The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon stands out in the midsize truck market by offering strong performance, unique styling, and useful off-road features. It comes with a V6 engine, good power, and a solid axle setup that helps with off-road ability. With major discounts now available, this truck offers a lot of value for its price compared to similar models.
Inside, the Gladiator Rubicon has comfortable cloth seats, practical storage, and several modern features, such as keyless entry and a responsive touchscreen. Its strong blend of capability and comfort, plus a lower-than-expected price, makes it a competitive choice for those looking for a dependable and adventurous truck.
Key Takeaways
- The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon blends power and off-road features with comfort.
- Its design and technology appeal to both daily drivers and off-road fans.
- Recent price cuts make it a strong value against its competitors.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Overview
Latest Deals and Pricing Insights
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon has some significant price reductions right now. The base price starts at $51,100. With extra options, the listed price is $50,200. Thanks to current discounts, buyers are seeing final prices close to $50,000.
Here’s a simple pricing table:
| Pricing Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $51,100 |
| Price with Options | $50,200 |
| Price After Discounts | ~$50,000 |
This brings the current cost below the original base price. Compared to rivals like the Chevy Colorado ZR2, which frequently lists around $55,000 now, the Gladiator Rubicon’s price is very competitive.
Main Highlights and Trim Information
The Gladiator Rubicon features a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It has an 8-speed automatic transmission and delivers about 17 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway.
Below is a list of key features:
- Off-Road Upgrades:
- Solid front and rear axles
- Locking differentials (front and rear)
- Sway bar disconnect
- Rock rails
- Factory steel bumpers with red recovery points
- Off-road driving mode (Off-Road Plus)
- Exterior Details:
- “Rubicon” hood and side decals
- Upgraded headlights and turn signals
- Unpainted fender flares
- LED bed lighting
- Large pickup bed with tailgate assist
- Hard top with latches to remove the front section
- Wheels and Tires:
- 285/70R17 tire and wheel setup
- Black and silver wheels with Jeep logo center caps
- Interior Comfort:
- Cloth seats with red stitching
- Good legroom for a midsize truck
- Soft-touch door panels with storage nets
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Dual-zone climate control
- Keyless entry and remote start
- Tech and Convenience:
- Backup camera with good display resolution
- Gauge cluster with customizable information screen
- Four factory auxiliary switches
- Multiple charging points and outlets
- Cruise and radio controls on the steering wheel
- Manual rear window
- Payload:
- Carries up to 1,080 pounds
These features combine to make the Gladiator Rubicon a capable off-roader with a comfortable, user-friendly interior and useful tech options. The unique solid axle setup and current pricing make it an appealing midsize pickup for serious trail use.
Performance and Powertrain
Motor and Gearbox
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The four-wheel drive system comes with a two-speed transfer case, and there are front and rear differential locks. There is also an off-road driving mode and a sway bar disconnect for extra control on rough terrain.
Gas Mileage and Engine Strength
Below is a table showing key numbers for the Gladiator Rubicon:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.6L V6 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| City Fuel Economy | 17 mpg |
| Highway Fuel Economy | 22 mpg |
| Payload Capacity | 1,080 lbs |
The Gladiator Rubicon gives a mix of good power and decent fuel economy for its class. It’s not extremely fast, but the power feels smooth and steady when driving.
Everyday Drive and Road Feel
The Gladiator Rubicon is comfortable and stable on the road, helped by its longer wheelbase compared to the Wrangler. The steering wheel has a synthetic trim that feels nice and doesn’t absorb sweat as much as leather. The ride is smooth, and the gear shifts from the transmission are gentle. It feels stable and easy to drive both on regular roads and off-road, thanks to its solid axles and off-road features. The power delivery is steady, making city and highway driving easy, even if it’s not quick off the line.
Outside Appearance and Details
Unique Rubicon Look
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon stands out with its special touches. It features hood vents and a noticeable Rubicon logo on the side. The turn signals and headlights are both upgraded, giving better lighting and a more modern style.
A steel front bumper is included, along with red recovery hooks and built-in fog lights. These details help give the vehicle a strong, off-road feel.
Wheels, Tire Setup, and Suspension
- Tire Size: 285/70 R17
- Wheel Design: Polished silver on the edges, black in the middle, with a Jeep badge in the center
- Fender Flares: Unpainted, rugged look
The Gladiator Rubicon is equipped with a solid front axle and a solid rear axle, which are important for off-road driving. Rock rails are added at the sides to protect against rocks and bumps. The suspension is designed to handle rough terrain.
Bed Space and Utility Upgrades
The back of the Gladiator Rubicon offers a large bed for a midsize pickup. The tailgate can be lowered slowly and lifted easily. There are LED lights in the bed, making it easier to see at night, and the bed comes with standard protection from the factory.
Other rear features include:
- Squared tail lights
- Rear recovery hooks
- Jeep badge and logo on the tailgate
These details help make the Gladiator Rubicon practical for hauling, loading, and working outside.
Cabin Comfort and Everyday Features
Seats and Upholstery
The front seats use a nice cloth material with red stitching that stands out. Both front seats are manually adjustable. There’s soft-touch trim on the door panels and some new synthetic trim on the steering wheel, which feels comfortable and easy to clean. The steering wheel also has cool red stitching and is packed with controls for cruise, radio, and voice commands.
Interior Storage and Usefulness
Inside the Gladiator, there are storage nets on both the front and rear door panels. A double center console with a USB port helps store small items and keep devices charged. Cup holders are located in the center for both front occupants. There is also a charging area and four factory-installed auxiliary switches.
