Jeep Wrangler Versus Jeep Gladiator (Which Is The Better Buy?) | Inside Line

Shortly after trading my 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon JL in on a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, I was routinely asked to compare the two. I am still genuinely surprised at how many Wrangler owners are considering making the leap from the classic SUV to the new midsized truck. After all, the Wrangler is proven a proven dual-purpose vehicle, and for many asking, is often the one already parked in the driveway. Having made the leap myself, and logged thousands of miles on both platforms, I feel I am finally at a place where I can truly give you my sincere take on the major differences between the two.

00:00 Intro
00:19 Major similarities & differences
03:27 Powertrains
05:47 Truck vs SUV
07:23 Off-road
10:37 2024 differences
10:58 Which is the better value?
11:19 Is the Rubicon package worth it?
11:45 outro

[bobbean]

EVERYONE needs a truck at some point. Just sold my 2020 2.0 liter Wrangler and got a 3.6liter Gladiator. I loved my Wrangler, but love the Gladiator even more.

[LOLewie]

The gladiator is really under appreciated. Especially from buyers shopping mid sized trucks. like the colorado or ranger. I parked next to a friends Colorado. Same exact size Yet people are always so quick to point out the Gladiators less than 8 foot bed lol. The Gladiator has a WAY larger back seat area than the ranger or colorado. While having basically the same bed. Plus the ability to remove the doors and roof. Plus lets face it. The aftermarket support for jeeps is unlimited.

[xanderjackson]

Personally I'm Team Gladiator. The only reason I bought it was because of the bed, but if Jeep ever produced something like the Overlook concept I would have just gone for that. Scrambler style.

[devnull]

We have both, love both, but I’d take the Gladiator if I could only have one. Awesome video as usual.

[hyroglifixxx]

The best breakdown I've seen on the Gladiator on Youtube. Thank you!

[vertstang]

I've got both, the Gladiator is a 23, the Wrangler an 18, the truck is quieter and rides better, but I love both.

[tysonvance]

Bought a 23 ecodiesel rubicon gladiator then added a 3.5in metalcloak gamechanger with 37s.... 100% perfect everywhere from Moab to the beaches on NC

[rubiconwheeler]

I appreciate that with so many different trim levels and engine options, Jeep has something for almost everyone. I'm head-over-heels in love with my Gladiator Rubicon Diesel.

[DUNEATV]

I absolutely love my 2024 Wrangler Rubicon XR! There is a noticeable difference in interior quietness even using the Bluetooth for phone calls is better. The extreme recon package is worth its weight in gold! Also love the full floating rear axle with 5000 pound towing rating. With that being said, I wish I had extra money to also purchase a Gladiator for truck use around the house. There is just something so cool about the look of a lifted Gladiator. I am also shocked that the Gladiator doesn’t sell like crazy. Such a cool platform for people who like to go outdoors and go off road… by far the most capable midsize truck ever made. I could go on and on! Love your Jeep videos!!! 🍻

[fernandomartin]

I got a Gen 3 ecodiesel gladiator sport S and never looked back it does everything I can ever dream to do. Convertible, bed truck, proper 4x4, carries 5 comfortably I can tow over 6k lbs, handles anything I throw at it, I get 28 mpg hwy at 65, on 35s or better, it's cool as Fxxx, has a winch, has swag, it's fairly simple but still modern, 442lbft tq, daña 44s, you csn put the windshield down take doors and roof off and it's like a custom vehicle can't beat it's coolness... Only downside is the space between it's tires is a bit longer than a normal Jeep... Has never stopped me at all though...

[WolfOverland]

Respectfully disagree with the diesel motor. Absolutely love my diesel. No issues. 20+ mpg on 37s and tractor like crawl power 💪

You make a lot of valid points on the gladiator vs wrangler. I went back and fourth myself and obviously because I was using as an overland rig and needed the space the gladiator for better for me.

I just love how jeep makes so many different variation so you can buy one that fits what you plan on doing with it.

[danoesq]

Got a '23 Gladiator Rubicon after heavy consideration and love it.

[PuffyDucks]

Had a 23 wrangler rubicon with 2.0L. Traded after about 6 months. Didn’t like engine or cargo capacity. Now have 23 gladiator rubicon with 3.6L. Love it. Also rides a bit smoother in my opinion. Great video!

[Jackal_Blitz]

For me, JLUs are for people who want the sweet spot between offroading and daily practicality. Two-doors are the ultimate offroaders right out of the parking lot.

[camaroboi]

I have a 22 Gladiator Overland diesel, and a 24 Wrangler Willys. Love em both, but the JTOD logs way more miles than the JLU. Both have big lifts and 37s with the same shocks.

[SteveH]

Ali,
I really appreciate you content concerning both the Wranglers and Gladiators. It's nice having someone who isn't trying to please advertisers to tell us what works.

[AKBRONCOSFAN]

What’s the issue with the diesel? I love my ‘22 Gladiator Willys Ecodiesel. I just had the fuel pump replaced as part of the recall and because I had to wait so long before the dealer gave me back my JT I got a Maxcare extended warranty for 8 yrs/125K miles. The FSA advisor hooked me up big time.

I sold my Tacoma during the pandemic and made $13K on it. I looked at the Gladiator in 2020/2021 but they were outrageously priced especially here in Alaska. So, I test drove two JTs, one with the 3.8L and one with the 3.0L diesel. I fell in love with that little diesel and haven’t looked back. I do agree with your take on the practicality of the JT.

[brsnow]

'22 diesel Rubicon gladiator, stock, love it, have the Mopar lift kit sitting in the crate waiting for a day that's not crazy hot and a spare set of hands. A Rubicon will clear 35s without a lift but you can stuff a wheel up there too far. We can disagree, early when you were talking about ride quality and liked the Wrangler over the Gladiator, I get what you're saying, I drove several of each before I put my order in. I didn't get to drive a 392, but I can imagine that probably weighs in comparable to the diesel, ~extra 1k over the gas 3.6. for my feel, even the diesel wrangler feels like it is ready to get squirrelly at a moments notice, the gladiator feels smoother to me, especially with more weighr in the front, the back end will be bouncy if you don't have stuff back there, its a truck thing...hahaaa. I regularly haul 1500-2000# in the bed, and it does drive a lot smoother, yes i know its over sticker but those numbers are all fluffed up

[dos]

I've had both and I'm a fan of the Gladiators versatility. It's a jack of all trades but a master of none. Which is better than a master of one.

[ljciaram]

Gladiator bed with the trail rail system, you can make anything work. Bed size not an issue. I didnt think i would need it but its been a life saver