2021 Jeep Gladiator

header-image
$34,960 - $52,505
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Rugged Construction

Only one body and bed type available

The best thing about the 2021 Jeep Gladiator is that it is available in many trim options

Standard 4X4 Configuration

Boxy profile leads to wind noise

The Gladiator also gets an oil-burning 3.0 L V 6 engine that produces 260 HP and a mammoth 442 lb-ft of torque

Plenty of trim options

Expensive compared to rivals

You get options for hardtop headliner, automatic transmission, Alpine Premium Audio system, Trailer Brake Control, etc.

Convertible Configuration

Lower Fuel Efficiency

Packages like Trailer Tow Package, Tow Package with a 4.10 Axle ratio, Auxiliary Switch Group, Smoker's Group, etc depending upon the selected trim option

Specs & Features

$34,960

price

285 hp @ 6400 rpm

horsepower

260 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

torque

6-Speed Manual w/od

transmission

3.6L 6cyl 4WD 6M

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Jeep brand is known all over the world for its strong 4x4 drivetrains, innovative design, and quality components across all its SUVs and Trucks. The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is a hard-working and rugged truck that needs no introduction. It basically shares the same platform with the Wrangler and offers a steel cargo bed for carrying all your additional cargo.

Buying Advice

We believe that the Overland trim is well-equipped with the most necessary features and is also priced better. It comes with an optimum balance of comfort features like dual-zone climate control A/C, a 115-volt auxiliary power outlet, Uconnect 4 with 7-inch full-color touchscreen, etc, and off-road-worthy features like the bigger 18-inch wheels with Dueler A/S tires and Skid plates for the fuel tank and transfer case. It also gets a diesel engine option, which would be more suitable for off-roading.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is available in nine trim options to choose from. The trims are Sport, Sport S, Willys, Overland, 80th Anniversary Edition, Freedom, Mojave, Rubicon, and High Altitude. The price for the base trim Sport starts at $34,040 and goes up to $ 52,240 for the top-of-the-line High Altitude trim. The Gladiator faces stiff competition from the likes of Honda Ridgeline Crew Cab, Ford Ranger Crew Cab, and Nissan Frontier Crew Cab.

Features
5.0/10

The 2021 Gladiator comes in nine trim options and each trim is specifically designed to cater to a different set of buyers. The trims are Sport, Sport S, Willys, Overland, 80th Anniversary Edition, Freedom, Mojave, Rubicon, and High Altitude in the ascending order of their price and features 

Trims 

Sport

Sport S

Willys

Overland

80th Anniversary Edition

Freedom

Mojave

Rubicon

High Altitude

MSRP($)

34,040

42,360

43,520

44,225

45,570

45,430

46,060

46,060

54,035

Key features

Command-Trac 4x4 system

Adds to or upgrades to features in Sport

Adds to or upgrades to features in Sport/Sport S

Adds to or upgrades to features in Sport S

adds to or upgrades to features in Sport S

Adds to or upgrades to features in Overland 

Adds to or upgrades to features in Overland

Adds to or upgrades to features in Mojave

Adds to or upgrades to features in Rubicon

 

5-foot steel box with 4 tie-downs

Power windows/locks

Willys hood decal

115-volt auxiliary power outlet

80th Anniversary Edition fender badges

Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats with Cloth Inserts

Larger, reinforced rear track bar

Front sway bar disconnect system

Sport suspension

 

Full-framed removable doors

Power, heated mirrors 

Gloss Black grille 

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Neutral Grey metallic grille bezels, headlamp rings, and fog lamp bezels 

LED Headlamps and Fog Lamps

Off-Road Plus Mode

Skid plates for the fuel tank and transfer case 

Sport front and rear shock absorbers 

 

Push-button start

— Leather-wrapped steering wheel

4x4 tailgate decal

Automatic halogen headlamps 

Overland front bumper

Freedom edition decals and oscar mike tailgate batch

Reinforced frame

Dual vented hood with Rubicon decal

Nappa leather-trimmed seats

 

8-speaker sound system with overhead soundbar

Security alarm

Heavy-duty front and rear Red-painted shocks

Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)

Technology Group

Rock rails and steel bumpers

Sunrider Soft Top in Black vinyl

4- and 7-pin trailer wiring harness 

Remote Proximity Keyless Entry

 

Uconnect 3 with 5-inch touchscreen

Remote keyless entry

Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential

Universal garage door opener 

Convenience Group

Different rooftop options by MOPAR

1-inch front suspension lift

Modular Seat Back Jeep Utility Grid System

Body-color power, heated mirrors

 