Storage features include:
| Area | Storage Option |
|---|---|
| Front Doors | Storage Nets |
| Rear Doors | Storage Nets |
| Center Console | Dual Compartments |
| Dash | Additional Trim |
Amenities for Rear Guests
Back seat passengers get decent space for a midsize pickup. There are rear air vents for comfort, window controls, and a storage net for personal items. Passengers also have access to a charging outlet and a manual sliding window in the back. These touches help make longer drives better for everyone in the cab.
Technology and Safety
Entertainment and Connectivity
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon comes with a touchscreen in the center of the dash. The screen does take a moment to load certain features, but it still responds pretty well overall. It includes heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control.
There are physical buttons for the radio and heat settings, making it easier to use while driving. The vehicle also has several power outlets, including a charging spot in the center and four built-in auxiliary switches that can be used for extra gear.
Controls and Dash Displays
Most of the gauge cluster is analog, but there is a digital display in the middle. This screen can be adjusted to show different types of information. It even lets drivers check what the transfer case is doing while driving.
The steering wheel features voice command buttons, cruise control, and radio controls. Window controls are located in the center, and there are simple manual adjusters for the mirrors and seats.
Protective Features
For safety, the Gladiator Rubicon includes a backup camera that shows a clear image when reversing. The truck is fitted with front and rear locking differentials for better grip on tough roads. A sway bar disconnect and off-road mode are available for extra stability off-road.
The vehicle also has a strong steel bumper, extra recovery points, and built-in fog lights to help in rough or low-visibility conditions. The tailgate drops slowly for safety, and the bed comes with factory-applied protection.
Rugged Terrain Abilities
Four-Wheel Drive and Drivetrain Details
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon comes with a solid front axle and a solid rear axle, making it a strong choice for trails and rough roads. It uses a two-speed transfer case, giving drivers both high and low 4×4 driving options. There are shifters for both the 4×4 system and the automatic transmission, which has eight gears. The Rubicon also offers front and rear differential locks to help with traction on tough ground.
Standard Trail Gear and Off-Road Features
From the factory, this truck is ready for adventure. It has unpainted fender flares for protection, rock rails to guard the sides, and a steel front bumper. The front and rear both have strong red recovery points. The tires are large, with a 285/70/17 setup mounted on wheels that combine silver and black. The Rubicon includes sway bar disconnect for difficult sections and four auxiliary switches for adding more off-road gear later.
Here’s a quick look at key factory equipment:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Axles | Solid front and rear |
| Differential Locks | Front and rear |
| Tires | 285/70/17 all-terrain |
| Rock Rails | Yes |
| Sway Bar Disconnect | Yes |
| Bumper | Steel, with tow points |
Trail Experience and Notable Strengths
On the trail, the Gladiator Rubicon feels stable, helped by its longer wheelbase compared to the Wrangler. Even though it is not the fastest, the power delivery from the V6 is smooth and predictable. Ride quality is comfortable for a Jeep, especially over rough surfaces. The off-road cruise control and Off-Road Plus driving mode help make tough trails easier. With strong axles, locking diffs, and heavy-duty protection, it is well set up for rock crawling and other challenging adventures.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Compared to Rivals
How the Prices Stack Up
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon now has big discounts, bringing its price down to about $50,000. This is less than its original price and even less than its base MSRP, making it a strong choice for buyers looking for deals.
| Jeep Gladiator Rubicon | Chevy Colorado ZR2 |
|---|---|
| ~$50,000 (after discounts) | ~$55,000 (typical MSRP) |
The Chevy Colorado ZR2 used to be in a similar price range. However, after prices increased and the base versions were removed, most ZR2s now show up at dealers for around $55,000. There may be some discounts available, but they are not as big or common as what you find with the Gladiator.
Stand-Out Features and Main Contrasts
- Solid Axles: The Gladiator Rubicon has a solid front axle, which is rare at this price. This setup is especially good for off-road crawling.
- Locking Differentials: It offers both front and rear lockers from the factory.
- Interior Setup: The Jeep comes with cloth seats, red stitching, and a manual seat adjustment. The Colorado ZR2 has fancier seats but costs more now.
- Off-Road Gear: The Rubicon has rock rail protection, sway bar disconnect, and four auxiliary switches for accessories.
- Bed Size: The Gladiator has a fairly large bed for a midsize truck.
- Power: Under the hood, it gets a 3.6L V6 engine (285 horsepower, 260 lb-ft torque) and an 8-speed automatic.
- MSRP Decrease: The Gladiator’s MSRP went down, plus there are big rebates, making it much more affordable compared to earlier years and most rivals.
Quick List of Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Highlights:
- Big factory discounts
- Solid front and rear axles
- Lockers for both axles
- Off-road features standard
- Lower price than many rivals with similar equipment
The price and off-road capability make it a strong pick against other midsize trucks like the Colorado ZR2, especially with the current deals available.
Highlights and Worth
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon stands out with its strong discounts and features. For around $50,000, buyers get front and rear lockers, a solid front axle, and off-road equipment that’s hard to match at this price. The current rebates mean the total is even less than the base price.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.6L V6, 285 horsepower |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Off-Road Gear | Front/rear lockers, sway bar disconnect, solid axles |
| Comfort | Cloth seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control |
| Payload Capacity | 1,080 lbs |
| Bed Size | Large for its class, with good protection |
| Towing and Payload | Ready for work and play |
The price for this Gladiator Rubicon is close to what early models sold for, despite offering more features and comfort. Options like heated seats, a responsive screen, and extra interior storage add to the value.
Why It Stands Out:
- Good discount compared to similar trucks.
- More off-road features than most competitors at this price.
- Smooth ride and power delivery for its class.
- Stable on the road thanks to a longer wheelbase.
For those wanting factory off-road capability without a huge price tag, the Rubicon offers a solid blend of performance, comfort, and current value.