Which one to order/buy?

[Nighthawk Rubi]

Hey everyone,

Obviously I'm a noob here coming in asking for feedback/advice. I've been looking around for new Wrangler (Rubicon) but then saw few Gladiators on lot and now I'm leaning toward them.

With that being said here's my questions:

- Why did you guys choose Gladiator
- Rubicon or Mojave?
- Gas or Diesel
- Any regrets on not picking Wrangler instead?

We spend lot of the time on back roads, off beaten path and beaches here in Maryland/W.V. area. Then we spend approx 6-8 weeks out of the year in St. Augustine which we like to drive up on beach almost every day.

Point is we are not sure which trim is better for our use. Money is not issue. Mods will be made - we plan on going 35' and keep it clean since this will be daily driven as well. More than likely we are leaning toward Gladiator ... pro/con of having bed cap vs soft top etc.

Bonus: Share picture of your Gladiator with bed cap and 35' if possible among with mods list

Cheers.

Sponsored

 

[NachoRuby]

I don't think you're going to find many, if anyone, who regrets getting a gladiator over a Wrangler on this board. We have both. We love them both differently. My gladiator is on 35s. My wife's wrangler is bone stock, other than shocks and teraflex ball joints.

As far as Rubi vs Mojave, or Gas vs Diesel.... I'm sure strong opinions will soon ensue.

My take: drive both, pick what you like. If you want diesel, that does eliminate the Mojave. Either Mojave or Rubicon will run 35s stock just fine. So will a sport/willys/overland/high altitude (or any trim/package I'm leaving out) with very minor mods.

I chose the gladiator because I got tired of always needing to borrow a truck. When you need a truck, you need it. Plus, it's just a little different, so I liked the uniqueness.

 

[HorneyBadger]

I needed the truck. If you are doing low level 4 wheelin then why a Rubi or a Mojave? Why move to 35" tires if you want it as a daily driver? Keep it stock if you want the best bang for the buck for a DD. Your other choices are an Overland(luxury) or a loaded Sport S......

 

[BUZZHEAD]

Been waiting since 1989 for another jeep p/up
I have owned five wranglers ,traded a 2019 wrangler rubicon for my glady rubicon .
Never looked back well yes I do every time after I park the glady.
35s,2 inch lift,bumper ,winch ,roll bar now with daylighter lights.

 

[JD101]

I have both glad and JLU , both modded. Glad if you tow over 3500lbs or haul objects that do not fit in a wrangler . If not get a JLU 2.0T it's more nimble everywhere and room wise doesn't give up much .

went Rubicon for the the lockers, t case gears , highline fenders .

I went gas for cost of entry and simplicity.

No regrets either way both are fun. My heart was with a 2 door 2.0t build , but towing a boat and hauling ATVs don't work nearly as well as the Glad. For what you are looking to do I would go Mohave stock suspension 35s .

 

[RamRod]

I would say it depends on what you’re planning to use it for. I have a 21 Gladiator Mojave for my road-trip/camping vehicle. And the 21 Wrangler Rubicon for my trips where the Gladiator won’t make it because I the bed is too long. Mojave is extremely capable off road and running the beaches. Completely depends on what you’ll be doing more and how capable you need it to be.

 

[ZoMojave]

Picked the Mojave myself for the ride quality, ride height, high front fenders, bolstered front seats, sport steering wheel and of course, that hood. I don't rock crawl so no need for the front lockers or sway bar disconnect. I've never had the desire for a diesel and have owned four other vehicles with the 3.6 Pentastar. I really like this powerplant. Have had mine for a month. Very pleased.

Either way you go, they will put a smile on your face!

 

[NC_Overland]

I do the same type of driving as you do. I went with an Overland because it does everything I need and they look good with bigger tires on the stock wheels and after blacking out the emblems. After after the tires and emblems, I got a fully loaded Overland for the price of a base model Rubicon. I also scored a take off rubicon suspension for $250 shortly after I bought it.

I wouldn’t consider the diesel till they hopefully sort out the cooling issues.

 

[Almost]

I'll go:

- Why did you guys choose Gladiator
Was looking to sell my 09 JKU for a newer Diesel JL when they came out then covid hit so we put that on pause since my days of commuting are and still are over. Made a road trip to FLA in the JKU and on the way back after passing many Gladiators it was my Wife's idea for the more room and convenience with coolers and fishing gear etc.

- Rubicon or Mojave?
Didn't really have a choice since I wanted a Diesel. Also no desert here in the Northeast so there is that.

- Gas or Diesel
Diesel is the premium option for a reason, drive one and you will see for yourself it's the way to go. It makes for an effortless driving experience and you will never be left with that feeling of needing more power. After 233K miles in a severely underpowered 09 JKU with the 3.8 and 4 speed I couldn't bring myself to spend 60K on an underpowered vehicle that can barely get out of it's own way. Plus this will be a unicorn in a couple years when they pull the plug on them and resale will be insane im sure. People have been begging for a Diesel Wrangler/Gladiator for decades and now it is here - don't miss your chance.

- Any regrets on not picking Wrangler instead?
Only downside I have found so far is it's kind of hard to keep long items locked up "inside" like fishing rods which ironically enough is partly why I bought it. In the wrangler I had foam tip inserts and would bungie them to the roll bar inside. They were safe and out of the way.

 

[Almost]

I wouldn’t consider the diesel till they hopefully sort out the cooling issues.

Unfortunately it never will be. It's due to the tight packaging and front end of the JL/JT. The Ram 1500 has additional radiators that couldn't fit in the JL/JT so it was compromised from the start. That said, you only need to really worry if you tow through hills. As much as the gladiator is a truck, it's more a wrangler with a bed than an actual truck in terms of capabilities. Hell my JTRD has a whopping 899 pound payload.

 

[Willpower1]

Traded my 2019 JLUR

For my 2021 Mojave

No regrets whatsoever and I loved the Rubicon. This truck is awesome. Grab a Mojave and get the cold weather group, aux switches, and Alpine. You’ll love it. My 2

 

[NC_Overland]

Unfortunately it never will be. It's due to the tight packaging and front end of the JL/JT. The Ram 1500 has additional radiators that couldn't fit in the JL/JT so it was compromised from the start. That said, you only need to really worry if you tow through hills. As much as the gladiator is a truck, it's more a wrangler with a bed than an actual truck in terms of capabilities. Hell my JTRD has a whopping 899 pound payload.

Mine is only about 1200 stock, but a little less now.

 

[rob495]

I got my Gladiator because I needed a pickup, wanted the ability to have the top and doors off, and do some off-roading/overlanding. I choose gas because of reliability and easy of fueling. I got the Auto because my other vehicle is a stick shift sports sedan. To be honest, if the Gladiator were my only means of transportation and I commuted on the highway everyday, I would have opted for the Bronco. And finally, it looks so BAD A..!!!!!! Best looking truck I've ever owned.

 

[ZoMojave]

Traded my 2019 JLUR

For my 2021 Mojave

No regrets whatsoever and I loved the Rubicon. This truck is awesome. Grab a Mojave and get the cold weather group, aux switches, and Alpine. You’ll love it. My 2

Now that is a sweet ride! Well done!

 

[Willpower1]

Thanks Ron and I’ll say the same to you. Also, I seriously dig your other rides! Glad we both got these soon to be classic Mopars before they were gone for good!

Sponsored