17-inch steel Low-Gloss Black wheels

17-inch aluminum painted Tech Silver Metallic wheels 

17-inch Mid-Gloss Black Rubicon aluminum wheels

18-inch aluminum polished and painted Granite Crystal wheels

18-inch Granite Crystal aluminum wheels

17-Inch Satin carbon wheels 

17-inch aluminum painted Low-Gloss Black wheels

17-inch aluminum polished and painted Granite Crystal wheels

20-inch aluminum fully painted Gloss Black wheels

 

Torx tool kit for top/door removal

Deep-tint sunscreen windows

Heavy-duty rock rails

Rearview day/night mirror

80th Anniversary Edition console badge

 

Thicker front upper control arms

4:1 low-range transfer case

Lockable behind-seat storage

 

Damped 3-position tailgate

Power locking tailgate

Slush Mats

Cloth seats with Overland logo

   

Performance-style hood with Mojave decal

4.10:1 axle ratio

Universal garage door opener

 

Daytime running lamp system 

Automatic headlamps

Convenience Group (Sport S only)

Side steps

   

FOX front hydraulic jounce bumpers

Performance suspension with FOX 2.0 monotube shocks

 

 Which Trim should you buy?

We believe that the Overland trim is well-equipped with the most necessary features and is also priced better. It comes with an optimum balance of comfort features like dual-zone climate control A/C, a 115-volt auxiliary power outlet, Uconnect 4 with 7-inch full-color touchscreen, etc, and off-road-worthy features like the bigger 18-inch wheels with Dueler A/S tires and Skid plates for the fuel tank and transfer case. It also gets a diesel engine option, which would be more suitable for off-roading.

Fuel Economy
6.5/10

The fuel efficiency of the Jeep Gladiator is less in comparison to its rivals. The 3.6 L V 6 engine is efficient in nature on most other FCA vehicles. We expected a better fuel economy, but owing to higher curb weight and standard 4x4 configuration the fuel economy is lower. With a combined fuel efficiency of 19 MPG, it is not exactly poor but can’t match the competition. It offers a combined range of 418 miles which is very respectable considering its efficiency

Models(2021)

Jeep Gladiator 

Honda Ridgeline

Ford Ranger 

Nissan Frontier 

MPG (City)

16

19

21

17

MPG (Highway)

23

24

26

23

MPG (Combined)

19

21

23

19

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

22.0 

19.5

18.0

18

Range (City/ Highway/ Combined) in miles

352.0/506.0/418.0

370.0/468.0/410.0

378.0/468.0/414.0

306/414/342

The 2021 Gladiator offers a decent range owing to the larger capacity of the fuel tank. The Honda and Ford trucks offer better efficiency but have smaller fuel tanks and hence lose out to Jeep in munching more miles on a full tank. However, they are quite similar. Nissan Frontier offers the lowest range due to lesser efficiency and smaller fuel tank.

Interior
5.0/10

The 2021 Gladiator’s interior is essentially a straight port from its near sibling, the Wrangler. The only difference here is that the Gladiator features enhanced material quality, a more rugged interior philosophy, and a lot of chunky controls. All of this results in an intuitive and sensible interior layout that is very driver-friendly. Speaking of the front seats, they are very supportive and comfortable and are at an elevated position so the driver can get a better view of the road. 

The interior features will depend on the trim you opt for or the optional packages that you avail. Some standard features like waterproof push-button start, cloth upholstery, steering wheel-mounted controls, A/C, 5-foot steel box, etc definitely add value to the base trims. The upper trims get features like an automatic climate control system, Nappa leather seat upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Monaco-wrapped mid-bolster, Remote Proximity

Keyless Entry, premium music system, etc. 

Models(2021)

Jeep Gladiator 

Honda Ridgeline

Ford Ranger 

Nissan Frontier 

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

42.8/55.7/41.2

40.1/62.0/40.9

39.8/56.7/43.1

39.9/58.3/42.4

Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

42.8/55.7/38.3

38.8/61.5/36.7

38.3/56.3/34.5

38.6/53.6/33leg.6

Cargo Volume (cu.ft.)

35.5

41.4

N/A

33.5

The 2021 Gladiator offers maximum headroom and legroom across both rows, thanks to its boxy profile and more height. The cargo volume is not the maximum but is sufficient for most people. The Honda Ridgeline offers maximum cargo capacity and its interior dimensions are better than Ford and Nissan trucks. Some of the standout interior features of the Gladiator are:

  • Nappa leather-trimmed seats
  • Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Push-button start
  • Remote Proximity Keyless Entry

 What’s there to keep you entertained?

