True...and IIIRC they are (were?) both priced the very same, so you just chose one over the other for your needs, not price. For example, I chose mine (Rubicon) as I lived in CO (Rocky Mountains & snow) then. Here in West TX (desert/sand) the Mojave might be more appropriate. -- BR
I want and need one of these bad boys to replace my Rubicon Wrangler. I want to be able to rock a rooftop tent and the Gladiator is much more suited to this than my current ride. Great review.
We have one, and as a daily, I think it’s terrible. However, we replaced our 2015 JK with this, because we needed a small bed for small jobs. We off-road often, and always lift and install bigger tires on our Jeeps. As an off-roader, there’s no better pickup. Going through Moab trails, and local area ORV parks, we never really hung up on breakover angle, but sometimes on the departure. It’s our third vehicle/weekend car - and that should be its purpose.
Interesting...my 2021 Gladiator (Rubicon) is an excellent Daily Driver...I honestly can't see any difference from my previous Daily Driver: a 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD. Even on long/interstate road-trips it's very comfortable and smooth-riding (and probably a lot due to its longer wheelbase over a SUV like a Wrangler). -- BR
@@billredding2000 hmm, I am very picky though - I notice every slight hiccup while driving, and it annoys me. My partner had/has no issues with it. I will agree though, on long hauls on the highway, it isn’t “uncomfortable” - I think the seats and seating position are great, and it tracks pretty well down the road, unless there are crosswinds. For midsize truck comparison, I’ve had a Nissan Frontier that I thought was more comfortable both around town and on highway. I guess if the Gladiator is compared to “normal” midsizers with independent front suspension, it wouldn’t be as comfortable or isolated- but I haven’t driven them all, and you don’t notice much difference compared to your Honda - so I could be off-base. It does drive better than our old JK.
@@jfish9014 The Gladiator (Rubicon) has nothing in common with the other average, garden-variety mid-size trucks (Ranger, Colorado, Canyon, Frintier, etc.) even if they all have 4x4 -- they live on different planets. The Gladiator (R) is in a class of its own. ;-) I'm VERY surprised that mine really IS so comfortable on the hwy for hours of driving on end -- like when I make a run from El Paso TX to Colorado Springs CO, non-stop except for gas (about 11 hours straight). The Gladiator (Rubicon) is the Top Dog mid-size truck in the "serious 4x4/off-road focused segment," period. Most (all?) full-size off-road trucks can't go where it can, unless heavily (and $$$$) modified. Still, they're too big, too fat (wide) and too heavy. And on the HWY, are gas guzzlers with the larger engines. My Rubi can leave them behind and do that as-is OEM/from the factory. Yes, its not hwy-focused but Jeep STILL paid attention to that as well. On the hwy, other lesser mid-size trucks may be more comfortable (MAYBE) but that's all they got -- "comfort" wasn't even on my radar when I was looking at only 2 trucks: ZR2 and Gladiator (R). NONE of the other mid-size trucks were on my Short List. Not to mention being incredibly boring to drive. NOTE: The WORST seats comfort-wise I ever had in a car was my 2014 Subaru Crosstrek XV...couldn't drive it even 1 hour w/o my legs hurting...long road-trips in THAT car -- even just from Colorado Springs to Albuquerque NM and back -- were not at all pleasant. Even the much-improved (over pre-2023 models) ZR2 we have today isn't quite there competition-wise. Only if Ford made a Bronco mid-size TRUCK would the Gladiator have any direct competition...but Ford bailed on that project so currently the Rubi has zero. MY main focus (Early 2021) was Top Dog off-road/inclement weather capability/performance, not something trivial (IMO) like level of comfort -- it's plenty comfortable as-is. No complaints here. And if I HAD to buy a new vehicle today, I'd get anther Gladiator Rubi -- no hesitation whatsoever. Regards, -- BR
@@billredding2000 well I’ll definitely agree that it’s the best for off-road performance - which was our main concern as well. I just found the stock setup on the Rubi to be sloppy on the highway, IMO. Again, my partner thought it was fine. IMO, It was largely fixed after we installed a lift kit from MetalCloak, and 37 inch Nitto Ridge Grapplers. I’m even surprised how well it corners. The unique aspect of the Gladiator in this segment (besides a removable roof) is that solid front axle, which gives it that off-road flex that we wanted - but no matter how you slice it, it will be comparatively rougher over bumps around town vs an independent setup. Sad to hear about the lack of seat comfort on the Crosstrek - I was considering one to replace an aging commuter car in our stable - love the look of the new Wilderness trim.
