What's the Appeal??

[Chazsquatch]

Put in pictures, this is the appeal for me, plus the off road capability. Unfortunately i haven’t been able to try the off road part yet in my Gladiator but it’s coming soon. Coming from a 4 door Wrangler I’m aware of that capability already though.

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[Gene26]

I get asked how I like mine alot. I will usually ask if the own a Jeep before I answer. If they own own a Jeep they get that it can be a pickup, a convertible and an off-road monster all in one. If they do not own a Jeep most off them will not understand.

 

[Mowat]

I have a 3500 mega cab dually to pull my 5th wheel toy hauler. You can't fit that damn thing in any parking spot around here. I have a JK that is going to my son that was my daily driver. Now I have a 4 door ( that all the family can fit in ) and a truck I can take places and park. And we just use the dually for vacation and when I need to get a Ton of pellets for the stove.

I don't think the gladiator will be happy with a pallet of pellets.

 

[Bacon_00]

This is a great question and I have struggled/continue to struggle to answer it for myself, too, despite knowing almost immediately upon seeing the first Gladiator ad that I had to own one.

My rationale ended up being several things, though I admit a lot of it is still "it's cool" (which I'd argue isn't at all without merit when buying a car):

1. We wanted a truck to become more self-sufficient (we were relying on my Dad to come help us out whenever we needed a truck, which has become fairly frequent).
2. I like that it's a convertible.
3. I like the styling.
4. I like that it's super dynamic -- it's a "go anywhere" vehicle. Even if I don't intend to "go anywhere," it's nice knowing you have a car that can.
5. The reviews were pretty great across the board.
6. I was very OK getting a lower trim with a couple bare-bones options, so it wasn't really more expensive than other brand new, crew cab, 4WD midsize pickups (all the reviews claiming it's "eye-bulgingly expensive" were driving $50-60+k models which, I agree, is pretty insane for most people. However you can get a perfectly respectable Sport S for $38-39k).
7. I used to own a Wrangler and was super sad to trade it in a few years back. It was a fun vehicle that I took a lot of pleasure in owning.

Then the last one, which will probably come across as "humble bragging" but isn't intended to, is that

8. I can afford it without sacrificing anything else.

#8 was a big one. I knew I wanted it, and could mostly give objective reasons WHY I liked it, but at the end of the day I fully admit there was a big "I want it" factor. I took a super hard look at my finances and really couldn't come up with a deal breaker reason why I couldn't afford it. I considered it to be about a $10k premium (at most) over a used, low-mileage Tacoma with similar specs, which would have been a perfectly reasonable and "efficient" purchase. However, my wife and I felt pretty OK forking out the extra $10k to get a brand new, convertible Jeep truck of my dreams. We're pretty frugal as a rule but decided we're in a good enough position financially to live a little. We fully intend on taking it on some adventures with the kids and getting a lot of use out of it over the years, so hopefully it'll prove to have been worth it (whenever it arrives at the dealer!).

I also read a lot of blogs about "how much should you spend on a car" and by all accounts we were well within recommended ranges, and in a lot of cases well below. I'm cool with it. It's a lot of money but I'm confident we'll get a lot of enjoyment and utility out of it.

 

[firemedic2714]

I traded a very nice F150 SuperCrew for a JKUR in 2015 because I really missed having a manual transmission. In 2018, I was missing having a pickup to occasionally haul stuff. My wife and 2 kids informed me that I was not allowed to trade the Jeep in unless it was for another Jeep. They (and I suspect our 2 dogs) had waaaaay too much fun in it, so I buy a JTR and everyone's happy.

 

[Airmousam]

This is a great question and I have struggled/continue to struggle to answer it for myself, too, despite knowing almost immediately upon seeing the first Gladiator ad that I had to own one.

My rationale ended up being several things, though I admit a lot of it is still "it's cool" (which I'd argue isn't at all without merit when buying a car):

1. We wanted a truck to become more self-sufficient (we were relying on my Dad to come help us out whenever we needed a truck, which has become fairly frequent).
2. I like that it's a convertible.
3. I like the styling.
4. I like that it's super dynamic -- it's a "go anywhere" vehicle. Even if I don't intend to "go anywhere," it's nice knowing you have a car that can.
5. The reviews were pretty great across the board.
6. I was very OK getting a lower trim with a couple bare-bones options, so it wasn't really more expensive than other brand new, crew cab, 4WD midsize pickups (all the reviews claiming it's "eye-bulgingly expensive" were driving $50-60+k models which, I agree, is pretty insane for most people. However you can get a perfectly respectable Sport S for $38-39k).
7. I used to own a Wrangler and was super sad to trade it in a few years back. It was a fun vehicle that I took a lot of pleasure in owning.


