2025 Jeep Gladiator
Our VerdictThe 2025 Jeep Gladiator is the only open-air midsize pickup, blending Wrangler-like off-road prowess with a 5‑foot truck bed. It’s perfect for adventure seekers and gear haulers, but its rough ride, noisy cabin, and thirstier fuel economy make it less ideal for daily commuting.
Off-road enthusiasts, campers, drivers wanting open-air freedom
Fuel-economy seekers and those wanting a smooth highway ride
The Case For
- Unmatched off-road capability
- Convertible pickup
- Strong towing/payload
- Modern tech
Considerations
- Poor fuel economy
- Rough, stiff while offroading
- Hard plastic interiors
Who It's For
The Gladiator is a unique midsize pickup designed for adventure. Jeep markets it as the “ultimate midsize truck for adventure seekers,” combining Wrangler-style 4×4 toughness with a 5‑foot cargo bed. In other words, it’s for buyers who want a convertible Jeep with truck utility. Its standout traits are the removable roof/doors, Trail-Rated off-road capability, and best‑in‑class towing/payload. Family and commuter buyers will appreciate its rugged reliability and room for five, but it truly shines for outdoor enthusiasts wanting open-air freedom.
Choose Your Specification
Sport
~$38,695Entry-Level Off-Roader
The base Gladiator provides all the essentials. It has the 3.6L V6 (285 hp), part-time 4×4 with low-range gearing, removable soft top and doors, an 8-speaker audio system, and a 12.3″ touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It’s very utilitarian (manual AC, cloth seats, steel wheels), targeting buyers who want Jeep capability on a tighter budget. Ideal for traditionalists who will customize it themselves.
Nighthawk
~$41,490Style-Focused Off-Roader
This special version dresses up the base Sport. It gets blacked-out 20″ wheels, a three-piece hardtop, and a sport-tuned suspension for better on-road manners. It also adds traction aids (limited-slip differential) and rock rails. Inside and out, it’s all-black styling. Choose Nighthawk if you want Wrangler ruggedness with a sleek, city-ready look.
Sport S
~$41,600Comfort & Tech Package
Building on the Sport, the Sport S adds more convenience and safety gear. It includes power-adjustable mirrors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, plus driver aids like forward-collision warning with automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. It still has the standard V6/8-speed AT and soft top, but feels more refined day-to-day. Good for buyers who want Jeep fun with extra comfort features
Coastal Editions – Big Bear/High Tide/Texas Trail
~$46,095Built for Regional Lifestyles
Sold regionally (California, Florida, Texas), these all add the Sport S’s comfort plus a unique style. They include a three-piece hardtop, 32″ mud-terrain tires, leather or heated leather seating, a dual-pane sunroof (High Tide), sliding rear window, and heavy-duty Rock Rails. Power mirrors, keyless entry, and climate control are standard. Think of them as “beach-ready” or “lifestyle” trucks with capability and comfort for mild off-road.
Willys
~$45,695Off-Road Value
The Willys trim throws a ton of off-road kit onto the Sport S’s base. It gets 32″ mud-terrain tires, rock rails, a locking rear differential, LED headlights, and a Class IV tow hitch. It retains the dual-zone climate control and upgraded driver display of higher trims. In short, for ~$47K you get a nearly trail-ready Gladiator without jumping to Rubicon prices. It’s ideal for buyers wanting serious 4×4 gear at a reasonable price.
Mojave
~$51,695Desert Runner
Geared for high-speed sand and desert trails, the Mojave swaps out some Rubicon features (no locking front diff or swaybar disconnect) for a high-performance setup: FOX internal bypass shocks with hydraulic jounce bumpers and a 1-inch lifted suspension for more wheel travel. It wears a “Desert Rated” badge instead of a “Trail Rated” badge. Mojave excels on dunes and dry lakes at speed.
Rubicon
~$51,695Extreme Off-Roader
The Rubicon is built for the toughest terrain. It includes everything from Willys plus heavy-duty Dana 44 front/rear axles, 4.0:1 low-range gearing, 33″ all-terrain tires, widened fender flares, and locking differentials front and rear. It also has skid plates, tow hooks, an electronic swaybar disconnect, and premium off-road shocks. Choose Rubicon if you want maximum trail capability straight from the factory.
Rubicon X
~$61,695Luxury Off-Roader
This adds on-road luxury to the Rubicon package. In addition to all Rubicon gear, it includes convenience features like a large 12.3″ gauge display, premium Alpine audio, integrated navigation, heated/ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, blind-spot/ rear-cross-path warning, and a forward-facing camera. It’s perfect for those who want top-end off-road chops plus comfort and tech.
