2021 Jeep Gladiator- Everything You Should Know
Posted on February 25, 2021
As an adventurous 4x4 which is developed for both work and play, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator is an efficient mid-size truck. It can be used for transporting the family, for your daily commute or for embarking on an off-road getaway (our preferred usage!) As a proud Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Fiat dealership group, CarHub Auto Group is proud to carry the latest Gladiator to satisfy your need for power, endurance and practicality on the roads. Before you book an appointment at CarHub to test out this sweet drive, we’ve compiled a few facts and figures about the timeless Jeep Gladiator.
Exterior and Design:
With bold paint colour options such as Hydro Blue Pearl and Firecracker Red, the Jeep Gladiator will surely be an unstoppable sight on the streets. The open windshield offers open-air versatility, while the storage options include side pockets made of mesh to safely store your goods. The top options ensure that you can embrace the open air as you embark on your next adventure. The three-piece Freedom Top hardtop offers a completely topless, open roof, while the Sunrider Soft Top still offers the fun with a classic Jeep soft top roof. Being a pickup truck, the Gladiator is also equipped with a three-position pickup bed which is developed with an aluminum tailgate. This bed offers the practical solution of cargo space- which is always a must when you’re driving off an a #JeepLife journey!
The Gladiator is truly in a class of its own and stands well above its main competition, the Toyota Tacoma. Unlike the Gladiator, the Tacoma has an older style interior and also lacks the topless capability of the Gladiator. The Gladiator comes topless, with removable doors and roof. Meanwhile, the Toyota cannot be customized in the same way. The Gladiator also comes equipped with an 8-speed German automatic transmission, a bespoke interior and of course a large UConnect screen which cannot be found in the Tacoma. We give you more details about the interiors on all the Gladiator trim levels later in this review… keep reading!
Engine and Towing Capacity:
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is built for performance! It offers a 3.6L VV6 Pentastar V6 engine with Stop/Start, along with a 6-speed manual transmission on certain trim levels and an 8-speed automatic transmission on the majority of trim levels. The V6 engine is offered on the Sport S, Overland, Mojave and Rubicon trims. This engine type will allow you to tow up to 4,500 lb and boasts up to 285 of horsepower and 260 lb of torque.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto:
Good news for anyone looking to pump the beats or use their favourite apps (while safely parked, of course!)- this vehicle offers connectivity with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Fuel Economy:
When you think of a big, sturdy pick-up truck, fuel economy is not the first concept which comes to mind. However, the Jeep Gladiator prioritizes fuel economy, with an EcoDiesel engine option available as well (on the Rubicon, Sport S and Overland trims). The EcoDiesel offers up to 260 horsepower, along with 442 lb ft of torque. As the more eco-friendly option, this lower fuel economy is as low as a combined 9.8L/100 KM. In comparison, the fuel economy of the regular V6 engine is 12.6L/100 KM.
Interior:
Take a peek inside the beautiful Gladiator, and you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised. The Gladiator cabin is known for its comfort and spacious nature, with heated and leather-faced front seats, generous rear seat legroom and a UConnect system featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Also unique to Jeep is the remote start and cold weather package, which allows the convenience of automatic heating, according to the weather. If the weather is below 4 degrees C and you activate remote start, your heated seats and steering wheel will be automatically warmed. Perfect for keeping cozy in the frigid Canadian winters, this is definitely a practical feature for our cold weather climate.
Off-roading capability:
Unlike traditional, utilitarian pickup trucks which are used exclusively for transporting furniture or construction materials, the Jeep Gladiator promises free-spirited fun and off-road adventure. From mud to rocky terrain, this is a truck which is built for far more than just city streets. This is a signature of the Jeep Gladiator, which is developed for adventure. Designed with 4x4 capability, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator comes with a Trail Rated badge, a special designation given to Jeep vehicles when they are designed for the toughest trails.
