The Worst Midsize Truck of 2023 Isn’t Surprising
The Jeep Gladiator first hit the market in 2019. At first, it garnered quite a bit of attention as Jeep’s first truck in years. But in 2023, the Gladiator is struggling against some of the competition. And it might actually be the worst midsize truck on the market today. Despite this, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator does have some perks.
Does Jeep make a truck?
From 1963 to 1987, Jeep trucks were a common site, and in 2023 there is a new Jeep truck available. It is known as the Jeep Gladiator, and it shares a lot of its DNA with the Wrangler SUV. As you would expect of a vehicle from this brand, the 2023 Gladiator is capable and rugged looking.
At the same time, it’s no stranger to earning criticism from various publications. And that includes popular vehicle review site Consumer Reports. Is the Gladiator truck actually that bad, though? The Jeep Wrangler is beloved by many. So it would make sense that Jeep’s pickup gets the same praise.
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator lacks comfort
When you’re paying north of $35k for a new truck, you probably want something that is comfortable. Well, it looks like the 2023 Gladiator might be lacking on that front. The base model still comes standard with cranky windows, and the seats are upright to an extreme.
Personally, I’ve found getting in and out of the Jeep Gladiator to be a bit awkward. But it’s not like that’s a new thing in this segment. Pickups are typically higher off the ground, but in the Gladiator, you’re going to appreciate the grab handles.
Although this might not be the most comfortable truck in 2023, it does offer some advantages. For instance, you can remove the doors, the roof, and even fold down the windshield. Those characteristics are hallmarks of the Jeep brand. And it is nice to see them carried over to this midsize pickup.
Jeep’s midsize truck can’t keep up
When you compare the 2023 Gladiator to things like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and even the Honda Ridgeline, it seems to come up short. It can be noisy, doesn’t come with much in terms of standard safety equipment, and handling can be a challenge.
But Jeep’s truck does offer something that most other midsize pickups don’t. You can get it with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. That engine makes 260 horsepower and fairly ample torque. Plus, Jeep still offers this vehicle with a six-speed manual transmission.
The only other new truck you can currently get with a standard gearbox is the Toyota Tacoma. So if you are someone who prefers to row your own gears, the Gladiator might deserve to be on your radar.
According to Car and Driver, thanks to its improved length, the Gladiator can tow more than the Wrangler. So that is also something to keep in mind. And at the end of the day, because this is a Jeep, it is made for getting dirty.
