Heck yeah, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator earned a major flex. The Jeep Gladiator now has something that rivals such as the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevy colorado don’t. The Gladiator received the J.D. Power Highest Initial Quality award! 

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator wins the J.D. Power Highest Initial Quality Award 

Congratulations to the 2021 Jeep Gladiator for being number one! It won the J.D. Power Highest Initial Quality Award. The Gladiator defeated rivals to earn the top spot. But what exactly does this award mean? 

The award is based on feedback from new-vehicle owners during their first 90 days of ownership. J.D. Power sends out surveys to owners allowing them to report problems they face. The survey includes 223 questions about categories, including the infotainment system, displays, interior, powertrain, driving experience, etc. 

Then the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the first 90 days of ownership to measure initial quality. A lower score reflects higher quality. One primary source of frustration includes smartphone connectivity issues with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

Why did the Gladiator win? 

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator has some of the best tech in the auto industry. The Unconnect system makes it quick and straightforward to connect your smartphone to Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, or Blue tooth. 

With the Jeep Gladiator, you can opt for a 7.0 or 8.4-inch touchscreen. Plus, the stereo system can be upgraded with an available subwoofer and a portable wireless speaker behind the back seat. We’ve been in many situations where a portable speaker would bring more life to the pool party, campsite, or tailgate party. 

The available 4G Wi-fi Hotspot keeps you and your passengers connected. Eight devices can be connected at once! There are plenty of USB ports, a USB-C port, and a 115-volt outlet to keep things charged. 

Also, the Jeep Gladiator can connect to Amazon Alexa so you can start your truck, check the fuel levels, send navigation addresses to the system, and more from the comfort inside your home. With the remote control SiriusXM Guardian app, you can use your phone to find your truck, get a monthly maintenance report, start your truck, and link to the navigation system. 

What else is great about the Gladiator? 

You can get started with a 2021 Jeep Gladiator for about $34,645. This price is a little higher than rivals, but it comes with extra standard goodies such as 4×4 and the largest backseat in the segment. 

The Gladiator has best-in-class towing and can pull up to 7,659 lbs. It can also carry a payload of up to 1,700 lbs. The all-steel five-foot cargo bed has a three-position tailgate and LED cargo lighting. 

With the available integrated brake controller, you can command your loads with confidence. Plus, the ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera displays dynamic gridlines and hitch zoom, so you can quickly hitch up. 

Let’s not forget all of the off-roading goodies. There are locking front and rear differentials, 11.1-inches of ground clearance, a ROCK-TRAC 4:1 transfer case, an electronic disconnecting sway bar, and fox shocks. 

If you’ve been on the fence about the Jeep Gladiator, maybe it’s time to take one for a spin. It has tons of convenience features and the best-rated tech.