2025 Jeep Gladiator

Overview
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator continues its mission as the only open-air pickup in the midsize truck segment, blending Wrangler DNA with true utility. Introduced in 2019, the Gladiator has carved out a niche for buyers who want rugged off-road capability with the practicality of a truck bed. For 2025, Jeep refines the formula with additional standard features, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, and new exterior colors like Fathom Blue and Olive Drab. Seating remains for five in a single crew cab configuration with a 5-foot bed. Key competitors include the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma.

The Gladiator lineup spans 11 trims: Sport, Sport S, Nighthawk, Willys, High Tide, Texas Trail, Big Bear, Rubicon, Mojave, Mojave X, and Rubicon X. All models are powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Jeep has discontinued the manual gearbox and diesel option for 2025. Towing capacity ranges from 6,000 to 7,700 pounds depending on trim and equipment. A plug-in hybrid Gladiator 4xe is expected later in the model year, likely offering around 22 miles of electric range based on Wrangler 4xe benchmarks.

Pricing starts at $38,100 for the base Sport and climbs to $61,100 for the Rubicon X and Mojave X. Standard features now include power windows and locks, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and adaptive cruise control (Sport S and up). Optional upgrades include leather upholstery, heated seats, trail cameras, and a removable Bluetooth speaker. Safety tech includes forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and side-curtain airbags. Special editions like Texas Trail and High Tide offer regional flair, while Rubicon X and Mojave X deliver premium off-road capability with luxury appointments. For example, the 2025 Jeep Gladiator High Tide edition features 35-inch all-terrain tires, rock rails, a body-color hardtop, and LED lighting, bundled with the Sport S trim's core amenities. Previously limited to coastal markets, it's now available nationwide, offering beach-ready style and off-road capability across all regions.

Engine Performance
The Gladiator's 3.6L V6 delivers solid low-end torque and respectable highway passing power. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes approximately 8.5 seconds in most trims, with the Mojave and Rubicon X slightly slower due to added weight. The 8-speed automatic transmission is well-calibrated, offering smooth shifts and responsive downshifts for trail crawling or overtaking. While not a performance truck, the Gladiator's powertrain feels confident and capable in daily driving and off-road scenarios.

Fuel Economy
EPA estimates for the 2025 Gladiator stand at 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway / 19 mpg combined, using regular unleaded fuel. All models are four-wheel drive; there is no rear-wheel-drive variant. With a 22-gallon tank, highway range approaches 484 miles. Real-world fuel economy tends to hover around 18 mpg combined, with off-road use and larger tires reducing efficiency further. The potential 4xe plug-in hybrid should improve fuel economy significantly for urban and trail use.

All-Wheel Drive & Off-Road Features
Jeep offers three 4x4 systems: Command-Trac (part-time), Selec-Trac (full-time), and Rock-Trac (low-range geared for technical terrain). Rubicon and Rubicon X feature the Rock-Trac system with an 84:1 crawl ratio, electronic locking differentials, and sway bar disconnect. Mojave and Mojave X are Desert Rated, tuned for high-speed sand and dune running with FOX internal bypass shocks and hydraulic jounce bumpers. Driving modes include 4H, 4L, Auto, and Neutral, with no terrain-specific modes like those found in some rivals.

Ride Quality
Ride quality varies significantly across trims. The base Sport and Willys feel firm and jittery over broken pavement, typical of solid-axle trucks. Mojave and Mojave X offer the smoothest ride thanks to their FOX shocks and desert-tuned suspension, absorbing bumps with surprising grace. Rubicon trims prioritize articulation over comfort, resulting in a more jiggly ride. Overall, the Gladiator is more composed than a Wrangler but less refined than coil-sprung rivals like the Tacoma or Colorado.

Handling Characteristics
Steering feel is vague and requires frequent correction on highways, especially in Rubicon trims with aggressive tires. Body lean is noticeable in corners due to the tall ride height and off-road suspension geometry. Braking performance is adequate, with firm pedal feel and predictable stopping distances, though not class-leading. The Gladiator excels off-road but feels cumbersome in tight urban settings compared to more agile competitors.

Interior Noise Levels
Wind and road noise are prominent, especially with soft tops or removed roof panels. Hardtop models with acoustic insulation fare better, but the Gladiator remains louder than rivals like the GMC Canyon or Toyota Tacoma. Optional sound-deadening kits and headliner insulation can reduce cabin noise by 3-4 decibels, but don't expect luxury-level quiet.

Interior Design & Features
The Gladiator's cabin is utilitarian but well laid out. Materials include hard plastics, rubberized surfaces, and optional leather. The dashboard features Jeep's signature upright design with large knobs and switches for glove-friendly operation. The 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen is a standout, offering crisp graphics and intuitive controls. Available features include dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a removable weatherproof speaker.

Technology & Safety
Tech highlights include wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Jeep Connect remote services, and integrated off-road trail guides. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with active braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and ParkSense rear park assist. The Gladiator offers more than 85 available safety and security features, though crash test ratings are pending for the 2025 model.

Seating Area & Comfort
The Gladiator seats five in a crew cab layout. Front seats offer 42.8 inches of headroom and 41.2 inches of legroom, while rear seats provide best-in-class legroom at 38.3 inches. Entry and exit are easy thanks to wide-opening doors and available grab handles. The rear bench folds in a 60/40 split and includes under-seat storage.

Cargo Capacity & Storage
The 5-foot bed offers 35.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with a depth of 33.9 inches and width of 44.8 inches between wheel wells. With the tailgate down, bed length extends to 6.5 feet. Interior storage includes under-seat bins, a locking glovebox, and netted door pockets. USB-A and USB-C ports are abundant, with up to seven available. Select trims offer a 115V AC outlet in the bed.

Bottom Line
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator remains a unique proposition in the midsize truck segment, offering unmatched open-air freedom and off-road capability. Its strengths lie in trail performance, rear-seat space, and customization. Weaknesses include on-road refinement, fuel economy, and cabin noise. For buyers seeking the best value, the Willys trim strikes a smart balance between price, off-road features, and daily usability.