If you’re comparing midsize trucks and expecting the Jeep Gladiator to win the numbers game — spoiler alert — it won’t. It’s slower, stiffer on the road, less fuel-efficient, and doesn’t carry quite as much in the bed. Oh, and it’s more expensive, too.
But if you think the Gladiator is just another midsize truck, you’ve got the wrong idea.
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator isn’t trying to be a Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger. It’s not even really trying to compete. What it is, though, is a Jeep Wrangler that got stretched out to include a pickup bed. And that makes it one of the most unique vehicles on the road — or off it.
That means it shares the Wrangler’s legendary style, solid axles, removable doors and roof, and yes, even a windshield that folds down onto the hood (after a little manual labor, of course). It’s the only pickup where you can go full convertible mode. The interior’s also shared with the Wrangler — including the big, bright 12.3-inch Uconnect touchscreen that comes standard on every trim.
For 2025, Jeep made a few notable changes:
- The manual transmission is gone — every Gladiator now comes with an 8-speed automatic.
- Most trims actually dropped in price, despite more standard equipment.
- Power windows and locks are now standard across the board.
- Two new paint colors join the lineup: Fathom Blue and a military-inspired olive drab called ‘41.
The powertrain remains the same: a 3.6-liter V6 paired with that 8-speed automatic. You can’t get this combo in a Wrangler anymore, so if you like this setup, the Gladiator is your last shot.
Trims and Pricing: Something for Everyone
There are six main trims for 2025 — plus some special editions — with pricing starting at $39,995 (including destination):
- Sport: The base model with 17-inch steel wheels, Command-Trac 4×4, soft top, 12.3-inch touchscreen, and manual everything.
- Nighthawk: A style-focused version of the Sport with 20-inch wheels and body-colored hardtop and fenders.
- Sport S: A value pick, adding alloy wheels, safety features, Gorilla Glass windshield, and body-colored accents.
- Texas Trail / Big Bear / High Tide: Special editions built on the Sport S with bigger tires, custom wheels, and unique badging.
- Willys: Off-road upgrades include mud-terrain tires, locking rear diff, rock rails, and more aggressive styling.
- Rubicon: Hardcore rock crawler trim with Rock-Trac 4×4, 33-inch all-terrains, disconnecting sway bar, and Fox shocks.
- Mojave: Tuned for high-speed off-roading, with a lifted suspension, reinforced frame, and unique design cues.
- X Versions: Luxury-packed upgrades of the Mojave and Rubicon trims, priced around $63,000.
Performance: Built for the Dirt, Not the Drag Strip
The Gladiator’s V6 delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque — solid, but not thrilling. It’s not as quick as the turbocharged Tacoma or the Ford Ranger’s high-output engines. Acceleration is noticeably slower, especially when loaded up or towing.
But let’s be real — if you’re buying a Gladiator for 0-60 runs, you’ve missed the point.
Where it shines is off-road. You can pick from three 4WD systems:
- Command-Trac (standard, part-time)
- Selec-Trac (full-time)
- Rock-Trac (Rubicon-exclusive, with serious low-range gearing)
It’s not the smoothest truck on pavement — ride quality is bouncy, especially with the off-road tires. But that’s the trade-off for true trail capability and a convertible cabin.
The Gladiator comes with a 5-foot bed, and while it’s smaller than some rivals, it still gets the job done. Just be aware that the bed sides are lower, meaning less vertical space. Max enclosed capacity is 35.5 cubic feet, which is about 8 cubes less than a Ranger.
Towing capacity tops out at 7,700 lbs, with a payload max of 1,725 lbs — respectable numbers in the midsize class.
Here’s the downside: fuel economy isn’t great. EPA ratings come in at 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway / 19 combined, and real-world numbers can dip lower with bigger tires or trail use. The Tacoma, Ranger, and Colorado all offer better MPG on paper and in practice.
Interior: Rugged, Functional, and Unmistakably Jeep
Inside, the Gladiator feels like a Wrangler — and that’s a good thing if you love simple, functional design. Materials are tough and utilitarian. It’s easy to clean, easy to use, and built to take a beating.
Back seat space is a bit tighter than you might expect, and front seat travel is more limited than in rivals like the Ford Ranger. The center console also lacks some of the clever storage solutions you’ll find elsewhere. But again — removable roof. Removable doors. Fold-down windshield. That’s the tradeoff.
You can pick from three different roof setups:
- Sunrider soft top (standard)
- Freedom Top hardtop (removable in sections)
- Sunrider for Hardtop (hybrid with soft top section)
Or, if you want it all, Jeep will sell you both for about $3,700.
Every Gladiator gets a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen — and it’s excellent. Fast, clean, and customizable with:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Alexa integration
- Dual Bluetooth connections
- Split-screen functionality
- Docked menus for easy access
It’s one of the better infotainment setups out there, and it makes daily driving a little more fun — even when the ride isn’t perfect.
The 2025 Gladiator hasn’t been crash-tested yet, but past models earned mixed results, especially in rollover and side-impact tests. That said, Jeep does offer plenty of safety tech:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Trailer sway control
- Side curtain airbags
- Rear parking assist
Still, if crash scores matter to you, keep an eye on updated results from NHTSA and IIHS.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy the Gladiator?
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator is not for everyone — and that’s the point. This is a truck for buyers who prioritize trail capability, personality, and fun over comfort and fuel economy.
If you want a daily driver that also hauls mulch and handles like a crossover, there are better options. But if you want a truck that’s different — that looks like nothing else and drives like a Wrangler with a cargo bed — the Gladiator is exactly that.
Want the Best Deal on a Gladiator? Before you walk into the dealership, do yourself a favor — go to Quotes.EverymanDriver.com. It’s a free search tool that helps you compare real-time pricing from dealers in your area. Thousands of smart shoppers use it every day — and you could save hundreds, even thousands of dollars on your next Jeep. Don’t overpay. Start your search at Quotes.EverymanDriver.com.
