t think that most people REALLY need that or at least I didn’t. Besides, that was a full sized truck and I’d say a more comparable ford would be the Ranger. Still, for my needs, I’d take my rig over a boosted Ranger any day of the week. Lastly, on the subject of low Hp and Rangers, I moved for a job back in ‘98 with what was a low hp 4 cyl 5 spd Ranger and let me tell you that was lowwwww hp.

 

[ImThe0ne]

I’ll say this, I’d never make a 45-65k purchase that I wasn’t excited about. Jeeps aren’t everyone’s cup of tea and that is totally fine. My wife loves for me to have a Jeep so she can enjoy it and drive it from time to time, but much prefers her practical vehicles as daily’s.

If you already have a truck you like, why not get your wife her own Jeep and let her enjoy it? Seems like ultimately she’s the excited one lol

 

[Gobi Wan K]

I am going to sound like a jerk here but no, I don't think you will be happy with it.

Based on your somewhat brief post you are really questioning whether it can "do the job". So it sounds to me that you are coming in to this negative.
Yes, it will pull your boat no problem. No, I have never felt it is underpowered. But it is cramped compared to your 3500. You won't fit as much in the bed. It won't ride down the highway like your F150. Even with the hard top it can be somewhat noisy. Yes, they fixed the steering issue but it is a solid axle vehicle and is still subject to issues if something is wrong.

Those of us in from the start have seen countless folks trade in their full size trucks for a Gladiator just to trade back in a few months because they had unrealistic expectations.

As others have said, you have to "want" a Jeep. You don't, your wife does. Go drive one and see if you can live with it so she can have what she wants. But I honestly don't think you will be happy with it. Hopefully you can accept my blunt response but that is how I see it.

 

[Jefe1018]

It (diesel) pulls my 5,000lb travel trailer and forgets that it’s there. It’s not a full size truck, but it does “do the job” for me.

I am also running 37s, on stock gearing AND still average roughly 20mpg.

I like full size trucks, but don’t want to drive one for daily needs. Jeep has extra cargo space and can be easily parked anywhere just about.

What’s left to be decided by you is what the job you need it to do actually is.

Did I mention I’ve towed my travel trailer and boat without doors or a roof in the last few weeks?

 

[Carden85]

I’ll say this, I’d never make a 45-65k purchase that I wasn’t excited about. Jeeps aren’t everyone’s cup of tea and that is totally fine. My wife loves for me to have a Jeep so she can enjoy it and drive it from time to time, but much prefers her practical vehicles as daily’s.

If you already have a truck you like, why not get your wife her own Jeep and let her enjoy it? Seems like ultimately she’s the excited one lol

I like my truck, but my wife hates it. I got rid of my '15 ram 2500 and went back to a '94 F150 regular cab (this bodystyle has always been my favorite). I've wanted to find another Scout, but it definitely won't be able to pull anything. My last one struggled to maintain 45mph without pulling anything. I've mentioned to her that she just needs to drive it, but she seems a lot like yours in how she just wants to have the option to drive it, but prefers her current ride for everyday usage.

 

[Carden85]

It (diesel) pulls my 5,000lb travel trailer and forgets that it’s there. It’s not a full size truck, but it does “do the job” for me.

I am also running 37s, on stock gearing AND still average roughly 20mpg.

I like full size trucks, but don’t want to drive one for daily needs. Jeep has extra cargo space and can be easily parked anywhere just about.

What’s left to be decided by you is what the job you need it to do actually is.

Did I mention I’ve towed my travel trailer and boat without doors or a roof in the last few weeks?

When we were doing the 'build and price' tool the diesel wasn't an option it would let us keep when adding the max tow package. I believe it also wouldn't let us keep the manual transmission when we tried to select the diesel engine. Is your 5,000lb trailer the heaviest you have pulled with it? We have been looking at buying a camper within the next 3 years and want whatever we buy to be able to handle it. Most campers we have looked at that fit our family seem to be floating in around the 7,000lb mark.

 

[w650gb500]

I’m a new Gladiator owner and this is a post that I made on a Gladiator FB page. I’m only 2 weeks and 1200 miles into my ownership and so far so good. I’ve only towed a small utility trailer with 2 engines on it so far(800# plus the 6x10 trailer). I haven’t needed to take the open car trailer or dump trailer, so no real towing experience. The ride is much better than I was expecting which is quite surprising.


"New member here in northeast PA.
I've had full-size 4-door pick-up trucks for the last 20 years. My 2013 RAM was worth as much in todays market as I paid for it 5 years ago, so I decided it was time for a different vehicle. I don’t buy new vehicles because i tend to use a truck as a truck. I dont beat them up, but do haul and tow daily. I havent had a new vehicle since 1988 and she convinced me to go look at a new truck. At this stage in life I was looking for something a bit smaller since we sold a few properties and I dont have a need currently for a full-size vehicle. I went to look at a both the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma. After some research, I actually went and ordered a Toyota equipped just the way I wanted. After 2 weeks I was back at the deaelership and inquired about an ETA on the truck. The sales manager told me it would take 8, 10, 12 weeks or whenever. Not an answer that I could live with, so I decided to do more research. The Gladiator had never even been on my radar as every Jeep that I’ve ever driven had ridden like crap. Sorry, but 2-door Wranglers are not exactly fun to DD in my opinion. I began looking into the Gladiator and found the towing capacity to be very underwhelming until i found out about the Max Tow package. That 7500# capacity I could live with, so I set out looking for some model, any model with Max Tow installed. It wasn’t easy, but I found a dealership in upstate NY with a VERY BASIC Sport with Max Tow and the 8-speed transmission. NO OTHER OPTIONS! Believe it or not, thats how I had ordered the Toyota, no options(less to break). I didnt really care about color, but they had 2 Sarge Green and 1 Crystal Granite Metallic all optioned the same way. Max Tow and 8-speed only, no other options and same MSRP. We/she decided on the Granite one and made the trip up 2 weeks ago to grab it. I had never taken one for a test drive locally when I began to consider the Gladiator. When we arrived at the dealership, she asked me if I was going to take it for a test drive. Yes, I replied, aftervwe do the paperwork, I’m taking it on a 3-1/2 hour test drive home!
So, I’ve had it for 2 weeks now, it has 1100 miles on the odometer and I’m surprised by the truck. I had anticipated a much less compliant ride but I was wrong. Its not bad at all even with the Max Tow package which i believe is because of progressively wound springs.
The day after we got home(Superbowl Sunday), I cleaned, clay bar and ceramic coated the truck. There are now WeatherTech mats, Rugged Liner bedliner, Rugged Ridge sill guards, bought take-off factory running boards and Overland wheels/tires. I like the look, but the sides of the truck do get lots of slop thrown on them, so a set of mudflaps are on order. I think thats all that I will do other than a 3/4” or 1” spacer in front to level it up a bit since its 1.5” lower than the back.
Anyway, here I am, no more RAM and cancelled the Tacoma order. Hopefully I will be happy with the truck for years to come as I tend to keep things for a LONG time.
Thanks,
Dan”

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