The Jeep Gladiator offers decent infotainment features across all trims. However, the lower trims come with an older UConnect 3, 5-inch touch]screen display with AM/FM Radio, integrated voice command, and hands-free calling via Bluetooth connectivity. The 8-speaker sound system with an overhead soundbar is standard. So, you will have to upgrade to a technology package to get the latest connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a better stereo system

The higher trims come with Uconnect 4C NAV with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and GPS Navigation. They also get a better-sounding 9-speaker Alpine Premium Audio System, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Siri Eyes Free, etc. So it all depends upon your preferences inside the cabin and Jeep offers many options to spec-up your Gladiator. Some of the standout infotainment features of the Gladiator are:

  • Uconnect 4C NAV with 8.4-inch touchscreen 
  • GPS Navigation
  • 9-speaker Alpine Premium Audio System 
  • SiriusXM Radio
  • Android Auto 
  • Apple CarPlay

Exterior
7.0/10

The Gladiator is simply a stretched-out Wrangler that has an added 19 inches of wheelbase compared to its sibling and has a cargo bed nested on its back. This has an unfortunate effect on the Gladiator’s proportions, with its profile not particularly attractive compared to conventional pickup trucks. The Gladiator shares the same styling aspects as the Wrangler, like the bulbous headlights and the beefy fenders and tires. 

The signature 7-slot grille and round headlamps with DRLs are standard across all the trims. Overall, all the trims look similar with minor aesthetic and technical changes. The boxy profile of the Wrangler is very prominent in its styling. Actually, what makes this truck different from other trucks is its removable doors and roof along with a complete fold-down windshield. Such a configuration can offer you flexibility and experience like no other truck in this segment. The bed is available in only a single 5 feet configuration which can feel inadequate in comparison to its rivals.

Models(2021)

Jeep Gladiator 

Honda Ridgeline

Ford Ranger 

Nissan Frontier 

Curb weight (lbs)

4650 

4255

4232

4320

Length (inches)

218

210.0

210.8

205.6

Width (inches)

73.8

78.6

73.3

72.8

Height (inches)

75.0

70.8

71.1

70.1

Ground clearance (inches)

10.0

7.9

8.4

N/A

Wheelbase (inches)

137.3

125.2

126.8

125.9

The higher wheelbase and more length help in increasing the legroom across the second row and passengers can enjoy a more comfortable ride. The higher weight is a result of its rugged construction and all-time 4x4 configuration. Also, the ground clearance is the highest, which shows its higher off-road compatibility. The rivals simply can’t match the off-road pedigree and interior space of the Gladiator. Some of the standout exterior features of the Gladiator are:

  • Body-color 7-slot grille
  • Removable doors and roof
  • Numerous skid plates
  • Rock and side rails
  • Body-color wheel arches
  • LED / Halogen Headlamps

Safety
4.0/10

The Jeep Gladiator Overland comes with an exceptionally solid safety cage that consists of high-strength steel paired with lightweight aluminum, making it lighter in weight while still providing a very strong chassis. NHTSA has rated the Gladiator for a few crash tests only, and it managed to score 4-star in frontal crash tests and 3-star in Rollover Testing. Jeep has reserved most of its active safety tech for the top-draw Sport S, Overland, Rubicon, and High Altitude trims. Even to access these safety features, the driver has to unlock them through 2 prerequisite packages. Some of the standout safety features of the Gladiator are:

  • Parkview Rear Back-Up Camera
  • Trailer Sway Control 
  • Enhanced Accident Response System 
  • Hill Start Assist
  • Sentry Key with Engine Immobilizer 
  • Auto High-Beam Headlamp Control (Optional)
  • Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus (Optional)
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (Optional)
  • Blind Spot Monitoring (Safety Group)
  • Rear Cross-Path Detection (Safety Group)

Competition
6.0/10

2021 Jeep Gladiator Crew Cab V/S 2021 Honda Ridgeline Crew Cab

The Honda Ridgeline offers better cruising speeds, fuel efficiency, quieter ride, and better creature comforts compared to the Gladiator. It is also more expensive than the Gladiator. But it can’t match the off-road might of the Gladiator. The Gladiator does not focus much on styling as it is more concerned about practicality and offers more fun on those off-road getaways.

2021 Jeep Gladiator Crew Cab Vs 2021 Ford Ranger Crew Cab

The Ford Ranger is cheaper than the Gladiator. It also offers better fuel efficiency, better handling, quieter ride, etc. The Gladiator answers it with a better off-road pedigree, a more powerful engine, and unbeatable ruggedness. The Ford Ranger is more of a family truck for hauling passengers with their cargo and the Gladiator is more of an off-road-ready tool. However, it can’t offer the same levels of comfort as the Ranger. 

