2022 Jeep Gladiator Pros Vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The Jeep Gladiator took the automotive world by storm when it debuted in 2019. This marked the first time Jeep had produced a pickup truck since 1992. It offers Jeep's classic, rugged looks and exceptional off-road performance. The Gladiator can haul and tow as well as any other mid-sized truck. It also has a few unique features that set it apart from the crowd.

The 2022 Jeep Gladiator is one of the few American trucks that still offers a manual transmission system. The Gladiator also offers a unique open-air experience just like the iconic Jeep Wrangler. The doors and roof are all removable. Here's a look at what's new for 2022, along with the best reasons to own this truck. There are also some negatives to be aware of before making a purchase.

What's New for 2022?

The 2022 models of the Gladiator are still part of the first generation for this vehicle. There aren't a lot of differences between the 2022 models and the 2021 models. The Silver Zynith color has been replaced by the new Billet Silver. Standard infotainment systems now get a 7-inch touchscreen instead of the 5-inch screen from the previous year. Several higher trim levels now come stock with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, a navigation system and an Alpine audio system.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Jeep Gladiator – The Pros

1. Strong Gasoline and Diesel Engines

The base engine for this truck is a 3.6-liter V6 with 24 valves, variable valve timing and Start/Stop technology. This setup makes 285 horses and 260 pound-feet of torque. Jeep also offers a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6. The diesel puts 260 horses under the hood and cranks out 442 pound-feet of torque.

2. Towing and Hauling Capabilities

The base model of the Gladiator can tow around 4,000 pounds. With the diesel engine and the right equipment, this truck can pull up to 7,650 pounds. The Gladiator can haul around 1,700 pounds in its cargo box. These are pretty strong numbers for a mid-size truck.

3. Amazing Off-Road Performance

The Jeep brand is known for its off-road capabilities, and the Gladiator truck lives up to this reputation. Jeep offers multiple different 4-wheel drive systems and every model of the Gladiator gets one. The SelecTrac 4X4 system has multiple modes, including a setting that will engage and disengage the 4WD as needed. Higher trim levels have the option of Jeep's RockTrac 4X4 in both part-time and full-time variations.

4. Cool and Unique Jeep Styling

Various Jeep models over the years have taken design queues from the military Jeeps of WWII. The 2022 Jeep Gladiator does this to create a pickup truck that looks like it's ready for battle. This is a unique, rugged and stylish pickup. It's instantly recognizable as a Jeep and will stand out anywhere its driven.

5. The Well-Equipped Interior

Jeep has loaded the interior with a plethora of great features. There are bucket seats up front. Leather-trimmed upholstery is available. Quilted Nappa leather is available for the top trim levels. The stock seats have 6-way adjustments with 2-way lumbar support. Heating is available for the seats as well. A heated steering wheel is available as well.

6. A Modern Infotainment System

Most models of the Gladiator come equipped with a Uconnect 4 Multimedia System. This infotainment center has a navigation system and an 8.4-inch touchscreen display. There's an AM/FM stereo and controls for the truck's climate-control system. Voice-Command Technology allows many of the functions to be controlled with a simple word. Bluetooth is available to make music-streaming easy.

7. Spacious Backseats

The 2022 Jeep Gladiator has more backseat space than many of its competitors. There are 38.3-inches of legroom and 42.8-inches of headroom in the rear. Access to the rear seats is open and easy as well. The Gladiator has a total passenger volume of 103 cubic-feet.

8. It's a Convertible Truck

This feature is distinctly "Jeep," and sets the Gladiator apart from every other truck in its class. The roof and doors of this truck can be completely removed. No other truck can get someone this close to nature. It's both a fun and useful feature, especially for those who love to have a little off-road fun. One would be hard-pressed to find another convertible truck on the current market. Jeep offers both soft and hard tops in a manner that's similar to their Wrangler SUVs.

9. Driver-Assist Technology

The latest Jeep Gladiator is equipped with plenty of driver-assist technology to make life easier, and a safer, for the driver and passengers. Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection gives the driver a heads-up on their surroundings. The Adaptive Cruise-Control system helps maintain safe distances between the truck and the vehicle in front of it.

This Jeep comes with Roll-Mitigation and Stability-Control systems that are electronically controlled. Hill-Start Assist is there to keep the truck from rolling backwards when stopped on an incline. The Tire-Pressure Monitor adds some peace of mind when it comes to maintaining proper tire-inflation levels.

10. Standard Safety Features

Every Jeep Gladiator has an advanced airbag system. This includes multistage bags up front as well as side-impact bags for the driver and front passenger. Jeep offers a ParkSense® rear camera to make backing up easier and safer. This camera system has a Trailer Hitch Zoom feature to help out with towing. Tethers for child safety seats are included here as well.

The Gladiator features daytime running lamps. This increases the visibility of the truck to oncoming traffic. Every trim level of this truck comes with a standard safety alarm. This helps to deter any would-be car thieves.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Jeep Gladiator – The Cons

1. Poor Fuel Economy

The latest Gladiator is a thirsty truck. It only gets around 23 miles-per-gallon on the highway with the base engine. It might get up to 16 miles-per-gallon while zipping around the city. These numbers are just a tad lower when one chooses an automatic transmission. The diesel engine fares a little better with a highway rating of 28 miles-per-gallon.

2. Poor Ride Quality at Highway Speeds

The Gladiator can't help but to be compared to the Wrangler. Unfortunately, the comparison isn't always with the Wrangler's good attributes. Like the other famous Jeep, the Gladiator offers a rough ride, especially at faster speeds.

3. The Interior Isn’t the Most Comfortable

The interior of the Gladiator is smartly designed. It's definitely designed with both fun and convenience in mind. There's plenty of room to stretch out in too. Unfortunately, it's far from posh or fancy inside of this Jeep. It's not the most comfortable interior out there.

4. Slow and Inaccurate Steering

The steering isn't particularly responsive when you're behind the wheel of a 2022 Jeep Gladiator. The steering isn't very accurate overall. Interestingly, it feels a bit tighter and more accurate when going over rough, non-paved terrain. This truck is at its best when tackling trails or rock crawling.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Jeep Gladiator vs 2022 Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is one of the best-selling trucks in the same class as the Gladiator. It's a great looking truck with a long and interesting history. Ford produces Ranger models that are geared toward off-road performance, but they never match what the Jeep Gladiator can do. The Ranger does, however, come in at a much lower starting cost.

The Ranger has a nicer interior and offers a slightly better ride on paved roads. The Gladiator has more power and torque when comparing the base engines. The Ranger is a versatile truck, but the Gladiator offers some things that are truly unique. The removable top and doors, as well as the unique Jeep styling, really set it apart from the Ranger.

2022 Jeep Gladiator vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma is another solid entry among the growing number of mid-sized trucks on the market. It offers a classic and attractive exterior style. It also offers Toyota's renown build quality and reliability. Like the Gladiator, it can be an off-road beast with the right trim level and optional equipment. It's still not quite as good as a Gladiator when off the beaten path, though.

The Tacoma is less expensive than the Gladiator. It's a comfortable daily driver with more tech and a nicer interior when compared to the Jeep too. The Gladiator can tow a heavier load and has more horsepower. For serious work or play, the Jeep Gladiator is the better truck here.

Conclusion

The 2022 Jeep Gladiator is an exiting entry in the world of mid-size trucks. It might not be for everyone, especially if they want comfort, luxury and refined road manners. It's still a solid truck, though. It offers something different for the outdoor lovers and adventurous types. Owners will enjoy the open-air experience and off-road fun of a Jeep with the added practicality of a pickup truck.