You Can Order the 2023 Jeep Gladiator, but Should You?
The ordering book for the new Jeep Gladiator is open. You can go ahead and get in line for the 2023 Jeep Gladiator. However, is the Gladiator worth buying? Does the 2023 model have enough updates to be worth it?
2023 Jeep Gladiator: What’s new?
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator is expected to primarily be a carryover model, but we won’t lose hope for the Gladiator 4xe or a new V8 engine to emerge. It’s still pretty much the same truck that made its debut in 2019.
You can check out the Jeep Gladiator Freedom Edition. It celebrates the military by donating a portion of its sales to service members with each purchase.
It’s available with the Sport S trim and features a winch-capable steel front bumper, steel rock rails, back wheels, body-colored fender flairs, LED headlights, LED foglights, an American flag decal on the side, and an Oscar Mike badge on the tailgate.
The interior includes leather-trimmed seats with black accent stitching. You can add this package for $3,295.
There will be a few color changes, such as the return of Punk’n and the addition of Earl Gray. High-Velocity Yellow will replace the Snazzberry paint.
How does the Gladiator perform?
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator has a unique advantage with an available manual transmission and diesel engine. The 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel engine provides 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque.
With the 3.6-liter V6 engine, you get 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. According to Edmunds, the Gladiator can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds, which is a little slow for a midsize truck.
However, the transmission is smooth, and the Gladiator has no trouble getting up to speed. Thanks to its longer wheelbase, the Gladiator is a bit smoother than the Jeep Wrangler, but it could have more responsive handling.
It gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and up to 28 mpg on the highway, which is a bit better than rivals.
Critics are quick to complain about the Gladiator having a bumpy ride, but the solid front axle contributes to unmatched off-roading capabilities. Plus, the Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 lbs.
Does the Gladiator have nice features?
Yes, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator is the only convertible truck available, allowing you to connect with nature. Plus, the interior is comfortable and supportive for long drives. It has the largest back seat in the class with a strong climate control system that includes rear vents.
There are plenty of convenient storage compartments, including a hidden bin under the rear seat. But the glove box and center console are a bit small.
The Gladiator has a 7.0-inch infotainment screen, but you can upgrade to the 8.4-inch unit. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and you can opt for an available wireless portable speaker behind the rear seats.
Waiting for the 2023 Gladiator doesn’t seem necessary unless you want the Freedom Edition or one of the new colors. Otherwise, going for the 2022 model or another used option is fine. The Gladiator doesn’t have enough updates for the 2023 model to be a priority.
