Starting at $36,555
9/10
C/D RATING
Specs
Photos
![2021 Jeep Gladiator Review, Pricing, and Specs (2) 2021 Jeep Gladiator Review, Pricing, and Specs (2)](https://i0.wp.com/hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/2021-jeep-gladiator-mmp-1-1594927821.jpg?crop=0.889xw:1.00xh;0.0561xw,0&resize=768:*)
Jeep
9/10 C/D RATING
Specs
Photos
Select a year
- Highs Always off-road-ready, doorless and roofless configurability, can haul and tow more than a Wrangler.
- Lows Busy behavior on the highway, unimpressive fuel economy, not as nimble on the trails as a Wrangler.
- Verdict The Gladiator gives Jeep fans and off-roaders a more versatile tool that's still really cool.
Overview
Jeep hasn't offered a model with a cargo bed since the early '90s, but the 2021 Gladiator finally gives the brand's fans a cool and useful tool. The mid-size pickup truck is basically a more versatile version of the popular Jeep Wrangler, which earned it an Editors' Choice award. It tows more (up to 7760 pounds versus 3500) than its SUV counterpart, and its longer wheelbase helps it ride better, too. Still, the truck requires regular steering inputs when cruising on the highway to keep it from straying, and it's not as easy to maneuver on the trails as the smaller Wrangler. Along with a strong V-6 and a standard stick-shift transmission, the Gladiator offers a torquey diesel engine option with 442 lb-ft. While the 2021 Gladiator can get pricey in a hurry, its removable body panels and rugged persona make it one of the best pickups around.
What's New for 2021?
Jeep hasn't announced the full roster of changes to the 2021 Gladiator lineup, but it has confirmed what we've known for a while: the truck with a seven-slot grille will add a diesel engine option. The oil-burning 3.0-liter V-6 will develop 260 horsepower and a substantial 442 lb-ft of torque. Although we're still waiting on pricing and EPA fuel-economy figures, we're told the diesel will be offered on the Sport, Overland, and Rubicon models.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator starts at $36,555 and goes up to $54,100 depending on the trim and options.
We think the Sport S is the perfect canvas to create our ideal Gladiator. It comes standard with the 285-hp V-6 and a manual transmission. Ours would wear flashy Hydro Blue paint with the optional color-matched fenders. We'd also choose the all-terrain tires and anti-spin rear differential for improved traction when the blacktop ends, and we'd add the side steps to make getting in out and easier. We'd also select the three-piece hard top for its ability to quickly open up the roof. Inside, we'd add the headliner for better noise and temperature insulation and upgrade to the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, because it adds navigation and is more sophisticated than the standard 5.0-inch unit. Our other preferred options include the Cargo Management pack (400-watt power inverter, an under-seat storage bin, and a bed-mounted 115-volt outlet) and the auxiliary switches and upgraded charging system for any lightbars or accessories that we'll surely add for maximum Jeepness.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Gladiator is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque routed through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic. We tested an Overland model with the automatic, which needed 7.2 seconds to scoot to 60 mph. In other words, it's slightly slower than most competitors. The Jeep adds a diesel 3.0-liter V-6, which develops 260 ponies and a mighty 442 lb-ft of twist. Compared with the regular Wrangler, the Gladiator has an extra 19.4 inches between the front and rear wheels. Jeep says this helps improve the pickup's ride and handling. Now that we've driven several examples, we can confirm that it drives much like the Wrangler. The truck's steering isn't extremely precise and the ride can be busy on uneven surfaces. Still, these characteristics are part of the formula that make the Gladiator both a legitimate pickup truck and a trail-ready tool. Most enthusiasts care about the truck's off-road equipment anyways, which includes everything from copious skid plates to rock-crawling axle ratios to the ability to ford up to 30 inches of water. Generous ground clearance and approach/departure angles further help the Gladiator conquer parts unknown.
Towing and Payload Capacity
When properly equipped, the Gladiator can tow an impressive 7650 pounds. Even the weakest version can pull a 4000-pound trailer. For comparison, the Wrangler is only rated to tow up to 3500 pounds. Those looking to load up the Gladiators cargo bed can carry between 1105 and 1700 pounds of payload.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA lists two separate city and highway estimates for the Gladiator. Models equipped with the standard manual transmission are rated at 16 mpg city and 23 highway. The automatic gearbox increases its estimated city mpg to 16 and drops its highway figure to 22 mpg. We've only tested Gladiators with the automatic transmission on our 75-mph highway route that helps us better evaluate real-world fuel economy. The Overland model was the most efficient version, returning 21 mpg on the highway, but the Mojave returned a much lower 15 mpg. However, the latter was equipped with bigger tires and a higher rear axle ratio than the Overland (4.10 versus 3.73).
