Is the Jeep Gladiator a Smooth Ride?

In 2018, Jeep announced a new truck: the Jeep Gladiator. The Jeep Gladiator is a midsize truck with outstanding off-roading capabilities.

While we know it can handle huge obstacles, how does it ride? Does the Jeep Gladiator have a smooth ride?

Does The Jeep Gladiator Have A Smooth Ride?

The Jeep Gladiator is an incredibly smooth ride. It can handle a variety of terrain–from mud and dirt to gravel and sand – and of course, paved city streets. This versatility makes the Gladiator an excellent choice for adventure enthusiasts everywhere, but no matter where you go, your Gladiator will get you there smoothly. 

Read on to learn more about what makes the Jeep Gladiator great. 

1. Comfort

The Jeep Gladiator boasts a spacious interior with plenty of legroom. It has a large cab and comfortable, supportive seating. These features make long road trips more enjoyable. 

The Jeep Gladiator also has bucket seats, which offer superior comfort. Additionally, you can adjust both the reach and rake on the steering wheel. 

The Jeep Gladiator uses the same suspension components as the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. 

For these reasons, the Gladiator delivers superb on-road handling and stability.

2. Engine

A 310-horsepower engine powers the Jeep Gladiator. 

The Gladiator also has great fuel economy. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the Gladiator achieves 18 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway.

Overall, the Gladiator’s engine is known for its impressive performance and reliability. 

The Gladiator utilizes the same drivetrain as the Jeep Wrangler. 

The Gladiator has a 4-speed automatic transmission as well as a transfer case with low-range gearing. 

The Gladiator also has a locking rear differential. All of these features contribute to the Gladiator’s ability to off-road comfortably. 

3. Grip

Another feature that makes the Gladiator great for off-roading is the independent front suspension because it provides a smooth ride over rough terrain. 

The Gladiator’s legendary Quadra-Lift air suspension system allows the vehicle to be lowered by up to two inches during emergencies. 

In other words, the air suspension system provides greater ground clearance and improved maneuverability in tight spaces.

4. Aggressiveness

Jeep designed the Gladiator to handle any type of terrain. With its strong frame, solid axles, and high ground clearance, it can go anywhere and do just about anything. 

Equipped with a proven four-wheel-drive system, the Gladiator is powerful enough to climb over any obstacle.

It can even stay on its path in tough conditions. 

That said, the suspension system on the Gladiator is not perfect. 

It is not as forgiving as suspension systems used by some of the competition. 

Even so, the suspension system still offers impressive on-road comfort.

5. Performance

The Gladiator has an excellent power-to-weight ratio, so it can accelerate over all types of terrain without sacrificing fuel efficiency or handling. 

The Gladiator can accelerate smoothly due to its 4.0-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission. 

The Jeep Gladiator can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in 8.3 seconds. 

This is approximately 3 seconds faster than the average midsize SUV. 

The Jeep Gladiator is much more efficient than most other midsize pickups and SUVs.

6. Off-road Capability

The Jeep Gladiator’s engine is strong enough to climb hills without difficulty. This means it’s great for drivers looking to venture off-road!

The solid front axle provides tremendous power and control when driving over rough terrain. The Jeep Gladiator is designed to handle obstacles in any condition. 

Common obstacles include water crossings, rocks, and steep inclines. 

The Gladiator has more standard off-road equipment than any other midsize truck on the market. 

The Gladiator comes with standard skid plates to protect important engine components, a winch and recovery points for towing heavy items, and large tires that provide greater traction in mud and soft sand. 

The Gladiator has front and rear differential locks to lock the front and rear differentials when necessary. Equipped with a transfer case, the Gladiator can also be controlled with a lever or buttons on the dash for better off-road control.

7. Versatility

The Gladiator can carry up to seven passengers depending on its configuration. 

As such, the Gladiator is an excellent choice for families or groups of friends who want to travel together without feeling cramped.

This versatility allows the Gladiator to easily transport people to work or to go on weekend adventures off the beaten path.

 If you’re hoping to drive through national or state parks, then the Jeep Gladiator might be perfect for you.

8. Exterior

The Gladiator’s rugged exterior is one of its best features. 

With its squared-off front end, large tires, and rugged aesthetic, the Gladiator is a vehicle that can be driven on a daily commute, through the woods, or on the beach.

The Gladiator is available in a 4×4 version, and it comes with several accessories like a winch, skid plates, and an upgraded suspension system. 

The Gladiator features a 2-door body style with a long roofline and low windshield. 

It also includes unique features such as an extended hood and roof rails to enhance the “rugged” image of the vehicle.

The exterior features a unique front grille, and rugged and functional body-colored bumpers.

9. Safety

The Gladiator comes with many standard safety features, including airbags for both front and rear passengers, anti-lock brakes, and stability control. 

On top of that, the Gladiator has electronic rollover protection to help avoid rollovers when driving over uneven terrain

 The truck has more safety features than most other vehicles in its class such as lane departure warning systems for both front and rear passengers. 

The lane departure technology is potentially life-saving. 

It alerts drivers when their vehicle begins to drift out of the proper lane so that the driver does not have to slam on the brakes.

Thanks to this technology, Jeep Gladiator drivers are potentially less likely to be in a crash.

Final Thoughts

With its versatility, rugged exterior, durability, and safety features, the Jeep Gladiator is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a vehicle well-suited for everyday drives and weekend getaways.

The NHTSA recently recognized the Jeep Gladiator as a Top Safety Pick. 

The Gladiator has earned many other awards and accolades.

The Jeep Gladiator has a lot in common with the Jeep Wrangler.

For instance, the Gladiator is built on a longer version of the modular platform seen on the Jeep Wrangler. 

The Gladiator can be found in many different trim levels and with several upgrades. 

For example, the Gladiator comes standard with air conditioning but the XLT can be equipped with a more powerful V6 engine for a sportier look and feel. 

Smooth and powerful, the Jeep Gladiator is perfect for cruising around town or exploring the great outdoors.