Jeep Gladiator Off road Ready for Any Journey

The Sport S is the perfect canvas to build the Gladiator you’ve always wanted. We would choose the all-terrain tires and anti-spin differential to increase traction once the blacktop is gone. We’d also include side steps to make getting into and out of the vehicle easier.

The hardtop that opens in three parts is the best option because it’s quick. Inside, we’d spec the headliner for better noise-and-temperature insulation and upgrade to the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, because it adds navigation and is more sophisticated than the standard 5.0-inch unit. Cargo Management (400-watt power inverter, 115-volt outlet under the seat and under-seat storage bin) and auxiliary switch are also our top picks

Jeep Gladiator: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Gladiator’s engine is a 3.6 liter V-6 with 285 horsepower. It also produces 260 pound feet of torque. This power is sent through an eight-speed standard automatic transmission. Each Gladiator is equipped with a truck bed measuring 5.5 feet. The Gladiator is 19.4 inches longer than the Wrangler. Jeep claims that this improves the pickup’s handling and ride.

We have driven several examples and can confirm that the Wrangler drives similar to this truck, regardless of what Jeep claims.The truck provides a sturdy and confident ride, handling uneven terrain with ease, while offering a solid, if slightly less refined, experience on paved roads.

The Gladiator is a pickup truck that can also be used as a trail tool. Jeep enthusiasts are more concerned with the off-road capabilities of the Gladiator, which include everything from abundant skidplates to axle ratios that can crawl over rocks to the capability to cross water up to thirty inches deep. Generous ground clearance and approach-and-departure angles further help the Gladiator conquer parts unknown.

0–60 MPH Acceleration Times: Speed & Performance Breakdown

A model of the Overland was tested by Car and Driver and reached 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds. This is similar to the Toyota Tacoma, which accelerates from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The 2024 Gladiator Rubicon maximum towing capacity is 7700 lbs. This capability can only be unlocked with the optional Max Tow Package, but without it the Gladiator is still able to tow a trailer of up to 4000-pounds. Wrangler’s towing capacity is 3500 lbs. Gladiator owners can load the Gladiator’s cargo bed with between 950 to 1725 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Gladiator returns an estimated 17 mpg city and 22 mpg on the highway. It is also estimated to achieve 19 mpg when driving in combination. On a 200-mile, 70-mph highway, we’ve evaluated real-world fuel efficiency by testing a few versions of the Gladiator. Overland returned 21 mpg while Mojave only managed 15 mpg.

However, it was equipped with larger tires and had a higher ratio of the rear axle than the Overland (3.73 versus 4.10). The EPA has more information regarding the Gladiator’s fuel efficiency.

The Gladiator’s Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Gladiator features an upright dashboard, which is similar to that of the Jeep Wrangler. This allows for easy-to-use controls. How many vehicles are equipped with waterproof push-button starters?

A heated steering-wheel and heated seats are available as convenience features. Jeep claims the stretched wheelbase on the truck improves legroom in the rear seats compared to a four-door Wrangler. The Gladiator’s doors can be removed easily to create an airy cabin. In addition to its 5.5 foot cargo bed, there are many interior storage options. There is a compartment underneath the back seat for a smartphone as well as a few other spots. The seats can be stowed multiple ways.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Gladiator is equipped with a 12.3 inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A subwoofer or portable wireless speaker can be added to the stereo system. The front-seat passenger has access to several power points including two USBs, a USB-C and a 115 volt outlet.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Jeep pickups are available with several driver-assistance features, but their tech list is smaller than those of some competitors. Unfortunately, even the Sport trim level lacks some of the safety features found in the Sport S or higher trim levels.

The Rubicon comes with a handy front-facing video camera, which can be useful for blazing a trail or crawling across rocks. You can find out more about Gladiator’s test results by visiting the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Gladiator’s safety features include the following:

• Available adaptive cruise control
• Available blind-spot monitoring
• Parking sensors for the rear are available

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Gladiator’s warranty is similar to those of other Jeep models, including competitive coverages for powertrains and limited warranties. This pickup includes free maintenance for three years.

• Three year warranty or 36,000 mile coverage
• Powertrain warranty is five years or 60,000 mile
• Three years of maintenance and unlimited miles are included in the complimentary offer

35-inch vs 37-inch Tires for the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon

The torment that we put ourselves in when trying to decide on what size tires should be our next upgrade seems almost comical. The size of your tires is a major decision for Gladiator Rubicon owners. On the surface, it may not appear that there is much difference between a 37 inch tall tire and a smaller 35 inch tall tire. But experience has shown us that even two inches of difference can make a big impact on Gladiator.

