jeep has made a legacy of creating the best off-road trucks and SUVs. But out of all the models it has produced over the years, which one is more suitable for being the all-around vehicle for traversing uneven terrain and challenging obstacles?
The Wrangler and the Gladiator are what come to mind when off-road experts and off-road enthusiasts debate on which Jeep reigns supreme. Putting these two rides head-to-head will definitely be a blast! Get to know some of the nuances between both Wrangler and Gladiator lines with this blog.
Which of these two vehicles would you choose for your off-road adventure? Read on so you can decide which of these two Jeep models is the king of off-road travel.
Gladiator vs. Wrangler: The Specs are Everything
Power & Handling
Knowing what you want out of your vehicle is the first step in choosing the right one for the job. Do you need a ride for weekend camping trips with minimal towing needs or a capable vehicle with specific off-road features for more challenging excursions? For starters, we’ll be comparing the 2022 model years of both models.
The standard trim of the Gladiator has 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and the 3-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine options available. On the other hand, the Wrangler has more variety, offering a high-torque 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a stop/start system, all the way up to the 6.4-liter V8 HEMI engine that’s standard on the Rubicon 392 models.
The Wrangler also has more features for better off-road navigation. For instance, it is equipped with trail-tuned suspension for more off-road flexibility and shock absorbers to control excess spring impact. Moreover, it has a plug-in hybrid configuration for better fuel economy while also maintaining similar capabilities to its gas-powered counterparts.
Our winner: Wrangler
Exterior Design
Both the Wrangler and Gladiator have that signature Jeep look at first glance. However, the Gladiator is designed to be a pickup truck, while the Wrangler looks more like a traditional SUV. The most noticeable difference between the two vehicles is that the Gladiator comes in a standard four-door, while the Wrangler has two- and four-door model options available.
Both vehicles have removable roofs, doors, and windows to let you enjoy open-air driving. Both models also have a cargo area for maximizing cargo space for storing and carrying bikes, kayaks, luggage, and other equipment.
Moreover, the Gladiator and Wrangler let you choose between hard or soft top options. You can get the best of both worlds by getting the Sunrider Flip Top which combines the security of a hardtop and the freedom of a soft top.
Other exterior features include the rock protection sill rails and 17-inch to 20-inch wheel options for better grip and traction. You also get a chip-resistant, fold-down windshield which can easily be lowered and removed if you want more of the outdoors as you drive.
Our winner: Tie
Interior Dimensions and Features
The two vehicles have various functions and features to make the most of your ride. The Gladiator and the four-door Wrangler provide enough space for you and your passengers as they offer seating for up to five people. The two-door Wrangler can also seat up to four people.
When it comes to cargo space, the Gladiator is a larger vehicle with an 18-foot 2-inch length compared to the Wrangler’s 15-foot 8-inch size. Moreover, the latter has a 5-foot-long pickup box with 35.5 cubic feet of cargo volume and comes with removable body panels; the former sports a slightly smaller 31.7 cubic feet but can be expanded to as much as 72.4 cubic feet if the rear seats are folded down.
The Wrangler offers heated front seats and steering wheels, which are only optional on the Gladiator. Both vehicles let you choose from cloth, leather, or Nappa-trimmed seating, whichever you prefer. Moreover, both models have 60/40-split folding rear seats to accommodate your needs.
The interior of the Wrangler is fairly easy to clean with its weather-resistant and removable carpets and one-way floor drain valves. If you had a day of trekking on mud and immediately went in your vehicle, cleaning will be a breeze.
Our winner: Tie
Additional Features and Technology
Make your adventures more exciting with state-of-the-art technology equipped in the Gladiator and Wrangler. Jeep has ensured these two models are geared for innovation and ready to take on the road less traveled.
Both vehicles have an upgradable infotainment system, including a touchscreen console. They have the Uconnect 4 system that’s compatible with SiriusXM Satellite Radio. It also has Traffic and Travel Link capabilities and is Bluetooth enabled with integrated voice commands. You also get a 115V auxiliary power outlet if you need to charge your devices.
Enjoy a convenient ride and ensure you arrive at your destination with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Maximize these apps to their full potential, such as listening to music, navigating using maps, and listening to podcasts while traveling.
Our winner: Tie
Safety and Security
The 2022 Gladiator has over 80 safety features, while the Wrangler has over 75. These will ensure that you can safely drive wherever you go.
Both rides have blind spot monitoring to alert you if other vehicles are approaching your blind spot zones. They also have a park assist system and rear backup camera for convenient and hassle-free parking.
Other safety features include tire pressure monitoring, Keyless Enter ‘N Go, and the Vehicle Finder through the Uconnect app.
Our winner: Gladiator
The True Off-road King
Who do you think won the face-off between the Gladiator vs. the Wrangler? For us, if you want a more spacious and heavy-duty ride with more carrying capacity for your off-road adventures, you can’t go wrong with the Gladiator. If you want something more all-around yet still take off-road trips on weekends, the Wrangler is a much better option.
Regardless of which ride you choose, you are guaranteed to receive a robust and reliable vehicle with outstanding performance that can take you to your destination, wherever it may be. Jeep has proven time and time again that they have perfected the art of creating off-road royalty.
Browse the Joiiio blog for more interesting Jeep and off-road-related content that you can enjoy.
Comments