johnchabin
Well-Known Member
Under warranty? That's impressive. Both of mine failed between 60 and 90K, not under warranty. That sucked.
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What's the competition got the Gladiator doesn't?
- Thread starter PuddleJumper
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BourbonRunner
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Yep, I was shocked. Warranty expired at 120K but Subaru covered it out of courtesy. Didn't hurt that it was in at the time for its 4th transmission replacement, also covered under warranty since the previous ones had been garbage too. Apparently the early CVTs in the Crosstreks and Forresters hated DC Beltway commuting. Service manager at the time the first was replaced said the only ones to that point he had done were a couple with similar commutes.
But end of the day, even with its issues Subaru always took good care of us. I can't say enough good things, and given that they did cover these issues, it earned our loyalty... but not a repeat this time since the Outback is just fugly. :P
SSingh1975
Well-Known Member
Just chiming in here.
Currently drive a Ford Ranger with troublefree 30k miles and trading in towards a diesel Glady rubicon.
Flat out..if ya want a diesel powertrain, the search stops right here with the '23 Gladiator. For '24, there's no more diesel in any brands whatsoever and the "diesel" is now considered a dirty word!
I've owned Toyota Tacoma 2nd gen and beat the crap outta it but it was slow V6 and a gas guzzler and rear seats were pretty much for show. Ironnically enough, rear seats remain meh even in the new gen '24 Tacoma. Then moved to a GMC Canyon and ran into tranny shudder and after 3 dealer visits, GM couldn't resolve it....I ended up trading it for my Ford Ranger...other than smallish rear seats, small gas tank and 19-20mpg, it's been rock solid. Comes with rear locker but I never used it for my camping/fishing grounds and little bit of dispersed camping.
To date, I've test drove:
1) '24 Tacoma OffRoad....like the new drivetrain but hate the design especially the plastic air dam unless ya TRD and once ya remove that air dam, gas milege will drop 1-2mpgs. Rear seats ARE STILL small and I'm not a overall fan on the new body style but interior feels very much up to par like a modern SUV. Cloth seats are meh. OR trim is like $50k plus taxes!!!
2) Even though new gen Ranger is not here yet but I've driven it at dealer in Fiji (Fijian here living in CA). Pacific and Aussie markets already have the new gen since last year. It's a nice truck and I'd say BETTER than new Tacoma but kinda bland body style and now, Lariat trim with options is $50k.
3) Drove new Canyon AT4 (really punchy engine with the high output turbo engine!). Love the aggressive oem stance and factory lift that comes standard but gas milege is meh (17mpg on the demo truck).
Since new mid size trucks are now $50k on average, I just decided to take the discounted diesel Rubicon ($49k). As someone who owned a BMW X5 diesel with 82k miles back in the day, I love oil burners. The Glady does drive like a solid axle truck and the weird "longish" wheelbase takes some time to get used to (vs other mid size trucks).
So not perfect but IMO, the diesel Glady pretty much leaves all other mid size trucks in the dirt.
Hopefully, I drive one home by the end of the day
.
Currently drive a Ford Ranger with troublefree 30k miles and trading in towards a diesel Glady rubicon.
Flat out..if ya want a diesel powertrain, the search stops right here with the '23 Gladiator. For '24, there's no more diesel in any brands whatsoever and the "diesel" is now considered a dirty word!
I've owned Toyota Tacoma 2nd gen and beat the crap outta it but it was slow V6 and a gas guzzler and rear seats were pretty much for show. Ironnically enough, rear seats remain meh even in the new gen '24 Tacoma. Then moved to a GMC Canyon and ran into tranny shudder and after 3 dealer visits, GM couldn't resolve it....I ended up trading it for my Ford Ranger...other than smallish rear seats, small gas tank and 19-20mpg, it's been rock solid. Comes with rear locker but I never used it for my camping/fishing grounds and little bit of dispersed camping.
To date, I've test drove:
1) '24 Tacoma OffRoad....like the new drivetrain but hate the design especially the plastic air dam unless ya TRD and once ya remove that air dam, gas milege will drop 1-2mpgs. Rear seats ARE STILL small and I'm not a overall fan on the new body style but interior feels very much up to par like a modern SUV. Cloth seats are meh. OR trim is like $50k plus taxes!!!
2) Even though new gen Ranger is not here yet but I've driven it at dealer in Fiji (Fijian here living in CA). Pacific and Aussie markets already have the new gen since last year. It's a nice truck and I'd say BETTER than new Tacoma but kinda bland body style and now, Lariat trim with options is $50k.
3) Drove new Canyon AT4 (really punchy engine with the high output turbo engine!). Love the aggressive oem stance and factory lift that comes standard but gas milege is meh (17mpg on the demo truck).
Since new mid size trucks are now $50k on average, I just decided to take the discounted diesel Rubicon ($49k). As someone who owned a BMW X5 diesel with 82k miles back in the day, I love oil burners. The Glady does drive like a solid axle truck and the weird "longish" wheelbase takes some time to get used to (vs other mid size trucks).
