New Owner - First Jeep & First Impressions

[kyoung05]

New member here checking in from NJ!

I just picked up my 2022 Gladiator Sport in Sting Gray yesterday. It's a totally base model, manual everything, with the only option being the trac–Lok Anti–Spin Rear Differential. I got it from Bob Johnson Jeep in Avon NY, and drove it almost 400 miles back home.

First, some background (apologies if it ends up being kind of long). I was born in California (Bay Area) and lived there all my life until my family recently moved out to NJ to be closer to my wife's family. I've never been a Jeep person, or a truck person. However, my wife's family has up until very recently always had one or more Jeeps - mostly Cherokee's, but also Renegades, Patriots, etc.

I grew up on import cars - starting with a '97 Integra GS-R, then a 2002 WRX Wagon, before moving to a 2015 WRX STI, 2016 Lexus IS350, and finally a 2005 WRX STI which is my current weekend car.

I am a fan of all cars though, and bought my first domestic car - a 2020 Charger Scat Pack - that I ordered during late 2020. I picked this up a month before we moved to NJ, and because it wasn't going to be the best "daily driver" for NJ winters, I ended up trading this in after having owned it for a year for a BMW M340i which offered similar performance, but had AWD. So, I've been using this as my daily driver.

My wife has a 2016 4Runner Limited.

Since trading in the Charger, I have been looking to get back into something that was "badass." The M340i and STI are very capable, but I wouldn't consider either of them badass in the same way a 392 Charger in Go Mango was. Initially I had planned to get another 392 or Hellcat car before they were discontinued. But, the practical side of me wanted a third car that would offer features that our other cars didn't offer. Since we have 2 smallish sedans already and a 7-seat SUV, the logical choice was something that offered a pickup bed, more off road ability than my wife's stock 4Runner Limited, maybe a convertible, and ideally a V8.

Originally, I was looking at a TRX to address most of these criteria. However, I wasn't sure how comfortable I'd be using our "nicest" car as the one that gets the dirtiest, is used to haul stuff, etc. If I am being honest, if cost wasn't a factor, I'd have probably gotten the TRX and called it done.

The other option was an F-150 with the 5.0L. I figured this would fulfill the pickup truck and V8 aspect, but be quite a bit cheaper than the TRX. Also, there is a large aftermarket that would allow me to add the offroad bits and supercharger to get it similar to the TRX. However, after adding the things I would have wanted to, it came within spitting distance to the cost of the TRX which didn't make sense.

Another option was the Wrangler 392. I already had experience with the 392 and ZF8 powertrain, and really liked it. However, it costs more or less the same as a lightly optioned TRX, and if push came to shove I'd rather have the supercharger and pickup functionality for the same money.

So, that led me to looking into the Gladiator. If the Gladiator came with the 392 like the Wrangler, the decision would've been much easier. I didn't realize these came with manual transmissions, so once I learned about that, it was a huge plus and knew that if I were to get one it'd have to be a manual. Since that transmission is only paired with the V6, that limited my choices. Ultimately, since this was my first foray into the Jeep ecosystem, I felt it would be best to start with as blank a canvas as possible and then turn to the aftermarket to add in things that I felt I wanted down the road. I had never seen a Gladiator up close until I picked mine up, let alone driven one. I tried to keep my expectations low so as to avoid disappointment.

Based on everything I've read, it seems like the feelings around the manual transmission paired with the V6 were mixed at best, with the gear ratios being the biggest complaint. However, when I drove it back home yesterday over the course of 400 miles/5hrs, I was very pleasantly surprised. So, with that, here are some first impressions:

