Coffee Break

Which Jeep Gladiator Should I Buy?

You’ve decided on the Jeep Gladiator, a vehicle that kind of melds the Wrangler and a pickup truck. We certainly understand your choice since the ride offers tons of utility plus first-rate off-road capabilities. Is anything better?

But because there are several trim levels, you may be wondering which Jeep Gladiator you should buy. Well, here’s a handy helpful guide.

Jeep Gladiator

The Gladiator is the based on the same architecture as the Wrangler JL and is Jeep’s first pickup truck since production of the Comanche ceased in 1992. The latest Gladiator iteration hit the market in 2019, offering you a five-foot bed that, with the tail down, can handle all your stuff including a blanket or sleeping bag if you’re on an adventure and need a place to sack out.

The midsize pickup truck is indeed like the Wrangler in that you can lose its roof and doors and fold the windshield flat.

Gladiator Trim Levels

The following is a summation of the various trim levels available with the 2022 Jeep Gladiator:

Jeep Gladiator Sport

Starting at $35,610, the Jeep Gladiator Sport offers a 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed manual transmission, as do most other trims. We’ll note where that varies. The standard engine, still a force, produces 285 horses and 260 pound-feet of torque.

Other features include the part-time four-wheel drive system called Command-Trac that facilitates off-road fun. Then there’s the removable soft top that’s easy to store, plus all-important skid-plate protection.

Jeep Gladiator Willys Sport

With the Willys, which starts at $37,710, you get all the Sport features in addition to a black grille, Willys decals, 17-inch black aluminum wheels, heavy-duty shocks, off-road tires, and a limited-slip rear differential.

Jeep Gladiator Sport S

The Sport S, with a base price of $39,010, adds auto headlights, 17-inch Tech Silver aluminum wheels, body-color fender flares, regular-duty suspension, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. An array of option packages is available.

Jeep Gladiator Willys

With a base sticker of $41,905, this trim level builds upon the Willys Sport and adds auto headlights and a convenience package that includes remote start and a universal garage door opener. You also get power windows and door and tailgate locks, plus power-heated side mirrors.

Jeep Gladiator Texas Trail

A new trim for this model year, the Texas Trail starts at $41,860, which gets you everything that comes with the Willys, plus auto climate control, a seven-inch color display, receiver hitch, and 240-amp alternator. Standard is a Technology Package, which includes SiriusXM satellite radio.

Jeep Gladiator Altitude

Starting at $40,805, the Altitude comes with the same standard equipment as the Willys, plus auto climate control, a special hardtop, 17-inch black wheels, receiver hitch, and seven-inch color display. Technology and Trailer Hitch Zoom packages are standard.

Jeep Gladiator Overland

With a base sticker of $43,715, the Overland is a posher Gladiator, with a panoply of luxe exterior and interior touchpoints and features. The EcoDiesel is optional here, with the Overland package including a six-speed manual, Dana 44 axles, and Command-Trac four-wheel drive.

You also get power-heated side mirrors, Uconnect 4 infotainment system, auto climate control, and available adaptive cruise control.

Jeep Gladiator Overland High Altitude

Building upon the Overland trim and starting at $52,510, the High Altitude adds more LEDs and safety features, plus a special hardtop, all-season tires, and glossy black wheels. You also get as standard an upgraded Alpine sounds system, Dana 44 wide axles, eight-speed auto trans, rear parking sensors, leather seats, sport shocks and suspension, and a luxe instrument panel bezel.

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon

This is a bad-looking (read: good) ride right here, what with its dual-vented hood, red tow hooks, and in-your-face decals. Then there are the upgrades for this model year, which puts the Rubicon on top, in terms of off-road shenanigans.

Features include the Tru-Lok locking system that permits al four wheel to function at the same speed, plus sweet rock crawl capability, Uconnect 4 infotainment, and an electronic disconnecting front sway bar. There’s also an Off-Road Plus mode that, according to the terrain you’re on, allows the rear axle to lock at higher speeds while in four-wheel drive.

The Rubicon trim starts at $47,260.

Jeep Gladiator Mojave

The Mojave, with a base sticker of $47,555, features a hood scoop and assertive black wheels with and 33-inch all-terrain tires. You also get lighter shocks that can better dissipate heat, a power tailgate lock that offers increased protection, and available blind-spot detection. Mechanical-wise, the Mojave gets the Dana 44 axles, a 4:10 rear axle ratio, Tru-lok, and Command-Track part-time four-wheel drive.

So, which Jeep Gladiator should you buy? You sure have a variety to choose from — all good. Find the trim that best suits your wallet and your lifestyle.