What Others Are Reading

After testing different tire sizes for the Gladiator, we have decided to add our voice to the discussion. We will concentrate on the Rubicon model with a 3.6L Pentastar engine and an eight-speed manual transmission for this article. It’s not that our advice will not be applicable to some other editions. But we have spent more time testing the Gladiator. Let’s move on.

Size Matters

It is important to remember that tires are not all the same size, especially when you talk about tire construction. The 35 of one company might not be the height of another’s. Nitto tires tend to be the most true-to size of all the tires on the market. The Grappler series LT tires from the company are the best. True-to size has less impact for a Gladiator in a 35. It is a different story when you get to a 37. We’ll get to that later.

Stock Wheels

If you’re looking to simply run a 36 on a 17″ Rubicon, the best option is to look for a 36×11.50. The slightly narrower size will keep you in spec with the 7.5 inch wheel. The 35×11.50R17 Nitto Trail Gripper was thoroughly tested with this wheel. We found that it performed without any issues off-road. Although you can use a 35 or a 37 on this rim, to keep within the manufacturer’s specifications, you should avoid using a tire wider than 12.50″.

No Lift

You can run a tire up to 35 inches tall on the Rubicon Gladiators and Mojave Gladiators without lifting the truck. It’s an important point to make in the 35-inch tire debate. For those looking to simply fill out their wheelwells, this is a great solution. For this to work, it’s important to pick the right aftermarket wheel that has the best offset. This is covered in an article on its own.

Weight

The performance of your Jeep is affected by every pound. The difference between a 36 and 37 is usually around 5 pounds. The difference in weight between the tires is relatively small. Consider that the standard 285 Load Range C MUD-TERRAINS that come on the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon are only 50 pounds. This 37×12.50R17 Nitto Trail Gripper Load Range D weighs in at 85 pounds. It’s a big jump in mass, a 35-pound increase.

Power

The Rubicon & Max Tow Gladiators are equipped with 4.10 differentials. We’ve found that thanks to the 4.10, moving up to a 37 doesn’t have as much of an effect on the Jeep in terms of power and fuel efficiency. If you go up to 37, the Jeep may not be able to use overdrive gears nearly as much. Our Jeep’s eight-speed transmission was rarely used with either a 4.10 or a 37. You can combat this by investing in aftermarket differential gears. You’ll need a 4.88 or a 5.13 for tires that are 37 inches high. This topic is covered in a whole video, which you can see here.

Spare Tire

Remember earlier when we discussed a tire of the same size as your vehicle? This will have a big impact on whether or not you can install a spare tire that is 37 inches in the existing location. You will have about 36.5 inches of space under the Gladiator. All 35s will fit. In our experience, the true-tosize 37 will not fit most stock. You can make this work with track bars or suspension mods. If you just want to make it easy, the 35 will do.

Off-Road

If you’re planning to do some real trail riding with the Gladiator then we recommend upgrading to a tire that is 37 inches tall. Gladiator has a long wheelbase and will benefit from tall tires and a big lift.

You should definitely upgrade to the 37 if you plan to drive on more moderate trails. If you want to do easier off-roading and breakover will not be as important, then a 35 at stock height is perfect.

Calibration

No matter what tire you decided on, be sure to calibrate your Jeep’s computer so it knows you’ve made the change. This is not only critical for having an accurate speedometer but will help with shift points for your transmission. There are a few modules on the market that will allow you to modify these parameters among other things. We’ve been using the Tazer JL Mini for years with good luck.

Specification

Vehicle Type	Front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive 5-passenger, 4-door convertible pickup
Engine	DOHC 24-valve V-6 Aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection Displacement: 220 in³ (3605 cm³) Power: 285 hp @ 6400 rpm Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Transmissions:	6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
Performance	300 hp and 315 lb.ft. of torque at 5,500 rpm. 0-60 seconds in 8.8 seconds. Top speed 121 mph.
Dimensions	Wheelbase: 137.3 in Length: 218.1 in Width: 73.8 in Height: 73.1-75.1 in
Passenger Volume	Front: 54-57 ft³ Rear: 50-53 ft³
Curb Weight:	Estimated: 5000-5100 lb

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