2027 Jeep GladiatorJeepRemovable doors and roofMajor off-road chopsHeritage-infused designBusy ride qualitySmall bed4xe model not availableThe Gladiator pickup combines fundamental design, hardware, and features from the Wrangler with a truck bed. With that, the Gladiator is ready to haul gear down the trail, to a jobsite, or around town for all of life's needs.Midsize truck rivals include the Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford Ranger.What's NewJeep celebrates its military heritage by introducing the Sarge trim for 2027, which adds Army-inspired design cues to the Gladiator and Wrangler.What We ThinkThe Jeep Gladiator seems exactly like what some off-road fans want: Wrangler-grade trail ability paired with a useful pickup bed. In reality, Jeep's truck has issues that are hard to ignore.AdvertisementAdvertisementIts off-road capability is proven; the Gladiator shares hardware and a go-anywhere attitude with the legendary Wrangler. But on pavement, the ride feels choppy, the steering lacks precision, and the V-6 engine isn't strong. Unlike rival trucks, the Gladiator doesn't feel trustworthy when towing heavy loads, and trailer control can be unsteady.Even with those shortcomings, the Gladiator still has appeal. Jeep offers extensive customization, and the removable roof and body panels allow open-air enjoyment. Even if the Gladiator isn't an excellent midsize truck, it has personality, capability, and image its rivals can't match.Top-Ranked Competitors:Toyota TacomaChevrolet ColoradoFord RangerNissan FrontierGladiator EngineAlthough the Wrangler offers several engine choices, the 2027 Gladiator only has one: a 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It's connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with 4WD standard. Expect a 0–60-mph time of about 6.9 seconds.Jeep Gladiator 4xe Hybrid?Jeep had announced a Gladiator 4xe, which would share a plug-in hybrid powertrain with the Wrangler 4xe. However, that model is now no more, having been canceled before it went into production. Sharing engines between the two related models would seem to make sense, but complexities around hybrid vehicle sales might have made Jeep uncertain of the Gladiator 4xe's success.V-8 Jeep Gladiator Coming?With its optional V-8, the Wrangler turns from a simple rock crawler to a roaring muscle SUV. Giving that engine to the Gladiator would make it just as fun to drive. Jeep has hinted that the Gladiator will become available with the 392 Hemi V-8, but as of now the truck is still built only with the wheezy 3.6-liter V-6.Safety and Driver Assist FeaturesStandard FeaturesIn basic Sport trim, the Gladiator isn't equipped with any active safety or driver assist features, only basic cruise control.Available FeaturesIn the Sport S trim and above, the Gladiator gains front automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Higher-end trims get blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beams.Truck Bed and Cargo SpaceEvery Gladiator is built with a four-door crew cab and short bed. The bed measures approximately 5 feet long, 4 feet wide, and about a foot and a half deep. Bed cargo capacity is 35.5 cubic feet.Towing and PayloadMaximum towing capacity for the Gladiator is 7,700 pounds, and payload is as high as 1,725 pounds. That's achieved by the basic Sport model equipped with a 4.10 axle ratio. In the off-road-ready Rubicon model, towing tops out at 7,000 pounds and payload at 1,200 pounds.TechnologyInfotainmentEvery Gladiator has a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Dual USB ports are standard.Sound SystemAn eight-speaker audio system is standard. A nine-speaker Alpine premium upgrade is available, which also comes with a detachable portable Bluetooth speaker.AdvertisementAdvertisementAvailable UpgradesHigher-end models gain a 7.0-inch reconfigurable gauge display. Additional USB ports and prewired auxiliary switches are available.ValueStandard FeaturesIn entry-level Sport trim, the Gladiator starts at approximately $42,000. Standard exterior features include 17-inch steel wheels, a removable soft top roof, black fender flares, and a full-size spare tire. The cabin gets a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, cloth seating upholstery, and a few basic storage spaces and amenities.Recommended TrimIf you're committed to buying a Gladiator, either stick with the base model or choose a properly equipped off-road trim. One gives you a solid foundation for a custom trail build, and the other is ready to crawl rocks right off the showroom floor. This is to say, for actual truck duty, one of the Gladiator's competitors is a better choice. Rivals provide more utility and nicer driving manners.Jeep Gladiator SargeFor 2027, Jeep adds the Gladiator Sarge trim to celebrate the brand's military roots. Every Gladiator Sarge wears '41 Green olive drab paint and matching painted wheels, and buyers can choose either a body-color green grille surround or a contrasting white one. White star decals reinforce the Army theme, while bronze tow hooks add a more contemporary touch. Rubicon rock rails are included, as well.AdvertisementAdvertisementInside, the Gladiator Sarge gets tan or green cloth upholstery with gold stitching, and unique dedication plaques near the cupholder and tailgate help set it apart from the rest of the lineup.
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