Sponsored

Ordering Wrangler vs Gladiator?

First Name
Christian
Joined
May 6, 2022
Threads
4
Messages
15
Reaction score
11
Location
Eugene, OR
Vehicle(s)
Toyota Camry (I am buying a gladiator)
Occupation
Painter
I’ve already decided I’m going to buy a rubicon. I just can’t decide between the JT or the JL. I love the look of the JT and it’s capabilities (mainly the bed) heard it is similar off-roading to the wrangler, but it doesn’t come with the extreme recon package and that is a bummer to me. Does anyone know why that is? I can’t pick one or the other cause I really want that package.
Sponsored

 

Rahkmalla

Well-Known Member
First Name
Jim
Joined
Oct 20, 2021
Threads
31
Messages
1,656
Reaction score
3,654
Location
NJ
Vehicle(s)
22 Gobi Manual Mojave
Build Thread
Link
XR is a regear and a hinge kit with some bigger tires. Gladiator doesn't need hinge reinforcement. Personally I would never order XR on a wrangler because i'd rather have the 4.88s over the 4.56 the XR sticks you with. (Well, that and you can't get a stick XR.)

35s is as high as most would go on 4.10s, but they are definitely not in "omg gotta regear" range. most consider 35s on 4.10s tolerable, even if some consider them only marginally so.

Pick the vehicle you like better and make it your own. If metric 35s are your dream (as they are mine, currently sitting in my basement patiently waiting) just buy some 315/70s and some new rims and slap em on a gladiator. you can get it done for about 3k for 5 wheels and tires. XR costs more than that.
 

I_Reckn

Well-Known Member
First Name
Bill
Joined
Mar 10, 2022
Threads
4
Messages
111
Reaction score
131
Location
KS - Wichita
Vehicle(s)
2022 JTM / 2021 EcoSport
Occupation
LJ Aircraft Technical Specialist
Most of us on here are biased to the Gladiator but many tend to add lift kits and bigger wheels/tires aftermarket. I bought the Glady just because of the truck bed and more towing capacity - 6,000 lbs. If all you want the JL for is the Recon package, buy the Gladiator and build your own.
 

hjdca

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 27, 2019
Threads
9
Messages
1,639
Reaction score
2,324
Location
Southern California Mountains
Vehicle(s)
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon manual Sting Gray
Build Thread
Link
I’ve already decided I’m going to buy a rubicon. I just can’t decide between the JT or the JL. I love the look of the JT and it’s capabilities (mainly the bed) heard it is similar off-roading to the wrangler, but it doesn’t come with the extreme recon package and that is a bummer to me. Does anyone know why that is? I can’t pick one or the other cause I really want that package.
Just figure it this way... They are exactly the same except for the wheel base, departure angle, high center clearance, and bed..... "In General", off-road, a wrangler will "out wheel" a similar equiped Gladiator. "In General", because of the above, "on-road", the Gladiator will give you slightly better on-road manners. So, it depends if you need a bed or not, and are willing to sacrifice some "off-road" manueverability for that bed.

Personally, I believe it was a great trade off, because I really wanted a bed.
 

JDChris

Well-Known Member
First Name
Chris
Joined
Jun 30, 2021
Threads
2
Messages
99
Reaction score
181
Location
Michigan
Vehicle(s)
'21 JT Mojave
I came from a JKU and can offer my perspective. If you're not going to tow (much) and won't be hauling things like plywood, lumber or anything that would need the bed of the JT then personally, I'd do the Wrangler.

As you mentioned, the Wranglers can get the XR pkg. If you're a "build" it yourself guy and want to pick out all the components looking for a small lift, re-gear, 35" tires & wheels then it's a strike against the Wranglers. If I had to bet, I'd say the JTs could get the XR pkg but it might be a year or two before that happens?

How do you off road? Rocks, trails, sand, mud...? Does your MPG matter?
 

