With over 40,000 miles on the odometer, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon has seen plenty of daily driving and still manages to hold up well. Regular trips back and forth from work have tested both its exterior and interior, revealing how it stands up to constant use and a few changes like wheel spacers.
The owner points out the durability of the truck bed, the condition of the interior, and how some parts, like the windshield, show more wear due to the car’s unique design. Issues with electrical systems and one major mechanical problem did crop up, but these have been addressed. Anyone interested in this model can learn from these real-life experiences and recommendations.
Key Takeaways
- The vehicle’s exterior and interior have held up well with daily use.
- Some design choices, like the windshield, lead to frequent minor issues.
- Most mechanical and electrical problems have been fixed under warranty.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Highlights
Everyday Use and Driving Impressions
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is used daily, covering at least 40 miles each day. Its exterior, even without paint protection film, has held up well after 40,000 miles. There are minor scratches and some dirt, especially due to added wheel spacers, which make cleaning harder but improve the Jeep’s look.
The interior also shows slight wear, mostly on the steering wheel and driver’s seat. Features like WeatherTech mats help keep the inside clean. Taking the top and doors off adds to the fun driving experience. The Rhino Shield bed liner keeps the truck bed strong and scratch-resistant. There is an easy-to-use outlet and built-in lights in the bed. One downside is that the flat windshield is quick to crack from rocks, which is a common problem.
Ownership History and Mileage Details
- Purchased: End of 2019
- Model Year: 2020
- Current Mileage: Over 40,000 miles
- Usage: Driven every day for work
Major Mechanical Issues:
- There was an electrical malfunction that caused the dashboard to flash, lose power steering, and display random gauge readings. The dealership fixed the problem after two tries and provided a loaner vehicle during repairs.
- A minor issue includes the infotainment screen going black but not affecting driving.
Despite these problems, the Jeep continues to perform well and remains reliable for daily driving. The owner recommends the Gladiator Rubicon based on this experience.
Outer Appearance and Updates
Paint and Body Durability
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon has not been treated with paint protection film or extra coatings. Even after about 40,000 miles of daily driving, the paint looks very good once washed. There are no major signs of fading or peeling. Light scratches and dirt can appear with use, but washing brings back a nearly new look. From the outside, the body remains in great condition.
| Feature | Observation |
|---|---|
| Paint | Stays glossy after wash |
| Daily Usage | Minimum 40 miles per day |
| Protective Coating | None used |
Effects of Adding Wider Spacers
Wheel spacers were installed to bring the wheels out from their original position. This gives the Jeep a more aggressive and attractive stance. The change in appearance is clear, and many prefer how it looks with the wheels pushed outward.
Benefits:
- Improved look with a wider stance
- More noticeable and stylish appearance
Drawbacks:
- Tires kick up more mud and dirt
- The Jeep gets dirty faster, especially on the sides
Some owners may find it harder to keep the Jeep clean after adding wheel spacers.
Keeping the Exterior Clean
Cleaning the Jeep has become more challenging, mainly due to the wheel spacers. Mud, dust, and other debris are thrown up by the tires more often. Even when driving only on paved roads, the exterior gets dirty quickly. Owners may need to wash the Jeep more often to maintain its appearance.
Cleaning Tips:
- Wash frequently, especially after rain or muddy conditions
- Consider extra protection if winters or wet weather are common
The flat, upright windshield design also means chips and cracks are common. Rocks can strike the glass easily, so owners may need to repair the windshield more than with other vehicles.
How the Inside Holds Up Over Time
Steering and Seats Condition
After 40,000 miles of daily driving, the steering wheel has some visible wear where the hands usually grip it. The seats also show normal signs of use but remain in great shape. Cleaning the inside makes it look almost new again.
Using WeatherTech floor liners has helped a lot to keep the Jeep clean. The owner also took extra care in the beginning, adding a blanket in the truck bed before putting in heavy items. Taking off the top and the doors is easy and has not caused any problems with the seats or other interior parts.
Interior Wear Points
| Area | Condition After 40,000 Miles |
|---|---|
| Steering Wheel | Shows some wear |
| Seats | Minor, expected use |
| Floor (with liners) | Stays clean |
Upgrades and Added Features
The Jeep is fitted with a few upgrades for comfort and function. WeatherTech floor liners were added to help keep the floors tidy. Air fresheners are used for a nice scent.
Besides these, other parts like the dashboard and electronics are mostly holding up well. There was a problem with the infotainment center going dark a few times, but it did not stop the car from working. Any bigger issues, like dashboard warnings or power steering problems, were fixed at the dealership under care.
List of Interior Upgrades:
- Durable floor mats
- Air fresheners
- Occasional tech troubleshooting
The extra features and attention to cleaning have played a big part in keeping the Jeep’s inside looking good, even after years of regular use.
