Jeep Gladiator on/off-road review 2021: We take all the doors and roof off!

The Toyota HiLux may be the best selling vehicle in Australia, but you can't take the doors, roof and windows off a HiLux. That's why the Jeep Gladiator may be a better option if that's something you need to do in life. Paul Maric drives the 2021 Jeep Gladiator Overland to see whether this beastly Jeep is as practical as it is off-road ready.

Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior: 00:47
Interior: 04:24
Infotainment: 06:21
Safety Tech: 07:32
Practicality: 08:30
On-road: 12:04
Off-road: 16:20
Verdict: 19:02

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CarExpert:

Paul Maric:

#jeep #gladiator #review

[michaeltheodorakis]

Very fair review in terms of safety. Paul, you captured the fun factor. I’ve ordered a Rubicon, due in May. Each time I go back and drive it to debunk my choice I can’t stop smiling. There is definitely a kid with a Tonka Truck thing going on for me. I’m also smitten by the amount of mods on offer in the aftermarket.

[crittendon]

Safety and Jeeps don't go together. My view as a Jeep owner is that it's safer than a motorcycle. Life should be lived.

[MrArkar]

I got Rubicon gladiator, 11, 000km in 3 months, I cant stop smiling every time I drive.

[lloydi]

Hi Paul excellent review on the gladiator. I test drove the rubicon vision and for sure the shocks are way better than the base model overland. Wow! I was really impressed about the agility in corners and how it handles on the road. Of course a little of road noise with the AT tyres. Safety rating for me is a must but it’s a vehicle that sits pretty high on the road and this gladiator is definitely on my top list due to its features. Thumbs up for me.

[metallicablackend]

You are absolutely the best cartester in the world. Nr1. "Backseatking" Youtubers almost never show the backseat as good as you do. Love from Sweden. When you have big friends the backseat is mucho importante

[lachlanthornley]

Yes Paul. I've bought a Gladiator and have had it for 60, 000km. I've driven all around Australia from the Snowys, Byron, West McDonnell Ranges, Yulara, Coober Pedy, Broken Hill, Lighting Ridge, Mildura, Canberra, Tasmania and the rest. It's a fantastic car. I have a GVM upgrade to 3107kg from Solve Offroad, which (regarless of supplier) is a necessary modification. So add $5K to any purchase. And the new Night Eagle needs another MOPAR $300 kit to provide front, rear and central Diff Locks (awesome value). It's fantastic for touring. The suspension is sublime, the modifications available in Australia and Overseas are outstanding. I have, personally, hated Jeeps and their reputation for a good thirty years or so of driving experience - I only bought this as my car was stolen during COVID and this was available. But, after knocking them for so long - I am a Jeep convert. They are great quality, the local dealership (Canberra) is awesome, and the performance all-round of the vehicle for off roading is brilliant.

BTW - you mentioned in a 70-series video that they are all you see outback. Incorrect - the most common vehicle I see are the new Ranger utes (2023 onwards), then the Toyota Prado, then the Toyota FJ Cruiser (a surprise) then Jeeps. Seriously - go for a tour outback (happy to tag along!) and you will discover reality vs what Toyota wants to tell you.

[Overlord-NoiseMarine]

The thing people forget about jeeps is that they only get a poor safety rating because they are designed to be safe in slow collisions primarily as that’s what you will experience off road but tbh having been hit my a 16 wheel lorry at 60mph my Jeep saved my life as my first car the car was so solid that it prevented the lorry from turning me into a crushed packet of mush

[NQExplorers]

Great review Paul, by far the most objective and professionally honest motor reviews out there. As an owner of an old school Defender comfort is not something I’m looking for in a function over form vehicle like the Gladiator. Cheers mate. Warren.