#8 was a big one. I knew I wanted it, and could mostly give objective reasons WHY I liked it, but at the end of the day I fully admit there was a big "I want it" factor. I took a super hard look at my finances and really couldn't come up with a deal breaker reason why I couldn't afford it. I considered it to be about a $10k premium (at most) over a used, low-mileage Tacoma with similar specs, which would have been a perfectly reasonable and "efficient" purchase. However, my wife and I felt pretty OK forking out the extra $10k to get a brand new, convertible Jeep truck of my dreams. We're pretty frugal as a rule but decided we're in a good enough position financially to live a little. We fully intend on taking it on some adventures with the kids and getting a lot of use out of it over the years, so hopefully it'll prove to have been worth it (whenever it arrives at the dealer!).

I also read a lot of blogs about "how much should you spend on a car" and by all accounts we were well within recommended ranges, and in a lot of cases well below. I'm cool with it. It's a lot of money but I'm confident we'll get a lot of enjoyment and utility out of it.

A loaded Taco sport or off-road new is mid to upper 30s (without final negotiation, just tire kicking) when i was shopping em a few weeks ago..Premium, tech, leather, and roof

 

[WXman]

So I was approached by a coworker today who initially asked the standard question, "how do you like your Gladiator?" Being quite used to this by now, my canned response is, "I like it, so far, so good". He then mentioned that he owns a RAM diesel and was at the dealer for service when they tried to sell him on a Gladiator. He laughed at them because he needs to tow big loads, like a 5th wheel and other, giant, manly objects well in excess of even the 'Max Tow' rating of 7600pds. He was amazed at how expensive the gladiators are (they had what must've been a loaded Rubicon for $60K). Then as politely as he could muster, "If you don't mind my asking, what is the appeal of the Gladiator? Is it just the look?"

I thought this was actually a fair question, particularly coming from a "big towing" pick up guy. Even though most reviews on the gladiator try to compare it to other, midsize pick-ups, it's really possible to get a full size truck fairly well optioned, for what an Overland or Rubicon would cost. I could somewhat understand my co-workers confusion; Looking purely from a pick-up perspective, the Gladiator doesn't really have a good value proposition.

Of course, as we all know; it starts to make a lot more sense when the "Jeep Factor" is considered. For Gladiator buyers; standard pick ups are very useful and capable at many things, but they're maybe just a bit too "boring". In my view, we're mostly paying a premium for one thing; the small pick up bed is attached to a Wrangler! No other pick up has removable doors & roof, access to the Jeep Community, and Solid Axle articulation (excepting some older trucks).

I know I'm preaching to the choir in the last paragraph, but has anyone else had similar questions from "John Q Public"? If so, how have you responded?

This is the question I get on a weekly basis from strangers at the fuel pumps or restaurants or whatever. "How do you like that?" In my mind I'm thinking "If I didn't like it, I wouldn't have brought it home." I'm usually nicer in my responses though.

Honestly, I don't get it. I don't understand how people could be so dense and clueless. It's as if they've never seen a mid-size truck before. This thing has four doors, it has a 5 foot box, it has a tail gate, you can see the gap between the box and the cab, it's no different in that regard than the other 250,000 mid-size trucks sold annually in this country. Obviously there is a removable top and doors, but why is that enough to make people confused about this vehicle?

The first few months all the attention and questions were sort of flattering. Now it's starting to get annoying.

 

[Bacon_00]

A loaded Taco sport or off-road new is mid to upper 30s (without final negotiation, just tire kicking) when i was shopping em a few weeks ago..Premium, tech, leather, and roof

Really? I was using their online build tool and a 4WD, crew-cab TRD Sport or Off-road was starting at $36k. Is that tool misleading?

 

[Airmousam]

Really? I was using their online build tool and a 4WD, crew-cab TRD Sport or Off-road was starting at $36k. Is that tool misleading?

Dunno, I was looking at loaded new 2019s sport or off road for 42ish sticker, and they were coming down 5k right in the door, feel like 36 would have been within reach..don’t bother...the test drive sucked, boring as hell...but really like the cement color...lol

 

[Bacon_00]

Dunno, I was looking at loaded new 2019s sport or off road for 42ish sticker, and they were coming down 5k right in the door, feel like 36 would have been within reach..don’t bother...the test drive sucked, boring as hell...but really like the cement color...lol

Haha! Well obviously I don't expect a sales pitch on a Tacoma on the Gladiator forum, but I still appreciate the validation to buy the Jeep

I did give the Tacoma some serious thought because they're dependable, priced more reasonably, and aren't awful looking, but I just couldn't get excited about it. Literally half the people in my neighborhood have one, it's just so cookie cutter. Gotta have your 2.5 kids, 30-year mortgage, and your Toyota Tacoma...

 

[Airmousam]

Haha! Well obviously I don't expect a sales pitch on a Tacoma on the Gladiator forum, but I still appreciate the validation to buy the Jeep

I did give the Tacoma some serious thought because they're dependable, priced more reasonably, and aren't awful looking, but I just couldn't get excited about it. Literally half the people in my neighborhood have one, it's just so cookie cutter. Gotta have your 2.5 kids, 30-year mortgage, and your Toyota Tacoma...

