Gladiator is all the wave in Jeep truck
For Jeep Wrangler fans, the “Jeep Wave” is just a small portion of the “cult” you join as a Wrangler owner.
For those unfamiliar with the “Jeep Wave” it is simply a wave from passing driver to driver, who give a “Hi” to their fellow Wrangler owner. In some instances, people have placed Jeep wave stickers on their mirrors, just in case a Wrangler is missed in passing.
No matter the model, year, color, or size, the Wrangler is an icon in the automotive market. Jeep, a Fiat Chrysler product, certainly has its loyal customers — most who own a Jeep won’t own anything else.
Predominantly known for its off-road, rough-riding, telephone booth-style cockpits, Jeep now delivers the Gladiator — a 4-door Wrangler with a small truck body attached. Similar to the Honda Ridgeline and Chevrolet Colorado, the Gladiator outperforms offroad but struggles with everyday usability: The Gladiator is the go-to choice for trails and backwoods, but less ideal for the everyday commute.
The Gladiator’s peppy 3.6-liter V6, offering 285 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, is a suitable combination great for a Jeep Jamboree or cruising in a Jeep Club monthly event.
Specifically designed for the Jeep owner who needs a little more room than in a traditional Wrangler, the Gladiator is great for offroad adventures, camping or the need for an all-inclusive ute that can do it all and go anywhere.
Looking like a baby Hummer, the Rubicon model had a rad Punk’n Orange Metallic exterior and black leather interior.
The UConnect on-board infotainment system is a favorite; it works tremendously well, being super user-friendly and quick to touch without software delay. This model provided a bunch of great features such as forward-facing trail camera, a body-color hard top and spray-in bed liner, all as options. All in all, our Gladiator came in at just under the $60G marker without heated seats or electric start.
As a former 2014 Wrangler Sahara owner, and with a family member who still enjoys his MOAB, it was really cool to “wave” for a solid week.
Jeep Gladiator
MSRP: $43,545 As Tested: $59,585 MPG: 17 city, 22 highway, as tested 17.4