• Powertrain: Yes, the truck isn't very fast, but I think the powertrain is adequate - at least with the stock Sport wheels/tires. That said, I'd love more low end torque. Some of my drive home was through the Poconos mountains at elevation, and the engine definitely felt like it was struggling a bit in the higher gears, but the fact that it's a manual transmission lets me control how high the engine is revved out, so that really helps. It also keeps me more engaged in the overall driving experience.
• Features (or lack thereof): I think this paired with the lack of any power features really "fits" the personality of the Gladiator. The backup camera and Apple Carplay are really all I need, and am glad these come standard.
• Ride Quality: One thing I don't love about our 4Runner is that it rides very roughly over bumps, potholes, cracks, etc. This is probably largely due to the 20" wheels and fairly thin tires on the Limited trim. On the Gladiator with the stock wheels, it felt worlds better. I was really surprised at how smoothly this thing rides. Also, I thought it handled fairly well - particularly for a truck. I felt that I was able to take long sweepers fairly confidently at speed without feeling like the truck was going to tip over.
• Fit/Finish: The Charger was the first FCA product I owned, and I was very surprised at how good the fit and finish was relative to what I was expecting. It’s no BMW, but a lot closer than I would’ve thought. This Gladiator is….not that. But, I knew that going into it. Sure, it has hard plastics everywhere. But, it also has cloth seats, manual windows, etc. so, the fit and finish seem consistent and totally appropriate for what it is. Doesn’t bother me at all. Also, kind of related, but I really like the soft too. Super easy to flip up and open that I can see myself using this fairly often. If it were the hard top I probably wouldn’t open it up nearly as much.

I’m still trying to figure out what I ultimately want to do with this truck. It’s a totally blank canvas which is both great and a bit daunting. I eventually know I want to get some bronze wheels and larger tires, but given how I like the current ride I don’t want to do anything that might compromise it. So, I’m hoping a slight lift/level with better shocks and a tire with more sidewall will only help to improve things in this department.

Also, a Hellwig rear sway bar is something I’m considering - having the car feel more tossable in corners is never a bad thing. I don’t have any plans of serious off-roading so the loss of a bit of wheel articulation isn’t a big deal for me.

I am also pretty sure I want a roof top tent and rear bed rack of some kind so my son and I can go camping a bit easier. As it stands we’ve only been once when he was 2. He’s 4 now so I figure it could be something we do more often and a roof top tent just seems cool.

Lastly, I’d love to get more power and wouldn’t seriously considered a supercharger if tuning were available on these newer models. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like that’s possible so it seems like my options are limited to either going big with a Hemi swap or leaving it as is. Wish there were an in between option though.

Overall, it’s only been one full day, but I’m really liking this thing so far. Excited to see how we end up using this truck over the years. In the meantime, I’m going to try and see how much I can use this as a daily driver just to get more seat time and get a feel for what, if anything, I want to change.

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[-miko-]

Welcome to the fun! There's a lot to be said for the basic driving experience of a manual truck with the most elemental functionality. My first Gladiator was exactly like yours (color and all) and like you said, on stock tires it was good - not great - but good.

But once larger tires went on the shortcomings of the transmission became more apparent. Coming from an ancient inline 6, the lack of low end torque was definitely missed. You might want to start researching regearing if you go with bigger tires. It seems to be the only way to combine the basic version of the truck, the manual trans, and drivability with larger tires. Other then that you can go with a manual Rubicon to get the gearing , loosing the base trim level or a base truck with the Max Tow package to get the gearing, but you loose the manual (which is what I ended up doing for a number of reasons).

However you solve that little dilemma, have fun using it with your family. Having your kids eager to jump in with you (no matter how it's built) is what it's really about!

 

[TimC]

Came all the way from NJ to buy in Avon? I live about 3 miles from that dealer. I wanted to buy from them but it wasn’t in the cards.
My first Jeep(s) too. Bought a Wrangler for the wife and a Gladiator for myself.
I have the 3.6 auto and added 35” tires with 3:73 gears. I was prepared to re-gear but am happy with performance now.
Enjoy and welcome!

 

[kyoung05]

Came all the way from NJ to buy in Avon? I live about 3 miles from that dealer. I wanted to buy from them but it wasn’t in the cards.
My first Jeep(s) too. Bought a Wrangler for the wife and a Gladiator for myself.
I have the 3.6 auto and added 35” tires with 3:73 gears. I was prepared to re-gear but am happy with performance now.
Enjoy and welcome!

Thanks!

Yep, it was definitely a bit far, but I looked all over the country and they were one of the few dealers who were willing to sell a truck they had on the lot below invoice. I got it for about 6.5% below invoice which is slightly better than what I would've gotten had I ordered one. Otherwise, I would've ordered one through one of the dealers that offered the 5-6% below invoice pricing, but didn't want to wait 12-20 weeks for delivery, and because most of those dealers charge higher doc fees, the price would've been a bit higher. Ideally, I'd have preferred a brighter color like High Velocity Yellow, Hydro Blue, or even Snazzleberry, but the Sting Ray isn't bad. I'm hoping that with some bronze wheels and some brighter trim pieces like the orange/red tow hooks and maybe some decals, it'll still stand out.