Mojave X
~$61,100Desert Luxury
This combines the Mojave’s performance kit with the Rubicon X’s creature comforts (leather, premium audio, safety tech). You get the Mojave’s shocks, lift, and tires plus blind-spot monitors, heated seats/wheel, navigation, etc. It’s for buyers who want the desert-ready capability of the Mojave, but with a polished interior.
- Adds serious off-road gear (32″ mud tires, locking rear diff, rock rails) to the Sport S’s comfort features
- Delivers strong capability both on pavement and trail at a lower cost than Rubicon
- Gives you nearly every off-road advantage of higher trims without as much extra cost
Trim by Trim
Select your car trims and compare them instantly
| Specification | Sport | Nighthawk | Sport S | Coastal editions – Big Bear/High Tide/Texas Trail | Willys | Mojave | Rubicon | Rubicon X | Mojave X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.6L Pentastar V6 (gas; optional 3.0L EcoDiesel) | 3.6L V6 (diesel optional) | 3.6L V6 (diesel optional) | 3.6L V6 (diesel optional) | 3.6L V6 (diesel optional) | 3.6L V6 (diesel optional) | 3.6L V6 (diesel optional) | 3.6L V6 (diesel optional) | 3.6L V6 (diesel optional) |
| Horsepower | 285 hp (gas) 260 hp (diesel) | 285 hp (gas) 260 hp (diesel) | 285 hp (gas) 260 hp (diesel) | 285 hp (gas) 260 hp (diesel) | 285 hp (gas) 260 hp (diesel) | 285 hp (gas) 260 hp (diesel) | 285 hp (gas) 260 hp (diesel) | 285 hp (gas) 260 hp (diesel) | 285 hp (gas) 260 hp (diesel) |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 17 / 22 (diesel: 22/28) | 17 / 22 (diesel: 22/28) | 17 / 22 (diesel: 22/28) | 17 / 22 (diesel: 22/28) | 17 / 22 (diesel: 22/28) | 17 / 22 (diesel: 22/28) | 17 / 22 (diesel: 22/28) | 17 / 22 (diesel: 22/28) | 17 / 22 (diesel: 22/28) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo | 35.5 cu. ft. | 35.5 cu. ft. | 35.5 cu. ft. | 35.5 cu. ft. | 35.5 cu. ft. | 35.5 cu. ft. | 35.5 cu. ft. | 35.5 cu. ft. | 35.5 cu. ft. |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| MSRP | ~$38,695 | ~$41,490 | ~$41,600 | ~$46,095 | ~$45,695 | ~$51,695 | ~$51,695 | ~$61,695 | ~$61,100 |
| Car Type | Crew-cab midsize pickup | Crew-cab midsize pickup | Crew-cab midsize pickup | Crew-cab midsize pickup | Crew-cab midsize pickup | Crew-cab midsize pickup | Crew-cab midsize pickup | Crew-cab midsize pickup | Crew-cab midsize pickup |
The Cost of Ownership
Here is the Jeep Gladiator's annual ownership costs:
Assumptions: Based on average U.S. driver (12,000 miles/year, fuel price ~$3.75/gal, good driving record).
From Every Angle
Exterior
4Bold & Functional
The Gladiator wears classic Jeep styling - a square grille, round headlights, and flat windshield that clearly signal ruggedness. The removable roof and doors make it the only pickup in its class with true convertible. Features like LED headlights and available body-color hardtop panels enhance appearance. There are plenty of customization options (wheel size, side steps, decals, etc.). Overall, it looks unapologetically tough, though some may find the ride height and flat surfaces a bit blocky on the highway.
Interior
3.5Durable & Utilitarian
The cabin is built to take a beating: hard plastic surfaces and an all-weather floor (with drain plugs) make cleanup easy after muddy trips. Higher trims offer cloth or leather seats (heated/ventilated), but lower trims are Spartan. The 12.3″ Uconnect touchscreen is crisp and uncluttered, and Jeep even claims the largest standard screen in its class. Storage cubbies are plentiful. Overall comfort is decent up front, but rear legroom is tighter than many SUVs. Materials and fit aren’t luxurious, but the cabin’s wash-out design is practical.
Safety
3Modern Aids but Mixed Crash Scores
The Gladiator offers many available driver assists: adaptive cruise control (all but base Sport) and forward-collision braking, blind-spot/ rear-cross-traffic alerts, and rear parking sensors. It has a robust steel frame and multiple airbags. However, in IIHS crash tests, the Gladiator earned only a “Marginal” rating in the small-overlap frontal tests (similar to the Wrangler), though side-impact scores are good. In short, it has up-to-date safety tech, but overall crashworthiness trails some rivals.
Warranty
3Adequate but Not Class-leading
Jeep’s standard warranty is a 3-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty, with a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is average for the industry (Kia’s is much longer, for example). Roadside assistance is included for 5 years/60,000 miles. There are no extended factory hybrids or EV warranties because the Gladiator has no electrified drivetrain. In short, warranty protection is fair but unexceptional.
