What’s Wrong with the 2023 Jeep Gladiator?
When it comes to midsize trucks, we’ve got quite a lot of options in 2023. Most auto manufacturers that build trucks also offer a small pickup to complement the lineup. But not every truck is created equal. And in terms of sales, the Jeep Gladiator is certainly not the most popular. So, is there anything wrong with Jeep’s truck?
The Jeep Gladiator had a decrease in sales for 2022
When it comes to sales, the Jeep Gladiator actually saw fewer sales in 2022 than it did in 2021. Jeep went from selling 89,712 units to 77,855. Meanwhile, other midsize trucks, like the Nissan Frontier, saw an increase in sales.
When compared to other Jeep models, the Gladiator truck actually came in fourth for sales in 2022. It trails behind the Jeep Compass, Jeep Wrangler, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. But that does make sense. After the discontinuation of the Comanche, Jeep did not sell a truck for decades. So it is not necessarily viewed as a truck manufacturer.
Is the 2023 Jeep Gladiator a good midsize truck?
According to MotorTrend, the Gladiator is decent enough. It is essentially a Wrangler that has been stretched and had a small truck bed added to it. Unfortunately, the only bed length is five feet, and the on-road driving experience leaves something to be desired.
Another issue that this Jeep truck faces is when it comes to towing. Owners report this midsize truck feeling a bit unstable while towing, despite the Gladiator having one of the best towing capacities for a small truck at 7,700 lbs.
Of course, as an enthusiast, I do have to praise Jeep for still selling this truck with a manual transmission. Although opting for the six-speed standard transmission does drop the towing capacity, next to the Toyota Tacoma, this is the only midsize truck you can get new with a manual. And that is likely to be appreciated by those who like to row their own gears.
Which 2023 Gladiator is best?
It’s hard not to ignore the off-road-ready Gladiator Rubicon, but the Sport S might represent the best value. As a step above the Sport and Willys Sport, you can get some pretty nice features with this trim. For one, opting to add the side steps can make this vehicle easier to get in and out of.
And, if you plan to off-road your truck, you can equip the Jeep Gladiator Sport S with an anti-spin rear differential and all-terrain tires. These features will definitely come in handy if you find yourself in a 4×4 situation.
Another perk is that the Sport S cost roughly 3k more than the base Gladiator. So instead of having to pay over $50k for a new pickup, you will be spending closer to $44k.
Of course, each person has unique preferences when it comes to their truck. So, the Sport S probably isn’t the end-all-be-all of the Gladiator. It is just a decent spot to start the search process.
