2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Jeep Gladiator

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler continues to be a rugged and iconic SUV, renowned for its off-road capabilities and customization options.

The Jeep Gladiator combines the Wrangler's off-road prowess with a functional truck bed, offering additional cargo-carrying capabilities. While many assume it is simply a Wrangler with a truck bed, that is not true.

The Gladiator was designed specifically as a Jeep truck from the ground up. There are many things it shares with its Wrangler sibling, but it is not a clone. Here are some Gladiator vs Wrangler facts that may interest you!

1. Fun Quotient

   Is the 2023 Wrangler or 2023 Gladiator more fun? This is a typical question among off-road enthusiasts.

   Here’s the simple answer. Jeep does everything it can to make the two equally fun. This means they both have an exciting menu of colors. There are numerous ways to customize your choice with straight-from-the-factory packages or trims.

   These vehicles are 100 percent off-roaders from the entry level to the great and powerful Rubicon. High ground clearance, standard four-wheel drive, and skid plates are always on board.

   There are levels of good, better, and best, but there are no duds in the Jeep Gladiator vs Jeep Wrangler contest.

2. Exterior Design

   The Wrangler features the iconic boxy design, paying homage to its heritage, and retains the ability to remove doors and roof for open-air driving. It offers a wide range of customizable options, including different roof configurations and various exterior accessories.

   With its tight front and overhangs, the Gladiator is built to go off road. This and other design cues seem to come from the Wrangler, but that’s simply because Jeep uses a structure that works for off-roading. It isn’t meant to make the two off road vehicles into twins.

   Gladiators have a removable roof and removable doors. This makes it the sole open air truck on the market.

3. Gladiator’s Larger Size

   Comparing the Jeep Gladiator to the Wrangler, you have to look at the size differences. The original Wrangler is a two-door compact SUV. A Wrangler 4-door has a much bigger backseat and a bigger cargo area.

   

   The Gladiator's extended wheelbase, compared to the Wrangler, provides a larger rear seating area and enhances stability when carrying cargo. Of course, the Gladiator is a pickup with a truck bed, allowing for increased versatility and hauling capabilities.

   However, it ends up being three feet longer than the Wrangler 4-door. This can make a difference when you are off-roading. After all, smaller is usually easier on the trail. Still, you’ll find that individually, Wranglers, Wrangler 4-doors, and Gladiators are each outstanding in terms of their arrival and departure angles.

4. Performance and Capability

   Getting back to the fun stuff, the Wrangler offers a range of gasoline engines, including a V6 and a turbocharged four-cylinder, providing a balance between power and efficiency.

   

   Additionally, there's an optional plug-in hybrid variant known as the 4xe. This effort to improve fuel economy includes an electric-only range that can cover your daily commute. The driving range is 21 miles, although its gas engine ensures that it doesn’t have to stop very often for fuel or charging.

   Gladiators have similar engine options with the Wrangler, ensuring a comparable driving experience. However, the Gladiator places more emphasis on towing and hauling capabilities due to its truck bed.

5. Off-Roading Capabilities

   Both the Wrangler and Gladiator excel in off-road performance, thanks to shared features such as solid axles, high ground clearance, and advanced 4x4 systems. These models offer impressive off-road capability, including excellent articulation, water fording capabilities, and advanced traction control systems.

   If you want the top of the heap, the Gladiator shopper aims for the Rubicon or Mojave. SUV shoppers aim for the Wrangler Rubicon, Sahara, or Rubicon X. Any Wrangler 4xe offers silent electric-only trail-riding.

6. Interior Comfort and Features

   The Wrangler's cabin provides a spacious and comfortable environment for both driver and passengers. It offers available modern infotainment systems, including touchscreen displays, smartphone integration, and advanced driver-assistance features for convenience and safety.

   Even more welcoming, the Gladiator's interior offers an elevated feeling of comfort and quality compared to many other midsize trucks. Additionally, the Gladiator's extended wheelbase translates into increased rear-seat space, offering more legroom and comfort for passengers.

7. Utility and Cargo Space

   Due to its design as an SUV, the Wrangler's cargo space is limited compared to the Gladiator. However, the Wrangler has folding rear seats, allowing for additional storage capacity when needed.

   The Gladiator's defining feature is its truck bed, providing users with enhanced utility and cargo-carrying capabilities. The truck bed offers versatile cargo management options.

8. Pricing and Trim Levels

   If you like to personalize your ride, the Gladiator trim levels let you do it. They include Sport S, Willys Sport, a special Freedom edition, Willys, Texas Trail, Sport, High Altitude, Overland, Mojave, and Rubicon. There are currently no 4xe plug-in hybrids or Rubicon X models, but that could change.

   The starting Gladiator price is typically slightly higher than the Wrangler, with pricing starting from $38,305. Pricing for the Wrangler typically starts from $ $30,295 for two-row models. Wrangler 4-door model prices start around $34,165 MSRP.

   The new 4xe PHEV Wranglers are offered in Sport S, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon X. Regular Wranglers are offered with these trim levels and also include the trim levels Sport and Willys. If you want a High Altitude Wrangler, it is exclusively 4xe.

Conclusion

The choice between these two ultimately depends on individual preferences and specific usage scenarios. Those who prioritize cargo space and hauling capabilities may prefer the Gladiator, while the Wrangler is ideal for those are more focused on people than gear.

Regardless of the choice, both vehicles offer exceptional performance, ruggedness, and the ability to conquer challenging terrains. Schedule a test drive to learn more.