Truck Bed Performance
Durable Liner Overview
The Jeep Gladiator’s bed comes with a tough Rhino Shield liner that stands out for its textured finish and sturdy build. This liner plays a big role in keeping the bed in top shape, even after years of regular use. The surface feels solid and does not show much wear, adding to the long-lasting quality of the truck bed.
Care Methods
At first, extra steps were taken to keep the bed looking new, such as placing moving blankets underneath cargo. This helped protect the surface from scratches or dents, especially when carrying items like plywood or lumber. Over time, even as the vehicle saw more use, efforts to keep the bed clean and well-maintained continued, which helped its overall appearance last.
Practical Elements
The truck bed is equipped with several helpful features. There is a power outlet for tools or charging devices, which adds convenience for various tasks. Built-in lights make it easier to see inside the bed at night or in low light, increasing daily practical use. These features, paired with the sturdy liner, make the truck bed a useful part of the Gladiator.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Rhino Shield | Protects surface, adds grip |
| Power Outlet | Powers small devices/tools |
| Bed Lighting | Improves nighttime visibility |
Windshield Construction Concerns
Prone to Cracking
The windshield design on the Jeep Gladiator is almost completely vertical. This upright shape makes it hard to avoid cracks. Even minor chips can turn into long, visible cracks as time goes on. The flat windshield does not deflect debris or spread out the impact as much as a tilted one might.
Cracking Timeline:
- Small chip: Often starts near the base
- Spreads upward: Crack increases in length slowly over weeks
Drivers notice that it is hard to find Jeep Gladiators with windshields that are not cracked.
Vulnerability to Debris and Stones
The flat posture of the windshield makes it more likely to get struck by rocks and debris flung up by other cars. Because of the angle, objects do not bounce off easily—they hit directly and often cause chips or cracks immediately.
Key reasons for frequent rock damage:
- Windshield position: Almost straight up and down
- Rock trajectory: Hits direct, with little chance to deflect
- Result: More chips and cracks than windshields with a sloped design
This means Jeep owners often deal with rock damage and need repairs or replacements more than drivers of other vehicles.
Issues With Electrical and Mechanical Systems
Navigation Screen Going Blank
The navigation and entertainment screen sometimes goes completely black. When this happens, the rest of the car still works, but you lose access to things like music, navigation, and climate controls on the screen. This has happened several times over the past few years.
Quick Facts:
| Problem | Frequency | Car Still Drives? |
|---|---|---|
| Screen blackout | Occasional | Yes |
Loss of Power Steering and Dashboard Warnings
There was a major failure where all the dashboard lights came on, and the electronic systems went haywire. The power steering stopped working, making it extremely hard to turn the wheel. The dashboard gauges all started to move up and down, and warning lights kept blinking.
- Power steering became almost impossible to use, affecting handling.
- Dashboard showed false readings for several systems.
He brought the car to the dealership, who fixed the problem, but it happened again after just 10 miles. The dealership kept the car for two weeks, provided a loaner, and fixed it again. Since then, the issue has not come back.
Service at the Dealership
When these problems happened, the dealership handled everything professionally. They provided a loaner car and made sure the Jeep was repaired correctly.
Service Highlights:
- Loaner car provided during repair
- Total repair time was about two weeks
- No further issues since service
Owner Tips and Insights
Personal Experience After 40,000 Miles
- The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon’s exterior holds up well, even after daily use and many miles.
- Wheel spacers improve the look but make it harder to keep clean due to extra mud splatter.
- The interior, including seats and wheel, stays in good shape with regular cleaning and care.
- The Rhino Shield bed liner provides strong protection for hauling, and the factory bed outlet and lights are helpful.
- The windshield is very prone to cracking because of its flat design. Small chips can grow into long cracks easily.
- Electronics and infotainment screen worked for the most part, with a few black screen issues but no effect on driving.
- Major power steering and dashboard problems happened but were fixed at the dealership. Service was handled well, and no further issues have come up.
Tips for Future Owners
What To Know Before Buying
- Be ready for more frequent windshield repairs. Chips and cracks are almost unavoidable.
- Wheel spacers make the Jeep look better but add more mess to the exterior.
- Protecting the bed early with blankets or a liner helps keep it in good condition.
- Expect some minor electronic bugs that should not affect the basic driving functions.
- If a major system problem appears, service from the dealership can be slow but reliable.
Helpful Products
| Product | Purpose | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Spacers | Improved stance/look | Looks great, gets dirtier |
| WeatherTech Floor Liners | Keeps interior clean | Highly recommended |
| Rhino Shield Bed Liner | Bed protection | Very durable |
Care Suggestions
- Wipe down the inside often—dirt builds up fast.
- Use protective mats and blankets for the bed if you’re hauling heavy stuff.
- Take extra care when driving behind other vehicles to avoid rock chips on the windshield.
- If you notice electronic glitches, visit a dealer since some problems may come back.
Final Note:
If you’re looking into a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, it’s a tough, fun vehicle for daily use. Just be aware of a few quirks that come with owning one.