The new Jeep Gladiator, the only convertible truck on the market, is here. The top two trim levels for it are the Overland and the Rubicon. While the foundation of each truck is the same, they offer two different ideologies. The Overland is the trim level for those who want a comfortable, upscale experience. The Rubicon is for off-road enthusiasts and weekend warriors. Which Jeep Gladiator is right for you?

What the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon and Overland have in common

There are four trim levels for Jeep Gladiator and the top two are the Overland and Rubicon. And in truth, these trims are more alike than different.

With both models, you get 4-wheel drive standard. Both only have one cab and bed configuration. But you can choose any of the ten color options available with either trim. Both trims offer your choice of top. You can select the soft Sunrider top, dual top option, Freedom Top, or body-color hardtop configuration on both.

You can also select either an automatic or manual transmission. With either trim, you get a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. In the future, there will be a diesel option.

The two trim levels also have convenience and safety features in common. Both offer back-up cameras, electronic stability control, hill start assist, remote keyless entry, trailer sway control, and more. There are daytime running lamps, four-wheel disc brakes, and front side airbags. 

How these trims are different

Despite all of the similarities, the Overland and Rubicon trim levels have several differences. The Overland is all about comfort and quality. In contrast, the Rubicon is geared for off-road enthusiasts.

The Overland offers a more upscale experience that’s more luxurious than the Sport and Sport S trims. It’s not as expensive as the Rubicon but there’s a good reason for that.

The Overland also offers a smooth, comfy ride on the road with less burly tires and a lower ride height. It works great as an everyday or family vehicle and even has a Trac-Lok anti-spin rear differential. If off-roading is something you’ll rarely be doing, it might be just the truck you’re looking for. 

The Overland’s appearance is stylish and sleek, helped by its body-colored fender flares, which are optional on Rubicon. Unique grilles also add to the style and help this trim level stand apart from the Sport and Sport S trims. The seats are trimmed in leather with nice “Overland” stitching on the front bucket seats. There are also Heritage Tan cloth seats which you can’t get on Rubicon.

The Rubicon has an extended wheelbase and a suspension suitable for off-roading. Even so, it provides a better ride than the Wrangler. And that’s saying a lot because the JL generation offers a pretty good ride. The Rubicon also offers a forward-facing TrailCam and a winch-capable steel front bumper to give it real off-road functionality.

This trim has big, off-road tires with distinctive hood decals uniquely for “Rubicon.” There are front red hook accents too helping the Rubicon achieve a sturdy, capable appearance and performances that make it unique for the Jeep truck.

Which Jeep Gladiator is best for you?

If you’re trying to decide which of these two Jeep Gladiator trim levels is best for you, consider a couple of things. First, how and where will you be using the truck? How much do you have to spend on it? 

Keep in mind that both of these trims don’t offer the best towing capacity the Gladiator has to offer. For that, you should select the Sport or Sport S model.

With the Max Tow Package, you can get a payload capacity of 1,600 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,650 pounds. The Overland models don’t feature the 4.10 rear axle because the focus is on luxury. The Rubicon is focused on off-roading. It doesn’t offer the same numbers but the Rubicon can haul and tow enough for most people and tasks.

If you’re after a capable, off-road-ready truck, the Rubicon is your choice. Straight off the production line, it’s more than capable. With the off-road angles, axles, tires, and shocks, Rubicon will take you on the toughest trails.

If you want a top-of-the-line truck that’s less expensive than the Rubicon, the Overland might be the choice for you. It could be a daily use truck for tricks to work, school, and errands. It’s a comfortable, upscale truck with a lot to offer

With either model, you’ll have a stylish, versatile truck that can rival any of its peers and fit into your lifestyle with spectacular results.