Sponsored

OP
OP
First Name
Christian
Joined
May 6, 2022
Threads
4
Messages
15
Reaction score
11
Location
Eugene, OR
Vehicle(s)
Toyota Camry (I am buying a gladiator)
Occupation
Painter
I came from a JKU and can offer my perspective. If you're not going to tow (much) and won't be hauling things like plywood, lumber or anything that would need the bed of the JT then personally, I'd do the Wrangler.

As you mentioned, the Wranglers can get the XR pkg. If you're a "build" it yourself guy and want to pick out all the components looking for a small lift, re-gear, 35" tires & wheels then it's a strike against the Wranglers. If I had to bet, I'd say the JTs could get the XR pkg but it might be a year or two before that happens?

How do you off road? Rocks, trails, sand, mud...? Does your MPG matter?
I live in Oregon so it’s mainly trails and the dunes so I’m not sure if I need the major rubicon with XR. I like it but I think I might like the truck more.
 
OP
OP
First Name
Christian
Joined
May 6, 2022
Threads
4
Messages
15
Reaction score
11
Location
Eugene, OR
Vehicle(s)
Toyota Camry (I am buying a gladiator)
Occupation
Painter
Simple, do you need a truck?
At the end of the day I need something that can haul doesn’t have to be the truck but as I’ve read in this forum it might just be a good idea to slap on some 35s on the 4.1 gearing for the gladiator.
 

JDChris

Well-Known Member
First Name
Chris
Joined
Jun 30, 2021
Threads
2
Messages
99
Reaction score
181
Location
Michigan
Vehicle(s)
'21 JT Mojave
I live in Oregon so it’s mainly trails and the dunes so I’m not sure if I need the major rubicon with XR. I like it but I think I might like the truck more.
Since you mentioned dunes, I'll ask if you've look at the JT Mojave (what I have). Similar to the Rubicon but built for high speed desert / sand / dune running. This is not available in the Wrangler. My go to off roading are dunes in West Michigan and I love the Mojave for it. I started off with a brand new 1997 TJ and have owned 6 Wranglers and the Mojave crushes everything else in the sand.

I can't remember the exact numbers and I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but the rear locker on the Mojave can be activated up to 40 MPH and I believe on the Rubicon (both Wrangler and JT) is only up to 10 MPH.

You can fit 35" tires on a Mojave (or Rubicon) without any lifts or having to re-gear. I went with the Mojave over a JLU Rubicon and put 35s on it.
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
First Name
Christian
Joined
May 6, 2022
Threads
4
Messages
15
Reaction score
11
Location
Eugene, OR
Vehicle(s)
Toyota Camry (I am buying a gladiator)
Occupation
Painter
Since you mentioned dunes, I'll ask if you've look at the JT Mojave (what I have). Similar to the Rubicon but built for high speed desert / sand / dune running. This is not available in the Wrangler. My go to off roading are dunes in West Michigan and I love the Mojave for it. I started off with a brand new 1997 TJ and have owned 6 Wranglers and the Mojave crushes everything else in the sand.

I can't remember the exact numbers and I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but the rear locker on the Mojave can be activated up to 40 MPH and I believe on the Rubicon (both Wrangler and JT) is only up to 10 MPH.

You can fit 35" tires on a Mojave (or Rubicon) without any lifts or having to re-gear. I went with the Mojave over a JLU Rubicon and put 35s on it.
Interesting I might have to take a look at the Mojave more seriously.
 

Sponsored

Barnaby’sdad

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2022
Threads
14
Messages
870
Reaction score
1,405
Location
Virginia
Vehicle(s)
‘22 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Occupation
Stuff
Need a bed and want a higher towing capacity? Go with the JT. I knew that I’d use the bed on-the-reg, so I didn’t consider the Wrangler. I wanted a 4 door Wrangler off and on four years, but the towing capacity was always a deal breaker for me.
 

Lush

Well-Known Member
First Name
Robert
Joined
May 12, 2022
Threads
3
Messages
67
Reaction score
91
Location
Houston
Vehicle(s)
2021 Jeep Gladiator Overland, 2020 Expedition Max
Vehicle Showcase
1
I had been wanting a wrangler since 2017 but always needed a truck, so when the gladiator got announced I knew it was only a matter of time.

