Jeep Gladiator 2024: Ready for All Arenas

I am often asked which vehicle I would choose to drive until the end of my days. Unfortunately, I don't have a crystal ball, and it's quite difficult to anticipate my future needs. However, I know for sure which vehicle could suit all possible situations or nearly all of them. It's the Jeep Gladiator. It's a pickup truck, an outstanding off-road vehicle, and it's also a convertible. The American manufacturer's truck offers a highly developed practical side with its loading platform and a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. It can also carry a load of 1,725 pounds. At the same time, you can remove the roof and venture into the most extreme trails in the world. In short, it offers a combination of elements that you won't find in any other vehicle, and all within a more reasonable price range than ever. That's why I would choose the Jeep Gladiator if I had to pick my last vehicle for life.

The American manufacturer's truck undergoes a slight aesthetic redesign for 2024 with a new grille and a more modern dashboard. The latter now features a 12.3-inch screen with the Uconnect 5 multimedia system. As always, there are new colors on the menu and two new versions, namely Mojave X and Rubicon X. This is the first update to the model since its introduction to the market in 2019.

Range and Prices

The price range for the 2024 Jeep Gladiator has not yet been revealed for Canada at the time of writing, but a slight increase can be expected compared to last year's model, as is generally the case. However, we already know the versions that will make up the 2024 lineup. The Jeep Gladiator Sport S still serves as the entry-level model. However, it benefits from the 12.3-inch screen and even adaptive cruise control as standard. Next is the Willys version, which adds 32-inch off-road tires and several other off-road driving enhancements. The Mojave version comes next with its 33-inch tires and improvements that take off-road driving to another level. Following that is the Mojave X version with more luxurious options and a higher-end finish. Finally, it's the Rubicon and Rubicon X versions that sit at the top of the lineup.

Category and Competition

Although the Jeep Gladiator theoretically belongs to the midsize truck category, it is different enough from its rivals to form its own category. It is the only model in its segment that can easily have its roof and doors removed, not to mention its phenomenal off-road driving capabilities. In short, few buyers hesitate between the Jeep Gladiator and another pickup truck. It's the kind of vehicle that you either hate or love passionately in both cases.

Rivals: Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma

Design and Technologies

To offer some new features for 2024, Jeep has slightly reworked the Gladiator's grille, and it's a welcome change. It's more of an evolution than a revolution, but it's the kind of detail that enthusiasts take pleasure in pointing out to distinguish one model year from another. Inside, the standout feature is the 12.3-inch touchscreen. This also introduces the Uconnect 5.0 system to the Gladiator lineup, and it's a very positive addition as it is one of the most advanced technologies of its kind on the market. Another interior enhancement is the 12-way adjustable seats, addressing an issue I've always had with finding a comfortable driving position in the Jeep Gladiator. Hopefully, this time it works.

Finally, the 2024 Jeep Gladiator offers a host of cutting-edge technology gadgets, including the now-standard adaptive cruise control. However, the coolest feature presented by the American manufacturer's truck is the guide application that allows you to find thousands of marked trails with your GPS. We're talking about North America here, which means that even some Canadian trails are included.

Performance

In terms of mechanics, there is only one option for 2024, and that's the classic 3.6-liter V6 engine. It delivers 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission, depending on your preference. In both cases, 4x4 drivetrain is standard. Nevertheless, it's a bit disappointing that the Jeep Gladiator doesn't offer the same mechanical diversity as its close cousin, the Wrangler.

Weak Points

The vehicle is very sensitive to side winds and quite noisy on the highway. Its fuel consumption is noticeably higher than average. The bed length is a bit short for some tasks.

Strengths

It's a versatile and very fun-to-drive vehicle. You can easily remove the roof and doors. Its off-road driving capabilities are simply amazing.

Signature Element

The Jeep Gladiator is a signature element in itself as it is the only truck of its kind on the market.

Final Thoughts

I want to say that the Jeep Gladiator is the ideal vehicle for everyone, but that's not necessarily the case. In fact, it's a model for off-road driving and adventure enthusiasts who don't necessarily want to deal with a second vehicle. The Gladiator has all the qualities required to meet all your needs.

Jean-Sébastien Poudrier