Overall, the experience was really good. I was originally planning to have them deliver it to me for $500, but for less than 1/2 that I was able to fly up and drive it back down. It was a nice way to get to know the truck - particularly the powertrain, and also to break it in.

It's been 2 weeks now, and I am still really loving this thing. It isn't the fastest car out there, but it's still a lot of fun to drive. I think the manual transmission really adds to the fun factor for me. Since I grew up on Honda's, I actually don't mind having to get the revs up in order to get into the meat of the powerband. In a lot of ways, it's similar to my Subaru STI where there is nothing down low (due to the turbo lag), and I'm getting passed by pretty much everything from a dead stop unless I really floor it. But, even so, it's something I am used to and it's nice knowing that once you get the revs up the power comes on nicely, and being a manual transmission, I have full control of how long I stay in each gear. Would I love more power? Of course, but I don't think it feels inadequate (yet). Maybe an aftermarket exhaust might be nice to make things sound a bit more exciting, even if it wouldn't actually increase HP.

I am also still very surprised about how well it handles. It's no sports car, but it feels way more buttoned down than I was expecting given everything I've read. I also really like the cushiness of the ride quality - seems to be a very good balance of soaking up bumps in the road while not feeling like it's going to tip over. Although, this does have me second-guessing the larger tires and lift kit. Still trying to do my research on how these things might impact ride quality, handling, etc. So far, I think I am leaning towards 33" tires on 17" wheels and maybe a level kit at most - mostly just for the looks, although the extra bit of ground clearance would be good too.

I've had a few opportunities to put the top down and love how easy it is with the soft top! Very similar to a Miata in its operation.

My cousin recently took me and my son out to an offroad park in CA in his F-150 Raptor, and it was a ton of fun accelerating up and down steep dirt roads, going through large mud puddles, etc. It was my first time doing anything like that, and I've love to turn my Gladiator into something that is similarly capable while also being a good daily driver.

So far, I've got the OEM rubber floor mats, Weathertech bed mat and tailgate cover, and Westen Nerf Bars on order (mostly for convenience since I was able to order them through my local Napa Auto along with the Weathertech stuff). Next up will be trying to find a good wheel/level/lift combo! I can see this becoming very expensive, very quickly, but really excited to see how it transforms over time.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

So far, I've got the OEM rubber floor mats, Weathertech bed mat and tailgate cover, and Westen Nerf Bars on order (mostly for convenience since I was able to order them through my local Napa Auto along with the Weathertech stuff). Next up will be trying to find a good wheel/level/lift combo! I can see this becoming very expensive, very quickly, but really excited to see how it transforms over time.

Welcome to Just Empty Every Pocket land!

I've had around a dozen Jeeps myself, and come from a family that has had Jeeps as long as I can remember... they never get old! For anyone new to Jeep, I say learn what the quirks are to your Jeep, and love that... it's just their 'personality'. You have already, but try not to compare it to any other vehicle... Jeeps are their own animal, you may not even get the same experience from one Gladiator to another.

 

[Duece McCracken]

This thread could use some pics, just sayin'

?

 

[kyoung05]

This thread could use some pics, just sayin'

?

Not much to look at, but here she is in all her bone stock glory!

 

[kyoung05]

Welcome to Just Empty Every Pocket land!

I've had around a dozen Jeeps myself, and come from a family that has had Jeeps as long as I can remember... they never get old! For anyone new to Jeep, I say learn what the quirks are to your Jeep, and love that... it's just their 'personality'. You have already, but try not to compare it to any other vehicle... Jeeps are their own animal, you may not even get the same experience from one Gladiator to another.

100%! I may be new to Jeeps, but I'm not new to cars that have "soul," which is really just a different way of saying quirks AKA things we don't objectively like, but contribute to making the car what it is, which we do like.

 

[Duece McCracken]

Not much to look at, but here she is in all her bone stock glory!

This color was a strong contender for me. I ordered a High Velocity though, and my wife is dreading it, lmfao!