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the Gladiator has an upright dashboard that imitates the Wrangler's and supports user-friendly controls. Durable details include a waterproof push-button start, and there are optional convenience features such as a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. Jeep says the truck's stretched wheelbase improves back-seat legroom versus the four-door Wrangler. The Gladiator also has body and roof panels that can be easily removed to create an open-air cabin. Along with its five-foot cargo bed, the Gladiator is filled with ingenious interior storage options. Its cabin has a handful of spots to stick a smartphone and a handy compartment hidden under the back seat. The seats themselves can be stowed in multiple ways and then securely locked in place for when the trail turns treacherous.
View Photos
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every model has a standard touchscreen, but only the larger 7.0- and 8.4-inch displays come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The stereo system can also be upgraded with an optional subwoofer and portable wireless speaker behind the back seat. Front-seat passengers will be privy to several power points, which include two USBs and a USB-C port; a 115-volt outlet is also available.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Gladiator hasn't been fully crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and it hasn't been evaluated at all by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Although it's available with a handful of driver-assistance technology, its roster is significantly smaller than some competitors. The Rubicon model has a useful front-facing camera that comes in handy when blazing trails or crawling over rocks. Key safety features include:
- Available adaptive cruise control with forward-collision warning
- Available blind-spot monitoring
- Available rear parking sensors
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Gladiator has a warranty that's similar to the rest of the Jeep lineup, which includes competitive limited and powertrain coverages. The pickup also includes three years of free maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance is included
Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS
2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland 4x4
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup
PRICE AS TESTED
$55,040 (base price: $41,890)
ENGINE TYPE
DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement
220 cu in, 3605 cc
Power
285 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque
260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): live axle/live axle
Brakes (F/R): 13.0-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685, 255/70R-18 113T M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 137.3 in
Length: 218.0 in
Width: 73.8 in
Height: 73.1 in
Passenger volume: 104 cu ft
Curb weight: 4812 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 7.3 sec
Zero to 90 mph: 16.2 sec
Zero to 100 mph: N/A
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.8 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.2 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.6 sec @ 88 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 98 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 195 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.74 g
*stability-control-inhibited
C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 18 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 21 mpg
Highway range: 460 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 19/17/22 mpg
More Features and Specs
Shopping Tools
What's My Car Worth?
Car and Driver values are calculated from the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles.
Get Estimate
Auto Loans & Financing
Our finance experts answer any questions you may have about financing a vehicle.
Learn More
Similar Vehicles
2024 Toyota Tacoma
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$32,995
EPA MPG
20–23 combined
C/D SAYS: The redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma is revitalized, modernized, and ready to take on some equally new rivals in the mid-size pickup-truck segment. Learn More
Toyota Toyota Tacoma Model Years
- View 2024 Toyota Tacoma DetailsStarting at $32,995 · 9/10
- View 2023 Toyota Tacoma DetailsStarting at $30,095 · 6.5/10
2024 Chevrolet Colorado
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$31,095
EPA MPG
19–22 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado is coming to a sandbox near you with an all-new ZR2 Bison off-road model that offers 35-inch tires and a lot of attitude. Learn More
Chevrolet Chevrolet Colorado Model Years
- View 2024 Chevrolet Colorado DetailsStarting at $31,095 · 9/10
- View 2023 Chevrolet Colorado DetailsStarting at $30,695 · 9/10
2024 GMC Canyon
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$37,595
EPA MPG
17–20 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2024 GMC Canyon lineup gains an even wilder off-road AT4X AEV Edition trim that makes good on its small package-big power promise. Learn More
GMC GMC Canyon Model Years
- View 2024 GMC Canyon DetailsStarting at $37,595 · 9/10
- View 2023 GMC Canyon DetailsStarting at $38,395 · 9/10
2024 Honda Ridgeline
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$41,145
EPA MPG
20–21 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2024 Honda Ridgeline offers what most mid-size pickup-truck buyers actually want: an adequate bed, decent towing capacity, and a carlike driving experience. Learn More
Honda Honda Ridgeline Model Years
- View 2024 Honda Ridgeline DetailsStarting at $41,145 · 9/10
- View 2023 Honda Ridgeline DetailsStarting at $40,195 · 9/10
