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STYLING10.0/10
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Safety6.0/10
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PRACTICALITY9.0/10
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USER-FRIENDLINESS5.0/10
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FEATURES10.0/10
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POWER7.0/10
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COMFORT5.0/10
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DRIVING FEEL6.0/10
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FUEL ECONOMY7.0/10
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VALUE9.0/10
Like its Wrangler sibling, the 2024 Jeep Gladiator is built to conquer the great outdoors in a number of different ways.
That includes climbing over rocks or running across the desert – or at least the closest conditions you can find here in Canada. It’s all about the latter in the case of the Gladiator Mojave X trim tested here, which comes decked out with all kinds of extras aimed at enhancing the high-speed off-road experience.
Styling: 10/10
While the Gladiator may not be everyone’s cup of tea, if you’re into tough and rugged looks then it’s practically perfect. Jeep has made a few tweaks to the exterior for this year, including a new grille and seven all-new wheel designs. Inside, the Gladiator gets an all-new dash design featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen that’s standard in all trims. Those who don’t mind a bit of wind in their hair will appreciate how this unique truck takes open-air freedom to extremes with a folding windshield, a removable roof, and three door choices.
Safety: 6/10
When it comes to safety, the Gladiator is a bit of a mixed bag. To its credit, Jeep has added a few new standard safety features for 2024. These include first- and second-row side curtain airbags, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, a few other key safety features are either optional or available as part of a package. For instance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors are standard on the Mojave X and Rubicon X trims; they’re optional elsewhere. And lane-keeping assistance isn’t offered at all – a result of the solid-axle architecture the Gladiator rides on that has a tendency to wander on the road.
Features: 10/10
The list of standard and available features here is more about thrills than frills – entirely reasonable for a truck designed to thrive in the wild. With a quartet of four-wheel drive systems to choose from, the ability to ford as much as 800 mm (31.5 in) of water, this is an out-of-the-box brute. In Mojave and Mojave X trims, that stuff is supplemented by an upgraded Fox suspension system with internal bypass units and external reservoirs, as well as hydraulic bump stops, all of which can absorb high-speed punishment when blasting across desert surfaces at speed.
The Mojave X trim in particular adds a full-time four-wheel drive transfer case, steel bumpers front and back, and off-road cameras for spotting obstacles. That’s in addition to the solid axles, locking rear differential, and meaty 33-inch tires that are fitted to the Mojave.
User-Friendliness: 5/10
Drivers are sure to find most of the controls to be intuitive and easy to use. However, the complex four-wheel drive system settings could leave some off-roading newbies scratching their heads as they thumb through the owner’s manual trying to figure out which setting is best for the type of terrain they plan to conquer. But then the information integrated within the infotainment system should help, while owner’s groups and off-road clubs are great resources.
Practicality: 9/10
With numerous lockable storage compartments (as well as a storage bin under the rear seats), the ability to tow as much as 3,492 kg (7,700 lb) and a max payload of 782 kg (1,725 lb), the Gladiator is ready for pretty much anything. Moreover, with a ground clearance of 294 mm (11.6 in) and impressive watering fording capabilities, it can take on some truly demanding off-road conditions.
Comfort: 5/10
Off the beaten path, the Gladiator shines as an off-roading champion. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about its performance on paved roads. Although the seats are supportive, and even the base trim gets a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support (power 12-way for upper trims), there’s no escaping the rough ride, the wind noise, or the loud growl of the engine. This is not the vehicle for anyone who wants a serene and whisper-quiet driving experience, nor one that floats over bumpy roads. And don’t forget the all-terrain tires on this trim – as well as the Rubicon – that are especially noisy.
Power: 7/10
For 2024, the Gladiator is only available with a 3.6L V6. It delivers 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and has been engineered to prioritize low-end torque, which is ideal for off-roading, hauling cargo, or towing a trailer. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while an eight-speed automatic is a $2,995 option.
Driving Feel: 6/10
Off-road, the Gladiator drives like a dream. It can handle the toughest terrains and deserves a 10/10 rating for its trail manners. On the pavement, however, it can be rough and unrefined. It wasn’t designed to shield occupants from road irregularities or drive like a luxury sedan. But then if you feel perfectly at home in the great outdoors you won’t mind giving up a bit of ride quality on city streets and highways in favour of an outstanding off-road experience.
Fuel Economy: 7/10
Fuel economy isn’t the Gladiator’s strong suit. With the standard manual transmission, this pickup is rated at 13.2 L/100 km combined, while the optional automatic does a bit better at 12.3. This Mojave X tester, equipped with the automatic transmission and massive tires, consumed a combined 14.6 L/100 km over the course of a week of driving.
Value: 9/10
While you can find plenty of pickup trucks on the market, many of which can easily handle off-roading adventures, it’s hard to find one that can handle extreme terrains as well as a properly-equipped Gladiator. Be prepared to pay to play, however, with the 2024 Gladiator starting at $59,140 (including $2,195 for freight) and ranging up to more than $82,000 for a Mojave X like this one – and that’s before options. This tester rang in at a staggering $90,000 before tax.
The Verdict
A niche vehicle for a niche clientele, the 2024 Jeep Gladiator should appeal to enthusiasts who prioritize off-roading prowess over a refined ride and a quiet passenger cabin. Although you could get into the Sport trim for about $60,000 before tax, you’ll have to spend a bit more if you plan to push your Gladiator to the extremes.
Engine Displacement | 3.6L |
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Engine Cylinders | V6 |
Peak Horsepower | 285 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
Peak Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
Fuel Economy | 15.0 / 11.0 / 13.2 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb |
Cargo Space | 1,531 mm bed length |
Model Tested | 2024 Jeep Gladiator Mojave X |
Base Price | $79,940 |
A/C Tax | $100 |
Destination Fee | $2,195 |
Price as Tested | $90,085 |
Optional Equipment
$7,850 — Automatic Transmission, $2,995; Cargo Group w/trail rail system, $1,995; 17-Inch dark grey wheels, $1,295; Spray-in bedliner, $650; Mud-terrain tires, $495; All-weather floor mats, $225; Sarge Green paint, $195
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