And I own a Chevy

 

[DamonC64]

When asked why I would spend that kind of money on a JT when you can get other mid sized trucks cheaper I respond with this.

To put this in the simplest of terms........I'm not buying a truck........I'm buying a Jeep with a bed.

 

[Texops]

If I have one more person ask me why didn't they offer a Hemi ! and talk about how overpriced it is. I tell them no other midsize truck offers a V8 & these are all 4WD & top/doors come off , windshield folds down. no midsize truck is more capable. I can remember 1985 Jeep J20 truck cost a little more than Ford,Dodge,Chevy, back then mosty ranchers bought them they rode smoother than the other 4wd 3/4 ton trucks back then . I've have Jeeps most my life that's what I like. my 1st new vehicle was a CJ-7 renegade & it was my DD for 12 years. Jeep has been evolving along with me. I like them they are fun & most everything else is boring.

 

[jsyn]

I've been in the market for a new vehicle the past few months. Gladiator jumped right out at me once I started searching. We already have my wife's small, fuel-efficient car for family outings around town and for trips to the grocery store. What I'm in the market for is the other family vehicle, the workhorse.

My needs are:

• Can tow a simple trailer with a midsize car on it or tow a teardrop camping trailer
  
• Can easily carry up to 15 sheets of 3/4" plywood at a time
• Can easily carry a stack of 15' long beams of wood home from the lumber yard or a stack of 6" wide, 10' long PVC irrigation pipes
  
• Can easily accommodate mountain bikes, skis, kayaks, and/or canoes
• Room for 4 inside, including car seat for little one(s)
• Can drive relatively easily on the endless high-clearance dirt roads around Las Vegas (this is harder than it sounds, a stock Chevy Colorado will grind out on the rocks, and my crummy Chevy Tahoe lost both factory fog lights to rocks within the first 1/2 mile I attempted on a simple, well-traveled dirt road around here -- you TRULY need high clearance around Vegas)
• Can carry camping gear for the family for use once we make it out to the middle of nowhere
  
• Working AC (my truck's AC just broke and did I mention I live in LAS VEGAS)
• Is comfortable inside (I tried a Chevy Bison and literally bruised my seat bones every time I climbed in or out, the seats are just so horribly designed)
  
• The ability for me to easily modify the truck as needed (for example I like to upgrade my alternator so I can add a second, deep cycle marine battery for accessories once I'm in camp, I also want to hard-wire a dash cam and radar detector, etc)
• Is short enough that I can still drive in the city and park in normal parking spots without the need for excessive cursing and 6-point turns

My additional "nice to haves" are:

• Can drive the Cathedral Valley Loop at Capitol Reef National Park and around the Needles section of Canyonlands without difficulty
  
• Adaptive Cruise Control for the long interstate drives before reaching cool off-roading areas
• Not look exactly like every single other midsize truck on earth (I mean, from 100 yards away can you REALLY tell the difference between a Tacoma, a Colorado, or any other non-Jeep mid-size pickup?)
• Seats with built-in cooling (this is the one item on my list the Gladiator doesn't provide, it only offers heated seats, which I definitely don't need, but hey, you can't have everything)

The Gladiator just seemed to check all the important boxes, plus when I showed it (and the price of it) to my wife her response was "sounds good to me, go for it". What more "appeal" does a vehicle need?

Out here in the endlessly beating sun, the oppressive heat, and the 70mph blowing desert dust I really don't know that I'll ever make use of the ability to remove the top or the doors. So, while they're "cool to have", they're definitely not "must haves" or even "nice to haves" for me. My biggest concern is that normal Jeeps look boxy, but that the Gladiator somehow takes it one step further, it seems to incorporate some of the "Hummer H2 douchbag quality" into the mix and comes across as a true "just boot things" military-looking vehicle very unlike everything else on the road. That's the only complaint I've heard from anyone, though. And that's not going to stop me from getting a truck this cool!

 

[ATLalien]

This is the question I get on a weekly basis from strangers at the fuel pumps or restaurants or whatever. "How do you like that?" In my mind I'm thinking "If I didn't like it, I wouldn't have brought it home." I'm usually nicer in my responses though.

Honestly, I don't get it. I don't understand how people could be so dense and clueless. It's as if they've never seen a mid-size truck before. This thing has four doors, it has a 5 foot box, it has a tail gate, you can see the gap between the box and the cab, it's no different in that regard than the other 250,000 mid-size trucks sold annually in this country. Obviously there is a removable top and doors, but why is that enough to make people confused about this vehicle?

The first few months all the attention and questions were sort of flattering. Now it's starting to get annoying.

Yeah, it does start to get a little annoying; particularly if I happen to be in a hurry, but only a little...

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