@@jfish9014 Well, mine was a 2014, as said. I hope since then Subaru makes better seats now...after all, they've had 10 years to do it. ;-) So don't cross-off Subaru yet -- give it a thorough test-drive. -- BR
For sure its not a dwarf vehicule..but ina world of Boring suv .. all same thing car its a refreshing vehicule for sure ... and oh .. im a proud owner😊
The steering on my 2021 Gladiator (Rubicon) is as tight as my previous vehicle (2016 Honda Pilot) and that's saying a lot -- no difference. Don't knwo what was up with your rental, but in 2021 Jeep changed their steering/gear box completely (and also changed from the aluminum case to a steel case) -- no more wandering. For other readers here who have a 2018-19 Wrangler JL or 2020 Gladiator -- if you still have the old steering box -- look up "TSB 08-074-20" for info. -- BR
The Mojave doesn’t sit below the Rubicon 😂 different vehicle for different purpose. The Rubicon is not meant to go fast off road.
True...and IIIRC they are (were?) both priced the very same, so you just chose one over the other for your needs, not price. For example, I chose mine (Rubicon) as I lived in CO (Rocky Mountains & snow) then. Here in West TX (desert/sand) the Mojave might be more appropriate.
-- BR
I love my Mojave. I have had it for 2 years and love driving it everyday. It’s great in the rain, snow and off road. It’s a great truck.
Great review!
I want and need one of these bad boys to replace my Rubicon Wrangler. I want to be able to rock a rooftop tent and the Gladiator is much more suited to this than my current ride. Great review.
We have one, and as a daily, I think it’s terrible. However, we replaced our 2015 JK with this, because we needed a small bed for small jobs. We off-road often, and always lift and install bigger tires on our Jeeps. As an off-roader, there’s no better pickup. Going through Moab trails, and local area ORV parks, we never really hung up on breakover angle, but sometimes on the departure. It’s our third vehicle/weekend car - and that should be its purpose.
Interesting...my 2021 Gladiator (Rubicon) is an excellent Daily Driver...I honestly can't see any difference from my previous Daily Driver: a 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD. Even on long/interstate road-trips it's very comfortable and smooth-riding (and probably a lot due to its longer wheelbase over a SUV like a Wrangler).
-- BR
@@billredding2000 hmm, I am very picky though - I notice every slight hiccup while driving, and it annoys me. My partner had/has no issues with it. I will agree though, on long hauls on the highway, it isn’t “uncomfortable” - I think the seats and seating position are great, and it tracks pretty well down the road, unless there are crosswinds. For midsize truck comparison, I’ve had a Nissan Frontier that I thought was more comfortable both around town and on highway. I guess if the Gladiator is compared to “normal” midsizers with independent front suspension, it wouldn’t be as comfortable or isolated- but I haven’t driven them all, and you don’t notice much difference compared to your Honda - so I could be off-base. It does drive better than our old JK.
@@jfish9014 The Gladiator (Rubicon) has nothing in common with the other average, garden-variety mid-size trucks (Ranger, Colorado, Canyon, Frintier, etc.) even if they all have 4x4 -- they live on different planets. The Gladiator (R) is in a class of its own. ;-)
I'm VERY surprised that mine really IS so comfortable on the hwy for hours of driving on end -- like when I make a run from El Paso TX to Colorado Springs CO, non-stop except for gas (about 11 hours straight).
