Thinking of buying a Gladiator

[hpva]

Hi I am new to the site and am thinking of buying a 2022 Gladiator.I have never owned a Jeep but always loved the look.When I first saw the Gladiator it was love at first sight.For the past year I have been researching and reading reviews on the Gladiator and hope to test drive one soon. My main concern is the steering, every review I have read states that their is a lot of road wander on the highway.If I buy one it will see mainly highway use and probably no off-roading.Right now I own a 2012 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton that I will be keeping as my winter plow truck.Could any of you owners give me some input on the steering issue and any other likes and dislikes you may have.Reviews from people who own one I think is the best way to get true info. Thank you in advance for any information you can give me.

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[869 KPH]

Welcome, Harry!

I think it's all relative. Mine (Rubicon) gets pushed around in the wind sometimes but I don't see it as an issue. I roadtripped a few of the older generation JK wranglers and the gladiator drives like a Cadillac in comparison. I bet you'll love it. I'm about 1,800 miles in and have zero regrets so far.

Maybe try to rent one? I know Enterprise stocks them. I rented a Sport S for a week a year or two ago and that sold me. However - the Rubicon I got is miles and miles better than that one was IMO.

 

[chrismeece74]

Never had a problem with mine. Proper tire inflation is a must, as most will tell you they are way over inflated off the lot. I think mime were at 42psi when I bought it, dropped it to 36 no issues. Yes, wind can be an issue at times, it has the aerodynamics of a brick. Just remember it is a Jeep not a sports car.

 

[Dryfly24]

Hi I am new to the site and am thinking of buying a 2022 Gladiator.I have never owned a Jeep but always loved the look.When I first saw the Gladiator it was love at first sight.For the past year I have been researching and reading reviews on the Gladiator and hope to test drive one soon. My main concern is the steering, every review I have read states that their is a lot of road wander on the highway.If I buy one it will see mainly highway use and probably no off-roading.Right now I own a 2012 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton that I will be keeping as my winter plow truck.Could any of you owners give me some input on the steering issue and any other likes and dislikes you may have.Reviews from people who own one I think is the best way to get true info. Thank you in advance for any information you can give me.

Just to hopefully put a dent in a lot of these “loose steering“ rumors, I’ve often thought of posting a video as I’m cruising down the highway with my hands off the steering wheel on a long straightaway.

Maybe I just have a unicorn? My truck tracks straight as an arrow and steers as good or better than any other vehicle I’ve ever owned. Much better than the Tacoma I had prior to it which felt more like an ox cart than a pickup.

 

[MoxiesDad]

Have to totally agree with post #2. My JT Rubicon drives like a Cadillac compared to my TJ Rubicon (which I've driven from OH to SD and back without issue).

 

[dcmdon]

Welcome. I think you really need to go drive one.

my Gladiator is my first jeep. It definitely takes a bit more effort to keep it centered in a lane on the highway, but it becomes second nature eventually. I've got 5000 miles on mine and am getting better at it. ha.

 

[COmtnbiker]

Steering issue was resolved on Wrangler and Gladiators with new steering box around Aug 2020. My 2022 drives straight.

 

[Florida Mojave]

Welcome Harry!
Same idea that 869kph had, go rent one. Especially since you have never owned a Jeep.
You can't do diddily on a test drive especially with the salesman with you. I rented a S model from Avis and drove it 1200 miles. I already knew I wanted one but this helped me decide on the model too...as far as the steering goes I have not had any issues...I'll be rollin up on 11k miles very soon.
Best of luck with your new adventure!!

 

[jac04]

I think there are a lot of people out there who like the idea of owning a Gladiator. However, you need to know exactly what you are getting yourself into. My 2021 Mojave steers beautifully and rides like a dream (for a Jeep). Things like wind noise, road noise, and overall handling are just nowhere near the same as a 'regular' vehicle, so you can't expect the same driving experience.

You'll know if a Gladiator is for you once you test drive it. As others have suggested, see if you can rent one or at least take it for an extended test drive.

 

[azmojave]

It will feel weird at first but you will get used to it. I have a hard time keeping my wife’s 370z straight since the steering is so tight! It’s a learning curve. With the long wheelbase of the Gladiator, it’s much better than my old 2 door JK.

 

[sass JT]

Like the previous guys said… you need to drive it… and for awhile… the solid axle and steering you will have to get use to. Larger tires and lift will excrebate the issues of driving and you have to beef up the steering up front, even with just a level it will do this. If you have never experienced it, you will have to drive it. That said I love my Jeeps, I’ve treated them well and they have treated me well back … they take way more money to make them ride at or better than stock.

Good luck sir.

 

[JET_83]

Hi I am new to the site and am thinking of buying a 2022 Gladiator.I have never owned a Jeep but always loved the look.When I first saw the Gladiator it was love at first sight.For the past year I have been researching and reading reviews on the Gladiator and hope to test drive one soon. My main concern is the steering, every review I have read states that their is a lot of road wander on the highway.If I buy one it will see mainly highway use and probably no off-roading.Right now I own a 2012 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton that I will be keeping as my winter plow truck.Could any of you owners give me some input on the steering issue and any other likes and dislikes you may have.Reviews from people who own one I think is the best way to get true info. Thank you in advance for any information you can give me.

Overland is the trim to get for you

 

[JET_83]

Welcome, Harry!

I think it's all relative. Mine (Rubicon) gets pushed around in the wind sometimes but I don't see it as an issue. I roadtripped a few of the older generation JK wranglers and the gladiator drives like a Cadillac in comparison. I bet you'll love it. I'm about 1,800 miles in and have zero regrets so far.

Maybe try to rent one? I know Enterprise stocks them. I rented a Sport S for a week a year or two ago and that sold me. However - the Rubicon I got is miles and miles better than that one was IMO.

when I had my Rubicon it wasn't bad in the wind, the mojave on the other hand is horrendous

 

[Shawnu22]

I have a 2022 Sport diesel and it drove perfect off the lot, just added a 2" Mopar lift and 35" Recon Grapplers and.....it drives even better! Hands off steering wheel and tracks like a dream. Be careful reading to much of the online hype, I have to be careful after parking it, I almost walked into a few light poles looking back at it!

 

[Labswine]

I have the Overland...ordered early May 2019, received 19 July, 2019. Around 16K miles on it now. ZERO issues with wandering. Tires are around 38 psi. Yes, the wind affects it but so does the wind affect my 2019 GC Ltd.

The Overland package has a little softer suspension as it's the 'luxury' package of the lot. Doesn't mean it's less capable off road (not comparing to the Rubicon with front and rear lockers) as any of the others or, lesser in the ability to tow (not comparing to the MaxTow).

Do it!!! You won't regret it

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