Gladiator or Wrangler: Which Jeep Is Right for You?
The Wrangler and Gladiator are obviously very similar, but there are a few key differences worth noting.
Jeep vs Jeep
It's pretty obvious to anyone that the Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler are very similar vehicles, aside from the fact that one's an SUV and one's a pickup. But there are at least a few prospective owners out there mulling the decision to buy one or the other, wondering which one is best for them. So we decided to break down the two vehicles and compare them to help make this decision a little bit easier.
Photos: Jeep
Styling and Towing
While you can't tell the difference between the Gladiator and Wrangler from the front, it's a very different story behind there. Most notably, the Gladiator is a full 19 inches longer than the four-door Wrangler, which is a consideration for some, along with the fact that it's also only available as a four-door. Additionally, the Gladiator has a higher max towing capacity of 7,650 pounds versus 3,500 pounds for the Wrangler, which is a big selling point for some buyers.
Photos: Jeep
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Comfort and Capability
The Gladiator's longer wheelbase results in better ride quality, while the Wrangler's shorter proportions improve its turning radius, particularly in the shorter two-door model, as well as break over angle. The Gladiator's long rear overhang isn't terribly idea in some off-roading situations as it can scrape on certain terrain, so that's certainly worth noting for those that plan on venturing off the beaten path.
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>>Join the conversation about the Gladiator vs the Wrangler right here in our forum.
Safety
Neither the Gladiator nor Wrangler has been fully crash-tested as of yet, so it's hard to say which one is safer. Neither comes standard with a host of safety equipment either, but a suite of features is available including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.
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>>Join the conversation about the Gladiator vs the Wrangler right here in our forum.
Model Range
Both the Gladiator and Wrangler offer similar trim levels, starting with the Sport and moving all the way up to the Rubicon. The Wrangler does currently offer more model choices, however, including an array of special editions, which can be appealing to some.
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Pricing
In terms of the base price, the Gladiator starts out at around $35,000, while the Wrangler can be had for as little as $33,000. However, the two-door Wrangler can be bought for $3,500 less, so it's clearly the price leader for those looking to get in on the action for as little cash as possible.
Photos: Jeep
>>Join the conversation about the Gladiator vs the Wrangler right here in our forum.
Final Factor
Of course, those base models are rather spartan, with few features to speak of. At the top end of the range, buyers can shell out well over $50,000, as Rubicon models start out at $45,000 for the Gladiator and $43,700 for the Wrangler. Ultimately, this decision boils down to a couple of factors. If the utility of a truck bed is important to you and you value better ride quality or higher towing capacity, the Gladiator is a superior choice. Or, if you prefer a slightly better fuel economy, a larger backseat, a two-door, or the best possible off-roader, the Wrangler is the better option.
Photos: Jeep
>>Join the conversation about the Gladiator vs the Wrangler right here in our forum.
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