The Gladiator (Rubicon) is the Top Dog mid-size truck in the "serious 4x4/off-road focused segment," period. Most (all?) full-size off-road trucks can't go where it can, unless heavily (and $$$$) modified. Still, they're too big, too fat (wide) and too heavy. And on the HWY, are gas guzzlers with the larger engines.
My Rubi can leave them behind and do that as-is OEM/from the factory.
Yes, its not hwy-focused but Jeep STILL paid attention to that as well. On the hwy, other lesser mid-size trucks may be more comfortable (MAYBE) but that's all they got -- "comfort" wasn't even on my radar when I was looking at only 2 trucks: ZR2 and Gladiator (R). NONE of the other mid-size trucks were on my Short List. Not to mention being incredibly boring to drive.
NOTE: The WORST seats comfort-wise I ever had in a car was my 2014 Subaru Crosstrek XV...couldn't drive it even 1 hour w/o my legs hurting...long road-trips in THAT car -- even just from Colorado Springs to Albuquerque NM and back -- were not at all pleasant.
Even the much-improved (over pre-2023 models) ZR2 we have today isn't quite there competition-wise. Only if Ford made a Bronco mid-size TRUCK would the Gladiator have any direct competition...but Ford bailed on that project so currently the Rubi has zero.
MY main focus (Early 2021) was Top Dog off-road/inclement weather capability/performance, not something trivial (IMO) like level of comfort -- it's plenty comfortable as-is. No complaints here.
And if I HAD to buy a new vehicle today, I'd get anther Gladiator Rubi -- no hesitation whatsoever.
Regards,
-- BR
@@billredding2000 well I’ll definitely agree that it’s the best for off-road performance - which was our main concern as well. I just found the stock setup on the Rubi to be sloppy on the highway, IMO. Again, my partner thought it was fine. IMO, It was largely fixed after we installed a lift kit from MetalCloak, and 37 inch Nitto Ridge Grapplers. I’m even surprised how well it corners. The unique aspect of the Gladiator in this segment (besides a removable roof) is that solid front axle, which gives it that off-road flex that we wanted - but no matter how you slice it, it will be comparatively rougher over bumps around town vs an independent setup. Sad to hear about the lack of seat comfort on the Crosstrek - I was considering one to replace an aging commuter car in our stable - love the look of the new Wilderness trim.
@@jfish9014 Well, mine was a 2014, as said. I hope since then Subaru makes better seats now...after all, they've had 10 years to do it. ;-)
So don't cross-off Subaru yet -- give it a thorough test-drive.
-- BR
For sure its not a dwarf vehicule..but ina world of Boring suv .. all same thing car its a refreshing vehicule for sure ... and oh .. im a proud owner😊
I love me some gladiator 😊
the dealer by me still have rows of new 2022 for sale at full price
A single cab long bed would be cool.
That’s why I hate jeep. I rented a jeep gladiator and I hated it on a long range trip. The jeep won’t keep driving straight.
The steering on my 2021 Gladiator (Rubicon) is as tight as my previous vehicle (2016 Honda Pilot) and that's saying a lot -- no difference. Don't knwo what was up with your rental, but in 2021 Jeep changed their steering/gear box completely (and also changed from the aluminum case to a steel case) -- no more wandering.
For other readers here who have a 2018-19 Wrangler JL or 2020 Gladiator -- if you still have the old steering box -- look up "TSB 08-074-20" for info.
-- BR
Im so bored with these things
So why the hell are you watching a video about one..... 🙄
@@mikebromelow8514 i didn’t watch it i only commented 😘
90% of these won't even see a dirt road.
A friend owns one in Northern Nevada. One of the few that have gotten dirty. No to mention some "Nevada Pinstripe" from hunting.
Where I live plenty of them see dirt and rocks and trails. Pretty impressive that you can accurately speak for 90% of Gladiator owners....