Safety:
If you’re worried about staying safe as you navigate uncertain terrain, the safety features that come with the Jeep Gladiator just might leave you feeling more secure for your road travels. The Gladiator is equipped with a Trailcam Off-Road Camera (on the Mojave and Rubicon trim levels), which is connected to the front grille and can assist you when you are off-roading at lower speeds. The Jeep Gladiator also comes with Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection. Meanwhile, Forward Collision Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control make it simpler to both avoid accidents and to keep safely cruising.
Trims:
Not sure about which 2021 Jeep Gladiator model is suitable for your needs and lifestyle? Fortunately, CarHub has rounded up a go-to guide of all the trim levels. Here’s everything to know before you finalize which Gladiator you’d like to drive home.
Sport S:
As the basic model of the Jeep Gladiator, the Sport S is powered by a V6 engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. Its design features fender flares that are body-coloured. You’ll be cruisin’ in style with the black Sunrider Soft Top, while the Command-Trac 4x4 system gets the job done. Also, this model of the Jeep can be used to build your dream Jeep, according to your wildest dreams and using your imagination. As the Sport S is the most budget friendly and basic model available, you have an opportunity to customize it any way you like!
Willys:
The iconic Willys trim level is a fan favourite among the Jeep community, and it’s easy to see why the Willys edition of the Jeep Gladiator is so popular. Running on a V6 engine with a 6-speed manual transmission, this baby runs on 17-inch black aluminum wheels. Meanwhile, the 32-inch mud-terrain tires designed by BFGoodrich will help you navigate muddy roads like a true pro. It’s got a sleek and snazzy look with a black-finished sport grille, plus the heavy-duty front and rear shocks deliver a finishing touch. This is also the best bang for your buck, as it’s not a pricey premium trim level, but still offers classic Jeep functionality.
Overland:
If you’re looking to level up your Gladiator game to a mid-level trim, you may want to drive off in an Overland, which comes with a V6 engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Truly exemplifying freedom on the open roads, the Overland comes with a hard top (Black Freedom Top) that can be completely removed for a burst of fresh air. It’s also built with 18-inch granite crystal aluminum wheels, with side steps for an easy entry and exit into this vehicle which is both beauty and beast! For a touch of luxury on the inside, the leather-wrapped steering wheel offers a premium touch.
80th Anniversary Edition:
With 2021 marking the big 80th birthday of Jeep, what better way to capture the energy of this classic, all-American vehicle than with an anniversary edition of the Gladiator? The cool 18-inch crystal granite aluminum wheels are equipped with all-terrain tires, ready to take you away on an escape away from the city limits. Additionally, this trim level celebrates Jeep’s milestone year with an 80th anniversary swing-gate plaque, badging, deluxe cloth seats and Berber floor mats that feature the 80th tags. Of course, we can’t forget the V6 engine with 8-speed automatic transmission, and the 8.4 inch infotainment system.
Rubicon:
The Rubicon is one heavy duty truck, which is packed with a Rock-Trac 4x4 system to help you get through the toughest of terrain. The front and rear axles come equipped with Tru-Lock technology, while the vehicle itself is built with Off-Road+ mode to help you get the most out of your Jeep. It also boasts front and rear performance shock absorbers, and runs on a 6-speed manual transmission on a V6 engine.
Mojave:
Are you ready for the Mojave? Operating on a V6 engine with a 6-speed manual transmission, this upscale trim level for the Gladiator features Dana 44 locking rear axle and FOX Shocks. You’ll most likely get pumped up for the ultra smooth-looking 17-inch black wheels which are low-glass. Meanwhile, adventurous souls will delight at the 33-inch all-terrain tires which take this classic-looking 4x4 to entirely new heights. Also an important factor for all thrill seekers- Mojave’s suspension is developed especially for desert pre-running, jumping off dunes, and navigating sand and desert terrain.
High Altitude:
As the premium trim level for the Jeep Gladiator, the High Altitude looks stunning and stylish. It will quite literally light up your driveway or the streets with its high tech LED headlamps, taillamps and fog lamps. The wheels are an assertive, bold sight, with their 20-inch, gloss black painted aluminum design. Take a peek inside for a glimpse of cushy leather-trimmed and quilted-accented seats, or turn up your playlist courtesy of the premium audio system by Alpine.