So not perfect but IMO, the diesel Glady pretty much leaves all other mid size trucks in the dirt.
Hopefully, I drive one home by the end of the day
.
Solar Sparky
Well-Known Member
Ha! I have been driving a Colorado for 4 years for work. It has been through Utah Nevada and Cali offroading as well. Been wheeling the Mojave for three years in Colorado and Utah as my personal truck. Both are reliable, and have had no problems. The Colorado has more leg room (I’m 6’3”), but I feel like I’m sitting on the floor pan. The Mojave goes anywhere I point it, but has less passenger room. 165,000 miles on the Colorado, only 20k on the Gladiator. For the record, I have never folded the windshield down, or taken the roof and doors off the Colorado
Jason_92586
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For me, it’s one thing and one thing only: its a convertible ‘truck’ with remove able doors. That’s the only reason I bought mine. I live in Southern California and flipping the cloth top back and cruising under sunny skies to the beach is just next level.
Every other midsize truck is better equipped at the base level and has more power. I see every other kind of vehicle on the same trails so the gladiators superior offroad capabilities don’t factor. In fact if nissan made a cloth top frontier I’d be driving it right now instead. Just being honest!
Every other midsize truck is better equipped at the base level and has more power. I see every other kind of vehicle on the same trails so the gladiators superior offroad capabilities don’t factor. In fact if nissan made a cloth top frontier I’d be driving it right now instead. Just being honest!
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PuddleJumper
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if a new convertible FJ pickup existed i wouldn't be here lol
AstroZombie
Well-Known Member
parts that don't fail!!
AstroZombie
Well-Known Member
i'd go for a 4x4 squared G-Waggon convertible truck
AstroZombie
Well-Known Member
I've owned Toyota Tacoma 2nd gen and beat the crap outta it but it was slow V6 and a gas guzzler and rear seats were pretty much for show. Ironically enough, rear seats remain meh even in the new gen '24 Tacoma. Then moved to a GMC Canyon and ran into tranny shudder and after 3 dealer visits, GM couldn't resolve it....I ended up trading it for my Ford Ranger...other than smallish rear seats, small gas tank and 19-20mpg, it's been rock solid. Comes with rear locker but I never used it for my camping/fishing grounds and little bit of dispersed camping.
My '04 Tacoma Pre-Runner is a beast. I honestly think it's immortal. When i put the 2 inch lift in 2020 it still had teh factory shocks and brakes. I have since upgraded to the Tundra brake calipers and rotors and rebuilt the entire rear brakes as well but shooot this literally had never had to have anything replaced except the rear diff. The guy i bought it from would use the locker to do burnouts and doughnuts and Toyota replaced it under warranty too (happened before i bought it) Best 3k i ever spent. Now my son drives it. Before wrap with 8 e-bike, 3 peddle bike and 2 kid carriers. 1 of those Trek E-bike cost more than the Tacom is worth HAHAHAHA
My '04 Tacoma Pre-Runner is a beast. I honestly think it's immortal. When i put the 2 inch lift in 2020 it still had teh factory shocks and brakes. I have since upgraded to the Tundra brake calipers and rotors and rebuilt the entire rear brakes as well but shooot this literally had never had to have anything replaced except the rear diff. The guy i bought it from would use the locker to do burnouts and doughnuts and Toyota replaced it under warranty too (happened before i bought it) Best 3k i ever spent. Now my son drives it. Before wrap with 8 e-bike, 3 peddle bike and 2 kid carriers. 1 of those Trek E-bike cost more than the Tacom is worth HAHAHAHA
AstroZombie
Well-Known Member
The stock Gladiator tires fit on it well! The wrap didn't even last 3 years though. FYI don't ever wrap a vehicle.
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starrskream
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I took a 2wd 1993 ranger splash off roading once. It was a beast. Idk if the svt cobra motor I installed helped or not though lmao.
for me the gladiator was similar to my favorite vehicle ever…the explorer sport trac. Yes mine was zinc yellow lol. The bonus with the gladiator is its mod ability and the capabilities off road. Both of those far surpass anything else on the road.
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ArchEtech
Well-Known Member
Gladiator
Unique looks if you want it. Nothing else has it, or the history. It’s like the AR15 of vehicles. Overly tactical, endless modification possible, purposefully built. I love it. Never owned a jeep. Always liked them. More of a speed demon historically than an off-roader.
Looks normal with Overlanding crap all over it. Others don’t. Looks the best with
Off-road pedigree is a standard if not THE standard.
Roomy interior, upright chair like seating if you like it. My 2000 tundra feels like my knees are in my chest after driving the Gladiator and I’m only 5’9”.
Minimalistic design. Everything in reach. Not perfect ergonomics but everything is there for a reason.
Rubicon Gladiator feels solid and planted. It doesn’t have that sloppy, rock back and forth feeling even with low tire pressure. I like a stiffer ride. It doesn’t have excess body roll in corners. Seems very stable with corrections, cornering. Seems like a very tight turning radius for its size. Doesn’t feel huge to me, and not super heavy and or drives like it’s not.