So, I know what route I would go, I was even willing to sacrifice being in a full size truck to get into this, but I wasn't ready to sacrifice further and go wrangler.

If it weren't for that, I honestly would have gone wrangler as I think they look more proportional stock, and the back seats feel less cramped on account of having an entire hatch behind you versus the back glass. But I wouldn't change my decision whatsoever, as I really did need a truck.
 

NachoRuby

Well-Known Member
First Name
Chad
Joined
Apr 28, 2021
Threads
28
Messages
2,985
Reaction score
4,395
Location
Pennsylvania
Vehicle(s)
'21 JTR , '18 JLU, 73 VW Bug, 97 VW Jetta, all MTs
If you get a JT, throw some 35s on it, if you're really just looking for the XR, but want a gladiator. They'll fit, with no lift on the JTR. If you want the lift that the XR comes with, you can throw a small spacer lift on the JT for cheap, or go with a full lift kit. We have both, sort of, the Wrangler is a JKU. We'll eventually replace the JKU with a JLU, but the gladiator is here to stay. Forever, if I can help it.

The ride is about the same, imo. The gladiator isn't worlds better. With a tonneau cover, the gladiator wins in the storage category. The Wrangler is easier to park and maneuver city streets. The front and back seats are about the same size. The gladiator climbs off road better than a Wrangler. Wrangler is once again more maneuverable. The gladiator scrapes its rear a lot off road, but it's well protected. The hard top is easier to get off on the gladiator, if you go that route.

Both of ours are 3.6 powered manuals, and we love them both. But I'm biased towards my gladiator. The Wrangler belongs to my wife.
 
Last edited:

Rahkmalla

Well-Known Member
First Name
Jim
Joined
Oct 20, 2021
Threads
31
Messages
1,656
Reaction score
3,654
Location
NJ
Vehicle(s)
22 Gobi Manual Mojave
Build Thread
Link
Interesting I might have to take a look at the Mojave more seriously.
The mojave and rubicon are meant to be a 1a and 1b option for "top-of-the-line" gladiators. Personally my interest in off-roading is more 'getting off the beaten path' than extracting peak performance, so any trim would have fit my offroading needs. I did know I wanted 35s though, so that only left max tow, rubicon, and mojave for me for those 4.10s. Manual transmission narrowed that down to rubicon vs mojave. I chose the Mojave because i liked that it's a trim that leaned into the kind of offroad things a long wheelbase offroader would excel at. Not that i would be pushing it, i just like the idea of it being purpose built for a particular task. The only Desert Rated Jeep just seems cool to me. Aesthetically, i dislike the red dash and prefer the mojave hood as well so that also made it easier when i really started breaking down what you gain and lose by each trim.

If you want an auto with 35s, dont forget to consider a max tow. and if you want a diesel, don't forget to completely ignore the mojave. Side note: max tow has the gearing for 35s, and the flare extensions to fit a wider offset, but lacks the front upper clearance if you ever decided you wanted to go larger for 37s in the future
 

Barnaby’sdad

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2022
Threads
14
Messages
870
Reaction score
1,405
Location
Virginia
Vehicle(s)
‘22 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Occupation
Stuff
I had been wanting a wrangler since 2017 but always needed a truck, so when the gladiator got announced I knew it was only a matter of time.

So, I know what route I would go, I was even willing to sacrifice being in a full size truck to get into this, but I wasn't ready to sacrifice further and go wrangler.

If it weren't for that, I honestly would have gone wrangler as I think they look more proportional stock, and the back seats feel less cramped on account of having an entire hatch behind you versus the back glass. But I wouldn't change my decision whatsoever, as I really did need a truck.
Agreed. I think the 4 door Wrangler looks more proportional stock. Whenever I see a JT on 35’s, my first thought is “that’s how it should have come from the factory.”

I think the JT on 35’s looks perfect. 33’s looks fine, but given the land-yacht proportions of the JT (compared to the Wrangler) the 33’s don’t “look” like 33’s unless you’re pretty much standing right next to it. Whenever my 33’s wear down, I may go with 35’s for superior mall crawler looks.
Sponsored

 
 



Top