Test drove a 2021 Gladiator and ...

Personally, I liked everything about the Gladiator better than the taco except for that all important one thing that comes before all else as stated previously- reliability.

I wanted a truck that I could take off road though some rough shit. Not just fire breaks and logging roads. I spent a shit ton of money immediately after buying the OR to get it to where I needed it to be and I’m still not even there tbh.

I could’ve spent that money on a Rubicon, left it exactly as it came from the showroom and not had to spend another cent. It would still be a better, more capable off road truck than my modded taco is now. The only thing is, I’d like to know that after my truck gets me to the ends of the earth it will start every time in order to get me back. It’s a shame they can’t get their shit together to build a reliable vehicle.

Toyota on the other hand builds reliable vehicles but puts street tires on trucks that they call “Off Road”…

 

If you're gonna be going off road and want better tires, do you really want to tack on maybe 300?4?500 dollars for a better tire that might be crappy and not work for you ? Nm and GA aren't the same beasts. I'd look at the Ford bronco tires that are slapped on because anyone that plans on doing more than driving on pavement is gonna hot swap those really quick

 

Probably the only place where solid front axles are preferred. But since my commute doesn't consist of going through Moab or Rubicon or requiring me to go over trees, solid axles are absolutely worthless.

I used to own a 96 Wrangler with a 5 speed and the old 4.0 engine. Loved it off road, but loathed driving the thing on the street in any season.

 

That's pretty good. I don't know about "easily"... I do see an awful lot of them sitting at dealerships, so maybe they need to get them moving...wonder why? Materials & climate controls are kinda subjective. It turns on, regulates the temp, and moves the air faster or slower. Not sure what else is needed there. For "pretty" looks and soft feels...well...get a Miata. As far as any FCA electronics - better luck with a scratch-off. The 8-speed in the Gladiator is nice - true, and Toyota screwed the pooch with the electronic transfer case - also true. My son has a 4Runner TRD Pro and man do I miss mine. Passing on the freeway - that's laughable. I won't get into it here, but after enough time on, in, and around real racetracks - there are way too many people on the freeway driving like assholes already. Take it to the track. For that matter - get a Porsche, and take that to the track. This is a truck. A truck biased towards a mix of on/off road driving, not speed and maneuverability. Hmmmm...then there's the Raptor...another day.

In the end, they're just two different trucks. I've had a few more Toyo's than Jeeps (3 Jeeps), and the reliability just isn't there with FCA products. Or AMC back in the day. The Jeep will get you there - get you anywhere for that matter, but it might not get you back unless you're riding in the cab of a tow truck. As I said - give me a TRD Pro, and a $10K budget, and the Heep is toast. Right off the bat - long travel suspension, front axle swap and a front locker will get you there. Depending on where you shop and what you can do yourself, with money to spare.

**Edit** If I'm to be completely honest, forget the front axle swap. I like the ride to be better for the 300+ days a year I'm on the road instead of off it. Locker stays though.

 

The LC and Rover did the same thing. Although still capable off-road, they left that utilitarian, ruggedness that I personally loved. Everything has gone "luxury". And for the bigger part of society, they want that...…..me, not so much

 

I don’t know about that man. You’re gonna have to replace the shitty ones they come with now anyway so why not pick a good all around all terrain or even offer a choice as does Jeep between an AT or Mud. If the customer wants to switch them out then that’s on them but to me, if you’re gonna call a vehicle an “Off Road” at least offer it with a decent set of off road capable tires. Again look at the tires the JT Rubicon comes with from the factory.

I think for the most part Toyota is a better manufacturer by far than Jeep/Fiat, but they aren’t perfect; and I’ll be honest and give credit where credit is due. That does irk me every time I see a YouTube video or the like where they are doing head to head comparisons of the OR or PRO against competing off road versions and the otherwise capable Toyota’s are sliding around on their shitty OEM street tires over dirt and rocks.

They do it for mileage, and because they are quiet and comfortable on pavement. I get it. Most people are never going to go much further than a dirt parking lot. But I’d personally like to see Toyota come up with at least one serious off road capable model that could go toe to toe with a Rubicon for people who want it. Make it complete with lift, premium off road ready suspension, OR tires (at least 33’s and maybe even capable of taking 35’s or up with no chopping), real winch ready bumpers, maybe a front a locker as well.

Hey, let me dream. Nobody else has to agree but the fantasy is mine…

 

not gonna lie, I'f seriously pondered a diesel gladiator...but the taco still wins.

 

That Jeep was also my daily driver which I drove 35 miles a day to work and back and it had Buggy spring floating shackle suspension , 5.38 gears and Detroit lockers front and rear . Just before sold it in 2000 I had spools front and rear in the axles

 

reason I am in a Diesel ZR2 and I said it before. because At the time the diesel gladiator was a rumor. The ZR2 kicks ass on and off-road… and I can get up to 30mpg on the freeway when I try

 

Highly subjective, all I see them do is take the bypasses.

 

because they Wussy

 

They’d have me trading in my MT OR AC if they offered a diesel MT AC or RegCab.

As it sits, the Gladiator is hideous. Slapping a bunch of broverland mods, lifting, and giant tires onto it only makes it worse in my opinion. It’s an ugly, ugly vehicle.
Making it a two door or even a small access cab would improve the looks drastically. Call it a ‘Heritage Scambler Edition’ if they need to. But that ain’t what the market wants these days.

 

Yes please!!! That is Beautiful!!!

 

Taking delivery of my Gladiator Rubicon next week.

 

Manual of course.

 

Sweet! How much did that set you back if you don’t mind sharing?

 

No problem sticker $58,000 (with dealer add on insurance etc). We settled for $52,000.

 

Yes, this. There's a guy in my area that has a JK unlimited converted to a two door truck. Looks damn good.

 

I got a gladiator as an upgrade for a rental and found while it was fun to drive it felt way less refined than my sport. I came to the conclusion that if I lived on a farm or rural area with lots of dirt then I think the jeep would be great. I live in the city so the sport works perfectly for me. I only hit the dirt a couple times a year.

 

That Jeep would probably look better with the new Bronco front end. Normal Fenders, a flat hood, and a bumper that does protrude a foot beyond the grill.

I'm not a fan of conventional Jeep style.


Jeep is good OR vehicle.


RAM could build a halfway decent new Dakota on top the Gladiator platform and have truck that might look good.

Every thing before the A pillar on a Jeep does not appeal to my senses.

J10,s Wagoneers and Cherokees don't look bad.