Removable doors and top. That is a big differentiator if you love it. I do. It’s fun!
Manual transmission option. Only the taco has that too. I like it. I think it drives great and isn’t underpowered with the 6 speed.
Community is second to none. Good or bad, it’s definitely a thing. I recently learned about the sick thing….that’s weird but people leave ducks on my Gladiator…
Competition:
There are some more aggressive sportier options. More power more speed. Ranger comes to mind. Ranger Raptor is on my list.
Other options have better interior bits, better and more seat options.
I actually prefer the cloth seats to the jeep “leather” which seem ridiculously cheap. I might get katskins.
All the other trucks have more special stuff on the insides.
More standard modern tech as standard. The fact that a 2023 Jeep doesn’t have a 360 parking camera is ridiculous. It would be super useful for off road too. Newer and fully optioned Wrangler and Glads have all the nanny stuff but much of it should just be standard for the $$$$.
Every competitor offer more for the $$$. Own got my Rubicon Gladiator for $44k new so that feels more like where they should be priced.
If I was spending $60,000+ I’d be in a Ranger Raptor or a TRD pro. I could but didn’t want to spend $60,000+.
More bed options, larger beds. I don’t mind the Jeep driving characteristics I actually like them but most would say the competition has a leg up with IFS/IRS for typical daily truck use.
I can’t think of any major other reasons why you’d think the competition is better unless you just don’t like Jeeps. Jeep offers a lot just not at the best price.
Unique looks if you want it. Nothing else has it, or the history. It’s like the AR15 of vehicles. Overly tactical, endless modification possible, purposefully built. I love it. Never owned a jeep. Always liked them. More of a speed demon historically than an off-roader.
Looks normal with Overlanding crap all over it. Others don’t. Looks the best with
Off-road pedigree is a standard if not THE standard.
Roomy interior, upright chair like seating if you like it. My 2000 tundra feels like my knees are in my chest after driving the Gladiator and I’m only 5’9”.
Minimalistic design. Everything in reach. Not perfect ergonomics but everything is there for a reason.
Rubicon Gladiator feels solid and planted. It doesn’t have that sloppy, rock back and forth feeling even with low tire pressure. I like a stiffer ride. It doesn’t have excess body roll in corners. Seems very stable with corrections, cornering. Seems like a very tight turning radius for its size. Doesn’t feel huge to me, and not super heavy and or drives like it’s not.
Removable doors and top. That is a big differentiator if you love it. I do. It’s fun!
Manual transmission option. Only the taco has that too. I like it. I think it drives great and isn’t underpowered with the 6 speed.
Community is second to none. Good or bad, it’s definitely a thing. I recently learned about the sick thing….that’s weird but people leave ducks on my Gladiator…
Competition:
There are some more aggressive sportier options. More power more speed. Ranger comes to mind. Ranger Raptor is on my list.
Other options have better interior bits, better and more seat options.
I actually prefer the cloth seats to the jeep “leather” which seem ridiculously cheap. I might get katskins.
All the other trucks have more special stuff on the insides.
More standard modern tech as standard. The fact that a 2023 Jeep doesn’t have a 360 parking camera is ridiculous. It would be super useful for off road too. Newer and fully optioned Wrangler and Glads have all the nanny stuff but much of it should just be standard for the $$$$.
Every competitor offer more for the $$$. Own got my Rubicon Gladiator for $44k new so that feels more like where they should be priced.
If I was spending $60,000+ I’d be in a Ranger Raptor or a TRD pro. I could but didn’t want to spend $60,000+.
More bed options, larger beds. I don’t mind the Jeep driving characteristics I actually like them but most would say the competition has a leg up with IFS/IRS for typical daily truck use.
I can’t think of any major other reasons why you’d think the competition is better unless you just don’t like Jeeps. Jeep offers a lot just not at the best price.
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PuddleJumper
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I mean if that's your thing man, Jeep don't judge. But uh, they used a 1950 GM pickup in Brokeback Mt. that may be more your speed ?
chaosjake
Well-Known Member
The biggest feature I'm jealous of is the A-Pillar mounted mirrors on the Bronco. Being able to remove the doors and still have the factory power mirrors would be huge.
As others have noted, a 360° parking camera system would add tons of situational awareness on technical trails. Maybe they can integrate the side cameras into the base of the new A-Pillar mirrors, lol.
This is purely subjective, but the driver's seat and seating position in my JTR are some of the worst I've experienced. The seating position in my old 2004 Tacoma was way more natural and comfortable, and I dearly miss the bolstering and overall ergonomics of my WRX seats. With the JT, I dread long days behind the wheel.
As others have noted, a 360° parking camera system would add tons of situational awareness on technical trails. Maybe they can integrate the side cameras into the base of the new A-Pillar mirrors, lol.
This is purely subjective, but the driver's seat and seating position in my JTR are some of the worst I've experienced. The seating position in my old 2004 Tacoma was way more natural and comfortable, and I dearly miss the bolstering and overall ergonomics of my WRX seats. With the JT, I dread long days behind the wheel.
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