Now that the Jeep Gladiator has made its way to the market, the Jeep Wrangler or the Gladiator can be the right off-road vehicle to drive.
Both share a platform and both have the solid axles and off-road credentials you’re looking for. However, there are several differences between these two models that can become right for you to get more done, especially if you head out to the remote locations that have unpaved paths and rough trails. Let’s take a look at the differences you’ll see.
Powering the Drive
This conversation has to start with the power that you’ll find when you take a ride. The Jeep Wrangler is now offered with the choice of two engines and will likely have a third in the next few months while the Jeep Gladiator is only powered by the Pentastar V6 engine to start with. This gives an edge to the Wrangler for now, but as we move into further model years of the Gladiator, there’s a good chance that we will see more powertrains added to this midsize pickup truck to give us more options.
Off-Road Prowess
The Jeep Wrangler is offered with an off-road system in every trim which starts at the Sport model and moves up to the Rubicon version. There are three different transfer case systems offered to give you the ability to handle every type of terrain that you’ll find. The Jeep Gladiator is as capable on the trails, but only has two part-time off-road packages to make it possible for you to have the drive you’re after. No matter which one of these vehicles you decide to take into the wilderness, you’re not going to be left stranded at all.
Towing Capability
When it comes to towing, you’re going to find some serious differences. The Jeep Wrangler was never made to tow more than a small trailer full of camping gear or a couple of jet skis. Because of this, it maxes out at 3,500 pounds when it comes to the load you can take with you. The Jeep Gladiator does a lot more. This midsize pickup truck can tow up to 7,650 pounds to offer you the ability to pull a large trailer and get more work done. If you need to tow a heavy load, the Gladiator is the right choice for you.
Technology Offered
The Jeep Wrangler has never been thought of as a tech-friendly model, but in the 2019 model year, you can find all the tech you want in the cabin. This SUV brings you an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, rear parking assist, a rearview camera, and blind spot monitoring to give you a few great items. The Jeep Gladiator matches the tech offerings of the Wrangler and adds the addition of a front-facing camera to make it easy for you to handle the ride better on the trail. You’ll also love the removable Bluetooth speaker that you can use when it’stime to party.
Cargo Capacity
This category might not be a fair comparison area, but we’re going to look at it anyway. The Jeep Wrangler offers you 31.7 cubic feet of cargo volume that allows you to load up some gear for the ride. Foldthe seats down and this area expands to 72.4 cubic feet. The cargo box volume of the Jeep Gladiator is 35.5 cubic feet of volume. The box length is five feet but if you drop the tailgate you expand the length to 81.3 inches to make sure you can carry what you would in the bed of any truck.
Which Jeep Should You Drive?
The decision is going to be a difficult one for you. If you need a vehicle that has more cargo room and capability, the Jeep Gladiator is the clear choice with its midsize truck build. If you’re looking for a vehicle that offers you more powertrain options and different off-road packages, the Jeep Wrangler will be the one you take out on the trails and enjoy. Either way, you’re going to have an amazing off-road machine that can help you have more fun and experience what’s waiting for you in the wilderness. Enjoy the adventures in the Jeep that you want to drive.
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