Are you going to form a build thread on here? It's nice to have your own little space for documenting everything. Pics of installs, issues, etc. Its good for records, and helping the community. I'm on too many forums, lol

 

[ShrimpHappens]

My cousin recently took me and my son out to an offroad park in CA in his F-150 Raptor, and it was a ton of fun accelerating up and down steep dirt roads, going through large mud puddles, etc. It was my first time doing anything like that, and I've love to turn my Gladiator into something that is similarly capable while also being a good daily driver.

You're capable of A LOT bone stock with good tires, especially with that limited slip rear end.

You can fit 33's without a lift, but if you want some additional clearance, a Rubicon suspension will net 3/4" to 1".

 

[kyoung05]

This color was a strong contender for me. I ordered a High Velocity though, and my wife is dreading it, lmfao!

Are you going to form a build thread on here? It's nice to have your own little space for documenting everything. Pics of installs, issues, etc. Its good for records, and helping the community. I'm on too many forums, lol

I hadn't thought to do that, but that's a great idea! I'll definitely try to track progress and create a thread with pics/impressions/etc. Thanks!

 

[AZCooWhip]

Welcome! Did someone say bone stock ……<slight low level chuckle>.

 

[kyoung05]

You're capable of A LOT bone stock with good tires, especially with that limited slip rear end.

You can fit 33's without a lift, but if you want some additional clearance, a Rubicon suspension will net 3/4" to 1".

That'd be great. Based on what I've read, it sounded like that was the case but wasn't sure whether that required the removal of the front bumper pieces or not. If not, then I might just go ahead and try to get some new wheels and 33" tires (285/70/17) to throw on for now, and figure out the lift/level later.

I don't want to end up with too firm a ride since I'm really enjoying the stock ride quality, so if new wheels/tires wouldn't impact that, then great. But, I think I need to figure out whether a level kit (the ones that come up new shocks and/or springs) would impact that much, and if so, maybe just use the spacers to even it out.

Another thing I have been considering is the additional weight of the larger tires, and how that might affect acceleration (MPG is less of a concern right now). I think that I might be able to get a set of 33" tires and keep the weight increase to approx. 12-15lb per wheel. For performance cars, that is a pretty dramatic increase in unsprung weight, but hoping it's less of an issue for the Gladiator.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

That'd be great. Based on what I've read, it sounded like that was the case but wasn't sure whether that required the removal of the front bumper pieces or not. If not, then I might just go ahead and try to get some new wheels and 33" tires (285/70/17) to throw on for now, and figure out the lift/level later.

I don't want to end up with too firm a ride since I'm really enjoying the stock ride quality, so if new wheels/tires wouldn't impact that, then great. But, I think I need to figure out whether a level kit (the ones that come up new shocks and/or springs) would impact that much, and if so, maybe just use the spacers to even it out.

Another thing I have been considering is the additional weight of the larger tires, and how that might affect acceleration (MPG is less of a concern right now). I think that I might be able to get a set of 33" tires and keep the weight increase to approx. 12-15lb per wheel. For performance cars, that is a pretty dramatic increase in unsprung weight, but hoping it's less of an issue for the Gladiator.

I think the Falken Wildpeaks are some of the lightest tires, and in a 33 you may not add too much weight over stock. The larger tire should not firm up the ride at all (depending on the load range of the tire) and may make it a little softer due to more sidewall.

I have an Overland, and went with Rubicon takeoff suspension (can be had with near 0 miles for a couple hundred $) and a 1.5 inch spacer on the front to level. I put 35x12.5x17 tires on Mojave wheels, and they fit very nice, and still allow a lot of flex offroad. I am planning on taking out the front springs, and just going with a 1.5 inch lift spring in the front, and doing away with the spacer.

The Ride on mine dramatically improved over stock, but with a 35 I also dropped from 19mpg (mixed driving) to 16mpg (mixed). I should be able to get some mileage back with a regear, but I really have not needed that yet, so have been holding off.

Overall, Jeeps are very fun. You can spend as much or as little on them as you want, and they are very capable no matter where you go with them. They are the best and easiest vehicle to customize and make your own... once they leave the dealer lot, there is a high chance you'll never see the 'same' 2 Jeeps again.

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