Fuel Economy
2.5Heavy & Thirsty
Powered by a 3.6L V6, the Gladiator is rated only about 17 MPG city and 22 MPG highway (≈19 MPG combined). That is quite low even for a midsize truck, especially versus rivals like the V6 Tacoma or V6 Ridgeline. The optional diesel bumps numbers (around 22/28), but fuel cost is still high. Expect fuel bills of roughly $2,300–$2,600 per year for 12,000 miles (assuming ~$3.50/gal). The benefit is excellent torque and towing, but efficiency is a clear weakness.
Tech & Infotainment
4Modern Connectivity
Every Gladiator gets Jeep’s Uconnect 5 system on a 12.3″ touchscreen (or 8.4″ on the very base Sport). Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Higher trims also offer built-in navigation and Alpine premium audio. Even Alexa voice-command integration is standard on Rubicon/Mojave for remote commands. The interface is intuitive and bright, and there are lots of USB ports (Jeep boasts seven available USBs – more than any rival midsize). Overall, the tech feels up-to-date and easy to use, making on-road time more pleasant.
Performance & Handling
3.5Off-road Champion, On-road Average
The 285-hp V6 provides decent low-end torque, and Jeep’s heavy-duty 4×4 hardware (Command-Trac or Rock-Trac systems) makes it nearly unstoppable in mud, rocks, or deep sand. In testing, it hit 0–60 in about 7.2 seconds. However, it shares the Wrangler’s compromises: steering is slow, the ride is bouncy, and the top-heavy design means body roll on curves. On pavement, it feels less composed than many competitors. Still, its towing (up to 7,700 lbs with tow package) and payload (1,725 lbs) are among the best in class.
New This Year
- The 6-speed manual gearbox has been replaced by an 8-speed automatic
- The base Sport now comes with convenient features like power door locks and power windows
- New exterior paints include Fathom Blue and a Military-inspired ’41 Olive Drab tone
- An Active Cabin Ventilation system lets you pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin remotely via the Jeep app
Cars similar to the 2025 Jeep Gladiator
The Gladiator competes with other midsize pickups. Below is a brief comparison with two peers:
2025 Jeep Gladiator
2025 Toyota Tacoma
2025 Ford Ranger| Aspect | 2025 Jeep Gladiator | 2025 Toyota Tacoma | 2025 Ford Ranger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 285 hp V6 (260 hp diesel); best‑in‑class 7,700 lb towing | 4-cylinder (228 hp) or V6 (278 hp); max ~6,400 lb towing (V6) | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 (~270-315 hp); towing up to ~7,500 lb |
| Tech & Interior | Large 12.3″ Uconnect touchscreen, washable floors | 8″ base or optional 14″ screen; Functional interiors. | More tech in trims; strong value; interior quality improving |
| Practicality | Crew Cab, 5‑ft bed. Payload ~1,725 lbs. Removable top/doors | Crew Cab, bed either 5‑ft or 6‑ft. Payload ~1,200 lbs | Crew Cab; 5-ft; 2,257 lbs -4,370 lbs payload |
| Comfort & Space | Rugged ride; Tight rear legroom. High noise cabin | Rough ride; seats five | Ride and interior comfort increasingly strong; Crossover-like in refinement. |
| Who's It For? | Off-road adventurers and Jeep enthusiasts who want a convertible pickup | Truck purists who value Toyota’s reliability and off-road heritage | Buyers wanting a versatile midsize truck with increasingly refined cabin and strong tech |
| Best Choice For | 4×4 trail capability Unique open-air fun Heavy towing | Rugged reliability Traditional design Everyday utility | Tech-savvy interiors Off-road adventures Comfortable ride |
Asked & Answered
Does the Gladiator come with 4×4?
Yes. All Gladiator models are four-wheel-drive vehicles with Jeep’s part-time Command-Trac or Rock-Trac systems. You get a low-range transfer case for tough off-road work. There is no two-wheel-drive version.
What engines are available?
Standard is a 3.6L V6 (285 hp, 260 lb-ft) paired to an 8-speed auto. A 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (260 hp, 442 lb-ft) is optionally available on most trims, which boosts towing and fuel mileage (roughly 22/28 MPG).
Is a manual transmission available?
No. For 2025, Jeep removed the manual gearbox. Every Gladiator now uses the 8-speed automatic.
How much can it tow?
Quite a lot. The Gladiator’s maximum towing capacity is up to 7,700 lbs when properly equipped with the available Max Tow package. Without that package, it still tows about 4,000 lbs. Payload capacity is up to ~1,725 lbs on Willys/Rubicon models.