Does the 2023 Jeep Gladiator Really Deserve Last Place?
We’re a little perplexed by finding the Jeep Gladiator down in last place. We know that it’s not perfect, but the Jeep truck has tons of features to admire. Let’s see what brings the 2023 Jeep Gladiator down to the bottom of the barrel.
Why is the 2023 Jeep Gladiator in last place?
According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator is the worst midsize truck. It’s ranked in last place on the list of best midsize trucks for 2023. It actually has the same score as the 2023 Nissan Frontier.
The Frontier sits in sixth place with a score of 4.0 out of 5.0, and the Gladiator is in seventh place. Why didn’t these two trucks tie?
Based on KBB critics, the Jeep Gladiator is not so impressive on the road and doesn’t have a hybrid engine option like the Wrangler. But the Glidator does have a diesel engine and is very impressive while off-roading.
The Gladiator is loud on the highway, which isn’t surprising due to its boxy design and lightweight removable features. Plus, the large chunky tires and solid axles impact handling.
We suspect that the pricing may come into play. The entry-level Gladiator has a $38,775 MSRP with a $1,795 destination fee. Then it’s $2,000 to upgrade from the six-speed manual transmission to the eight-speed automatic transmission.
So, it really costs about $42,570 to get started. But at least four-wheel drive and tons of off-roading advantages are standard.
Is the Gladiator a good work truck?
Yes, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator is a durable and capable work truck. It has a body-on-frame build with a steel underframe. This makes it durable, with the ability to withstand harsh environments.
When properly equipped, the 2023 Gladiator can tow up to 7,700 lbs. It has the best-in-class max towing capacity with gas. It can also carry a payload of up to 1,710 lbs, which is also best-in-class.
The steel truck bed is five feet long and a little over four and a half feet wide. It has a cargo capacity of 35.5 cubic feet and can fit a sheet of plywood.
Trailer sway dampening is standard, and we recommended getting the spray-in bed liner for extra protection. While the cabin could use more storage nooks for tools, it offers abundant passenger space, and the rear seats fold up.
Is the 2023 Gladiator food for families?
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator has a few family advantages to consider. It has one of the largest back seat areas in the class, which is a benefit for taller passengers. Plus, child seats are easy to install.
While the ride might be rough, the seats are comfortable and supportive. The climate control system is strong, and vents are in the rear to keep kids cool. This could help against car sickness.
It can pull a medium-sized RV and tons of adventure crafts. Plus, it has the off-roading capabilities to tackle the wild and explore. If your family wants downtime, the optional wi-fi hotspot can connect up to eight devices at once with a 50-foot radius.
The Gladiator may not be as quiet as its rivals and could benefit from more responsive handling. But it’s an excellent off-roader, is robust for work, comfortable for families, and works fine as a daily commuter. It doesn’t deserve last place.
