Comparing the New Gladiator Against the Classic Wrangler

It’s been some time since a pickup truck existed within the Jeep lineup, and needless to say, the new 2020 Jeep Gladiator has been welcomed with plenty of praise and intrigue. Although, many drivers from Northern Kentucky to Southern Ohio and beyond are curious as to how this new Jeep pickup compares against Jeep’s longtime flagship, the Jeep Wrangler. While similar in appearance and powertrain delivery, both the Gladiator and Wrangler are two completely different vehicles that appeal to two very different kinds of drivers. If you’re one of the many local drivers searching “Jeep dealer near me” that understands the ins and outs of the Jeep family lineup, Zimmer CDJR is the place to be. Not only are we experts in our field, but we’re passionate about customer satisfaction and will go above and beyond to ensure that the vehicle you drive home in lives up to your every automotive expectation.

What Do the Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Wrangler Have in Common?

When spotted on the road, it can be quite easy to confuse the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Gladiator. They’re two similarly styled vehicles that offer an impressive ground clearance of 10.8 to 11.1 inches, and sport a 4×4 drivetrain to deliver some serious versatility both on and off the road.

Speaking of being off-road, both the Jeep Gladiator and the Jeep Wrangler are impressive trekkers built to provide smooth performance, whether commuting to work or taking on a rigorous outdoor trail.

The stylistic similarities are quite difficult to disregard as well. The Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator are built with the same classic Jeep design in mind. From the round headlights to the vertical grille and box-like quality, the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator may stand out on the road compared to other vehicles in their class but look quite the same when matched-up side by side.

What really sets these two vehicles apart is that 5-foot truck bed that sits behind the Jeep Gladiator. While there are other factors to consider, like the powertrains, power-delivery, and special features, it is the truck bed that will likely be a pro or a con depending on what you’re interested in. That said, no matter how you spin it, Jeep has clearly developed two standout models, one a rugged classic that has stunned drivers for decades, and the other, a tough pickup truck that is unlike many others on the market.

A Question of Performance

Many of our customers visit our Jeep brand showroom are curious about how the Jeep Gladiator and the Jeep Wrangler compare in terms of performance. Well, both models come with the same 285 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine that’s responsible for 260 lb-ft of torque thanks to that incredible 4×4 drivetrain that we mentioned earlier, and a standard 6-speed manual transmission. An 8-speed automatic transmission is also available in both the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Gladiator, which is a huge bonus to overall performance. However, the 6-speed manual transmission may be a better pick for drivers who want the full Jeep experience.

What differs here, though, is that the Jeep Wrangler utilizes something called eTorque, a mild hybrid system that not only provides significant power-delivery at low speeds but also provides a much needed boost to the Jeep Wrangler’s stop/start function. This feature is an incredible one-up over the Jeep Gladiator, especially for drivers who want to take their rugged Jeep pickup off the road at places like Rush-Off-Road. The eTorque system is also only available with its V6 engine or an alternative 2.0L powertrain.

Speaking of engines, the Jeep Wrangler sports a 2.0-liter Turbo engine that offers up 270 horsepower. This powertrain option may seem a little on the small side, but it provides added low-end power, is only offered with an automatic transmission, and is the sure-fire pick for any avid off-roader. With a lack of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, off-road performance for the Jeep Gladiator takes a small hit; however, both models should offer a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 option late in 2020.

That said, what truly separates these two rugged vehicles is in the frame The Jeep Gladiator is two feet longer than the Wrangler, which can be somewhat challenging to deal with in certain off-road scenarios. While the extra length does make it so that Jeep Gladiator can support greater cargo carrying capacity, it can be a sacrifice for some drivers. Although, it is worth noting that the Jeep Gladiator can haul a bit more than its classic counterpart. The Jeep Wrangler has a max tow-rate of 3,500 pounds, while the Jeep Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 pounds.

A Roomy Ride

There’s just no getting around it; the Jeep Gladiator is much more comfortable to ride in than the Jeep Wrangler. Rear-seat passengers in the Jeep Gladiator can enjoy up to 41 inches of legroom, and with that five-foot truck bed, you won’t have to store both cargo and passengers in the same space. The only Jeep Wrangler model that is somewhat comparable is the four-door Unlimited variant, which supports 38.3 inches of legroom for rear passengers and a maximum of 31.7 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats. Although, the Jeep Wrangler can still store plenty of cargo, with four-door models having a max cargo spacing of 72.4 cubic feet.

No matter which model you get inside, you’ll find modern touches and durable cloth upholstery. While the furnishings can be upgraded in higher-end models of both vehicles and what you end up getting is an interior dressed in leather and a model designed with comfort in mind. That said, both the Jeep Gladiator and the Jeep Wrangler leave for plenty of room for improvement. Base models come rather simple, covering the bare basics in an attempt to give drivers a purely holistic experience behind the wheel. Although, should you decide to upgrade either the Jeep Wrangler or the Jeep Gladiator, you can enjoy additional features such as a touch-activated infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and even a navigation system.

Although, both the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Gladiator become particularly feature-laden in the Rubicon trim model. Rubicon models come with the gambit of off-road gear, including things like locking differentials, large tires built for trail riding, and some serious low-end power.

Should You Buy the Jeep Wrangler or the Jeep Gladiator?

While there are a few factors that separate the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Gladiator, these two robust off-road vehicles tend to operate in the same lane. You may not get to choose between multiple engines in the Jeep Gladiator, but the towing capacity and five-foot bed truly make up for it. So, if you’re wondering which of these two Jeep models is superior, the answer really depends on your priorities and what you expect from your vehicle.

Fortunately, if you’re still on the fence, our sales team at Zimmer CDJR can give you a comprehensive test drive of each to help you figure out which option is the right fit for you. From rugged pickups to capable SUVs, we offer everything you need and more to deliver the ultimate dealership experience. You can find us at 1086 Burlington Pike in Florence, Kentucky.