[harryharbison]

Rubicon setup, with Fox shocks, etc, surprisingly delivers a better on-road performance. And this car puts a much bigger smile on my face than my previous Amarok. And a get a lot more guys coming up to me asking about it ... can't fill up at the service station without someone wanting to have a chat and a sticky beak ;-)

[adriaanhefer]

Like that you used the word "bakkies"👏

[kevinwaters-marsh]

Mate I have no idea how long you drove this Gladiator for and your bias is distinctively anti Jeep, feels like it was a simple day drive / review. I own a Gladiator since Dec 2020 having done 24, 000 km and I'm getting 8.9l/100km for Highway driving and 11.1l around town. I absolutely love this Dual Cab ute. The engine is punchy and responsive. I can't believe your poor demo of a turning circle, especially given this is a 5.6m vehicle. It definitely turns better than you demonstrated. The bin / tub is an ideal size for work with the drop down rear used as a work platform, bench, cooking area... This Jeep brings back the FUN in 4wding. Gotta remember as well that this Jeep is ready to drive off road straight out of the showroom, which is exactly what I did. No extra $$$$ needed like other brands selling for more $$$ and still needing more $$$ to make them trail ready. Lots of interior space with stylish American comfort. We love our Gladiator and has been the best vehicle purchase decision we've made. If you want a punchy, economical 'does everything' dual cab, then you definitely need to look at these. You won't regret it it and will arrive home every day with a huge smile on the dial. Enjoy.

[danwhite]

Great review. Good to see something different as far as dual cabs. Your right, it looks like a fun truck.

[BRODZ]

Hi Paul, love your videos. I bought the exact same spec/trim as this about 6 months ago and have put 12, 000km on it. You’ve been incredibly accurate with almost everything you have said although fuel economy does get better. I did a 600km round trip averaging just under 10 L/100 however around town sits on 13.5 L/100.
Whilst the V6 petrol with 8 speed ZF trans is fantastically matched I felt the Rubicon with the 4.11 diff gears to be a lot more snappy and responsive however for daily driving seems to be forever changing gears whereas the Overland is a lot more lazy.
Factory audio is ok but not fantastic and unfortunately the Bluetooth speaker is a massive waste of money. It’s a cool gimmick but such a wasted opportunity to have something that sounds “mediocre” instead of “ok”.
I was unlucky to have a misfire with mine within 100km of purchase and it spent the entire first week back at the dealer to diagnose what ended up being a single faulty (from new) spark plug. Seems as if some Jeep dealers are still woeful in their abilities and their customer service.
Well, keep up the good work.

[burgertblom]

Bought a gladiator. 1st overlanding trip done and 10k on the clock. Expensive in Rubicon trim but money well spend. Quality of the vehicle surprisingly good compared to my other vehicles.

[andreipretorius]

Great video. Appreciate the word “bakkies”. I love Jeep. Safety goes out of the window when I see a Jeep. If you equip it well, it’s extremely safe due to all the metal you add to it. It can become like a tank.

[autonewstv]

*this Gladiator is a beast!!! Being a car guy i appreciate the contnet I learned much about this beast!!!*

[pigeonpoo]

I reckon most people assume any car post 2010 is very safe and wouldn't even look at any ratings. My sister thought her 2008 Focus is safer than my smaller 2020 Fiesta. Keep up the great work Paul

[rohbrown]

Thanks for pointing out turning circle. Practicality of parking in shopping centres and effectiveness of driving light performance should be in all reviews

[IamJay]

I love how Paul called this massive. Imagine his reaction if he saw a Ford F350 in person

[calebbuhren]

I had been hoping you would do a review of this car.
Safety is important, however safety standards only get more stringent and for me do not necessarily give a “big picture” perspective. For example there are safety features in the jeep that only existed in luxury cars 5 years ago.
Performance is an interesting one as even though it does not set the world on fire it is still faster than any other dual cab currently on the market, with the exception of the VW Amarok V6.
Realistically I think it is a hoot. It is compromised, but then again, most of the best cars through the years have been compromised for some reason or other.