2024 Nissan Frontier
7.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$31,540
EPA MPG
19–20 combined
C/D SAYS: Tough looks, modern amenities, and plenty of options make the 2024 Nissan Frontier a truck worth considering. Learn More
Nissan Nissan Frontier Model Years
- View 2024 Nissan Frontier DetailsStarting at $31,540 · 7.5/10
- View 2023 Nissan Frontier DetailsStarting at $30,700 · 7.5/10
2024 Ford Ranger
Starting at
$34,265
EPA MPG
22 combined
C/D SAYS: Ford's Ranger is getting a total re-do for 2024 that should give it the ammunition it needs to fight harder in the intensifying mid-size pickup truck wars. Learn More
Ford Ford Ranger Model Years
- View 2024 Ford Ranger DetailsStarting at $34,265
- View 2023 Ford Ranger DetailsStarting at $28,895 · 7/10
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
More From Jeep
2025 Jeep Wagoneer S
Starting at
$80,000 est
EPA Est. Range
N/A
C/D SAYS: The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S is an upcoming electric SUV that’s expected to offer competitive efficiency and next-level performance. Learn More
2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$93,945
EPA MPG
15–17 combined
C/D SAYS: Jeep goes big in the realm of large luxury SUVs, reviving a classic nameplate for a traditionally engineered offering. Learn More
Jeep Jeep Grand Wagoneer Model Years
- View 2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer DetailsStarting at $93,945 · 8.5/10
- View 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer DetailsStarting at $92,495 · 8.5/10
- View 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer DetailsStarting at $89,995 · 8.5/10
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$41,830
EPA MPG
21 combined
C/D SAYS: Whether it's stripped down or dressed to the nines, the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a handsome family support vehicle that's built to go to basically anywhere. Learn More
Jeep Jeep Grand Cherokee L Model Years
- View 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L DetailsStarting at $41,830 · 9/10
- View 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L DetailsStarting at $43,830 · 9/10
- View 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L DetailsStarting at $43,520 · 9/10
- View 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L DetailsStarting at $41,175 · 9/10
2024 Jeep Compass
7.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$27,495
EPA MPG
27 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2024 Jeep Compass packs 200 horsepower and all-wheel drive, and it will go almost anywhere you point it. Learn More
Jeep Jeep Compass Model Years
- View 2024 Jeep Compass DetailsStarting at $27,495 · 7.5/10
- View 2023 Jeep Compass DetailsStarting at $27,495 · 7/10
- View 2022 Jeep Compass DetailsStarting at $28,880 · 6/10
- View 2021 Jeep Compass DetailsStarting at $25,990 · 6/10
- View 2020 Jeep Compass DetailsStarting at $23,775 · 6/10
- View 2019 Jeep Compass DetailsStarting at $23,590 · 6/10
- View 2018 Jeep Compass DetailsStarting at N/A · 7/10
- View 2017 Jeep Compass DetailsStarting at N/A · 6/10
2024 Jeep Recon EV
Starting at
$60,000 est
EPA Est. Range
N/A
C/D SAYS: The competition for the best electric vehicle is about to get dirtier with Jeep's upcoming Recon EV mid-size SUV. Learn More
2024 Jeep Wagoneer
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$64,945
EPA MPG
19–20 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2024 Wagoneer is the largest Jeep SUV and while it offers more space and capability than deluxe European rivals, it falls short of being truly luxurious. Learn More
Jeep Jeep Wagoneer Model Years
- View 2024 Jeep Wagoneer DetailsStarting at $64,945 · 8/10
- View 2023 Jeep Wagoneer DetailsStarting at $63,595 · 8/10
- View 2022 Jeep Wagoneer DetailsStarting at $60,995 · 8/10
2024 Jeep Wrangler
7.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$33,890
EPA MPG
14–20 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2024 Wrangler can dress for either the mall or the mountains, but each one is imbued with Jeep's promise of adventure. Learn More
Jeep Jeep Wrangler Model Years
- View 2024 Jeep Wrangler DetailsStarting at $33,890 · 7.5/10
- View 2023 Jeep Wrangler DetailsStarting at $32,990 · 7.5/10
- View 2022 Jeep Wrangler DetailsStarting at $31,590 · 7.5/10
- View 2021 Jeep Wrangler DetailsStarting at $30,965 · 7.5/10
- View 2020 Jeep Wrangler DetailsStarting at $29,790 · 8.5/10
- View 2019 Jeep Wrangler DetailsStarting at $29,540 · 7/10
- View 2018 Jeep Wrangler DetailsStarting at N/A · 7/10
- View 2017 Jeep Wrangler DetailsStarting at N/A · 6/10
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$39,830
EPA MPGe
56 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2024 Grand Cherokee is a multifaceted SUV situated at the intersection of machismo and elegance, with some trims remaining simple and others going upscale. Learn More
Jeep Jeep Grand Cherokee Model Years
- View 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee DetailsStarting at $39,830 · 9/10
- View 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee DetailsStarting at $41,830 · 9/10
- View 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee DetailsStarting at $40,120 · 9/10
- View 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee DetailsStarting at $37,330 · 8/10
- View 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee DetailsStarting at $33,645 · 8/10
- View 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee DetailsStarting at $33,690 · 9/10
- View 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee DetailsStarting at $32,390 · 9/10
- View 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee DetailsStarting at $31,490 · 10/10