Newer Jeep Gladiator Experience?

[tdw28210]

Seriously considering acquiring a 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator Sport S as a multi-use vehicle. I want to use it for some small to mid-sized construction projects and tow a track car occasionally. I will likely only put 5k or 6k miles on it a year. I know the bed is small and towing is highly dependent on the tow vs max tow packages, but anyone have thoughts or experiences on the overall vehicle reliability and real world uses? Options that are great to have? Does anyone know if the tow or Max tow packages include a factory brake controller? I doubt it will ever see anything more than sand and occasional mud. No plans to do any true off-roading or rock climbing with it. Thanks.

[2.7RS]

Local guy towing a boat roll it over in the highway after the trailer jackknife on a hill.

We discussed the issue and we think due to brakes not properly set on the trailer and the gladiator suspension being too high and too soft.

Personally I wouldn't take a risk and I would rather buy a 1/2 ton pickup. Way better for towing.

[Steve Carlton]

[pwd72s]

Damn..there ya go, getting practical. Hey, the Gladiator is a cool looking pickemup. Isn't that enough?

[911boost]

I had a 2020 4 door Rubicon, so not the Gladiator but pretty similar. Mine was the v6 with a 6 speed manual and was gutless up here at altitude. I would not have wanted to tow anything very heavy with it.

I had a dealer install the hitch when I purchased it new and yes there is an option for the a brake controller. As for whether it is standard or not I do not know.

https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-trailer-brake-controller-82215652ad#:~:text=The%20controller%20and%20status %20display%20are%20mounted%20in,force%20the%20trai ler%20uses%2C%20depending%20on%20load%20requiremen ts.

[dmcummins]

I have a 2021 with 36,000 miles on it. Bought it new. So far the only problem I have had is the aux battery was replaced under warranty. I didn’t know it was bad until I noticed the stop start wasn’t working. Thought I would get it checked out before the warranty was out.

I don’t tow much with it, a flatbed trailer a time or two.

[red-beard]

I've rented one multiple times on my trips to Idaho.

My passengers said the back seat is uncomfortable.
The Price is similar to buying a Ford F250 Lariat 4x4
My Ford F250 is more comfortable and will make a more comfortable ride/drive than the Jeep

That said, if I was going serious off-roading, I would not use the F250. It all depends on what your plan is for the vehicle.

[crustychief]

I bought my 2020 in late 2019. It is a Rubicon with a manual transmission. Have not towed with it. but it is a reliable daily driver. I have 70K on it now still has the original brakes. Tow package does not come with brake controller but does add a big alternator and larger cooling. My wife drove it for a weekend and ended up getting a 2021 Wrangler.

[Rodsrsr]

2021 Model introduced the e-torque with an 8 speed auto coupled to the Penastar V6. Acceleration is great, similar to that of a normal mid sized car. I'm sure towing a light load for short distances would be fine, but probably not the best for going through the Grapevine.

[Alan A]

My buddy tows his boat to and from the marina with one. He has a 20(or so) foot tritoon.
Been in it once. Agricultural would be praising it.

[Rodsrsr]

Originally Posted by dmcummins

I have a 2021 with 36,000 miles on it. Bought it new. So far the only problem I have had is the aux battery was replaced under warranty. I didn’t know it was bad until I noticed the stop start wasn’t working. Thought I would get it checked out before the warranty was out.

I don’t tow much with it, a flatbed trailer a time or two.

I've heard the small aux battery was prone to failure on those. Many people delete them. Tons of Youtube videos on it. The 2021 e-torque models do have an aux battery but its actually a 48 volt battery pack good for 100,000 miles. Its a completely different system all tied into the e-torque. You can also get simple plug in devices to disable the start/stop feature. First thing I did.

Plus Jeeps look so much better than pickups.

[dmcummins]

Here is a fuzzy pic of mine.

I had the aux battery replaced due to the fact I was getting ready to go to Moab from SW Florida, and it was still under warranty. If it goes out again I will delete it now that the warranty is out.

I traded my wrangler for it, my wrangler was a 2017 and they did not make gladiators then, or I would have bought one.

It’s been fine, but I’m sure most other mid sized trucks would do what I needed. And I do accationally take off the top and the others can’t do that.

They are kind of expensive, and I really didn’t need 4 wheel drive. But I’ll be keeping it for a while longer.

[911boost]

Too bad OneWhippedPuppy is not still around, he had one and always offered a solid review of his vehicles.

I like the color DM, my Rubicon 4 door was a dark grey with red accents inside and our.

[LWJ]

My BIL has one. He has pretty much tricked it out. Summary: he is a fan. I rode in it and it has nice manners and is quiet. It is a fiat/chrysler product so long term ownership may suck. Even so, I liked it.

[jhynesrockmtn]

My ex has the diesel version. Not sure what year. I've ridden in it and driven it a short distance. It feels like it's made out of taped together cardboard compared to my F150. I'm 6'1" and it really feels small inside as well. I've never gotten the Jeep thing, but I know they have a strong following.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

My ex has the diesel version. Not sure what year. I've ridden in it and driven it a short distance. It feels like it's made out of taped together cardboard compared to my F150. I'm 6'1" and it really feels small inside as well. I've never gotten the Jeep thing, but I know they have a strong following.

That has been my experience with the wrangler platform.

They still offer a standard Bruce Jenner, so I understand the following.