Thinking of buying a Gladiator

[DirkG]

Welcome Harry to the board. A LOT of the Gladiator reviews were when it first came out and was the shiny new truck toy on the market. Those early Gladiators did not have the steering box replacement that was definitely needed on the 2020 models. I got the updated box on my 2020 and honestly, for me, it was night and day better. 2021+ models already have the redesigned box.

I've driven sports cars and many luxury brands most of my life and this is my first Jeep and truck. I knew going in that I was getting a "truck" (I'm a baseball coach) and was attracted to the Jeep community and way of life. It's all real. No brand or experience comes close.

My biggest flag for you before jumping into a Gladiator would be size. The Sierra will indeed drive smoother and is noticeably bigger. I love the size, but I've never owned a full-size truck.

I think the recommendation of renting one is a great idea. At the very least, I would test drive several from several dealers and really get a feel for the size and perceived compromises you'd have coming from a Sierra.

BUT I guarantee you if you like the size and accept the truck ride, you won't find a cooler truck on the market that you can turn into a convertible in the summer and off road with the best of them. Plus kids and adults alike will yell "nice truck!" on a weekly basis.

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[JET_83]

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 ? ? ? ? ?

good thing about that trim is the softer suspension and with the smaller tires and no lift it will hold the road so much better than the rubicon or mojave

 

[wjcook68]

Just my $.02 Harry,

I just purchased my 2021 JTR 3 weeks ago. I went from a 2020 RAM 2500 CCLB 4x4 to the Gladiator and I have no regrets. That said, the JTR is definitely smaller but not super small. I should add, I am 6'5" and am actually reasonably comfortable. I will be adding the blocks under the front of the drivers seat for just a tad more room. I knew what I was getting into though because the wife has a JLUR that I am "allowed" to drive from time to time.

I think the suggestion of renting one is a fantastic idea. Enjoy your search!

Wayne

 

[Snake Eyes]

test drive or rent one. my sales guy gave me the keys for my test drive and let me take off on my own just telling me to not leave the state and drive it as long as i wanted. course i have had a jeep before…wrangler. and i own a fj cruiser so i understand driving a noisy brick down the road with a windshield rock catcher. but the minute i started driving the gladiator it was like returning “home” and was a heck of alot nicer driving than my old ‘97 TJ. luxury lol.

 

[PsyRN]

2020 JTR here. Took a bit to get used to it. Drove off the lot with the dealership setting the PSI to 41 on OEM MTs, and it felt like I was ice skating on the road. Stopped at the next local gas station, bought a cheap gauge and lowered the pressure to 37; much, much better handling. Drove the next 500 miles home no problems. Drives so much smoother than my 98 Tacoma ever really did. Still no issues, and have not had to have anything fixed or replaced.

 

[BaliMawr]

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.

I am not a truck guy, but I need one. I’m coming from a Honda Ridgeline and a ram 1500. I was apprehensive about the steering as well. It’s fine. It’s at least as good as the ram? If not better. Mind you, I’ve got a Sport s max tow with stock wheels and tires, and that’s what I’m sticking with. Drives great!

 

[hpva]

I thank all of you for your input it really helps.The Overland is the model I had in mind.As for size I don't need a full size truck anymore and besides the great look of the Gladiator I was looking to go smaller.Again thank you for all.

 

[bakobobby]

Driving my brothers current gen F-150 for 2k+ miles is why I knew I wanted a truck. Spent a lot of time researching. Went Gladiator because build quality and capability. It for sure bounces around more than my bros Ford does. Still a comfy ride IMO. I can drive it 70mph with one hand down the freeway the idea of it wandering is way overblown.

 

[Gvsukids]

Overland is the trim to get for you

Mojave is also said to have a great ride.

 

[JET_83]

Mojave is also said to have a great ride.

Mine is garbage in terms of ride quality

 

[JET_83]

Mojave is also said to have a great ride.

The Overland will naturally ride the best because of the all season tires and softer suspension, also because it’s not lifted and doesn’t have as HD components

 

[JD101]

I'll play . Let me preface first. I've owned and driven over 100 vehicles to date , and I'm 41. Take that for something, or not.?.

My last 5
2018 Tacoma TRD 6spd 33s
2018 jeep JL Rubicon 2dr 6spd 34s
2019 Chevy Colorado zr2 gas auto 34s
2021 jeep JLU W 2.0t 8spd auto 35s still have it!
2021 Chevy Silverado Trailboss LT 5.3/10spd 35s . yawn.

2021 glad Rubicon 3.6/8spd auto 38s current . !Smiles per mile !

I feel like I can give a reasonable opinion from first hand experiences . Yes the steering feel in a JL or JT is not as precise as an IFS rack and pinion truck regardless of the steering update . It will feel a bit vague and will get blown around more than the other suspects above . This is due to shape plain and simple , it's a brick . The JL /JT could use a bit more castor than the factory sets even stock . Now I will say my stock glad rub handled the best of the three JL/JT platforms due to wheelbase . It was pretty acceptable and with a bit of change in driving style it disappears quickly . It's certainly no reason to avoid the vehicle . With reference to trucks , not sports cars of course.

Going forward , there are plenty of reasonable upgrades that can really tighten things up further if you see fit :

Fixed Mopar lower control arms or adjustables for castor
*Quality steering damper /stabilizer* (start here)
sector shaft brace
Start with the mindset you will be modifying it at some point . It's a jeep. It's a fact . Good luck !

 

[jlc64uk]

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.

Have a 2021 Rubicon and have never had any issues with steering whatsoever.
Also had a 2018 Wrangler MOAB and never had any issues with it either.
Have thoroughly enjoyed both of them. Nothing like getting them naked and getting out in the world. Getcha one a go have a blast!
That being said I have ordered a Bronco Badlands and if you're interested I am selling my Gladiator since my Bronco finally arrived at the dealership today. I have it listed in the for sale section.

 

[Rattydude77]

Welcome to the forum first off 2nd I just bought my first jeep 5 months ago 2020 Gladiator with a Fox 3inch lift on 38s Metallic Pumpkin orange drove by the dealer turned around test drove and love it. I traded in my 2018 silverado 4inch lift on 40s custom painted candy apple red loved my truck but the price was rightful trade in and the cyber truck wait was to long needless to say love it and won't trade this one for awhile but remember it's a jeep it's loud and it comes with waves lots of waving lol from jeep people ?

 

[Fouts]

Don't do it!!!!!!

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