2021 Jeep Gladiator Crew Cab V/S 2021 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab

The Nissan Frontier offers more power output than the Gladiator and is also cheaper than it. It offers higher highway cruising speeds, better styling, and similar fuel efficiency with a bigger engine. The Gladiator fights back with higher off-road compatibility, robust construction, and standard 4x4 configuration.

Final Verdict

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator Crew Cab is the perfect partner for you to traverse unexplored terrains. This pickup has all the classical qualities of a true Jeep with a host of standard features to add to the equation. We have no doubt about the off-roading capability of the Gladiator pickup, although its cargo versatility is a bit subpar. Although it may lag behind its rivals in terms of performance, the Gladiator surely knows how to conquer the most challenging terrains with its long list of off-roading equipment.

Trims

    California Edition
    $34,960 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl 4WD 6M
    • Horsepower: 285 hp @ 6400 rpm hp
    • Torque: 260 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.4 sec
    • Top Speed: 110 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    Sport
    $34,960 onwards
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    Texas Trail
    $34,960 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl 4WD 6M
    • Horsepower: 285 hp @ 6400 rpm hp
    • Torque: 260 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.5 sec
    • Top Speed: 110 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    Willys Sport
    $34,960 onwards
    • 8 Speakers
    • Manual 2-Way Driver Lumbar Adjust
    • Reclining Front Seats
    • Uconnect 3 with 5.0-inch Touchscreen Display
    Sport S
    $38,360 onwards
    • Leather-Wrapped steering wheel
    • Power locking tailgate
    • Power windows
    • Seven-inch infotainment system
    Willys
    $40,620 onwards
    • All-Weather slush mats
    • Willys hood decals
    Freedom
    $40,705 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl 4WD 6M
    • Horsepower: 285 hp @ 6400 rpm hp
    • Torque: 260 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.5 sec
    • Top Speed: 110 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    Overland
    $41,400 onwards
    • 2 - 1st row LCD monitor
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Heated mirrors
    • Premium cloth Seat trim
    • Siriusxm AM/FM/Satellite, seek-scan Radio
    80th Anniversary
    $42,235 onwards
    • Alpine premium sound system
    • Black diamond embossed cloth seats
    • Remote start
    Mojave
    $45,240 onwards
    • 17-inch black aluminum Wheels
    Rubicon
    $45,240 onwards
    • All-Terrain tires
    • Locking front and rear differentials
    • Red accent stitching and red dash inserts
    High Altitude
    $52,505 onwards
    • 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation
    • Quilted Nappa leather seats
    • Signature LED headlights

Compare to similar cars

Price

$34,960- $52,505

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

5.81

Horsepower

285 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque

442 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$36,490- $43,920

Gasoline

7.81

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

262 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

5

Read Review

$29,510- $70,325

Gasoline

7.32

305 hp @ 6400 rpm

269 lb.-ft. @ 4175 rpm

-

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$36,950- $59,680

Gasoline

6.89

400 hp @ 5800 rpm

413 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

6

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2021 Jeep Gladiator vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    7.3 sec16.0 sec110 mph
    6.9 sec15.8 sec110 mph
    2021 RAM 1500

    Ranked #2

    7.1 sec15.7 sec-
    7.2 sec15.6 sec112 mph

    2021 Jeep Gladiator vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      22 mpg23 mpg19 mpg22 gal.352/506 mi.Jeep USA
      18 mpg24 mpg21 mpg19.5 gal.351/468 mi.
      2021 RAM 1500

      Ranked #2

      17 mpg25 mpg20 mpg26 gal.- -
      16 mpg21 mpg18 mpg26 gal.416/546 mi.

      2021 Jeep Gladiator vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        218 in.73.8 in.75 in.10 in.137.3 in.Jeep USA
        228.1 in.79.5 in.75.1 in.8.3 in.139.8 in.
        210.2 in.78.6 in.70.8 in.7.6 in.125.2 in.

        2021 Jeep Gladiator vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          35.5 cu.ft.-35.5 cu.ft.Jeep USA
          -87.2 cu.ft.93.5 cu.ft.
          7.3 cu.ft.68 cu.ft.33.9 cu.ft.

          2021 Jeep Gladiator vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            35.5 cu.ft.35.5 cu.ft.35.5 cu.ft.60 ft.Jeep USA
            93.5 cu.ft.-93.5 cu.ft.79 ft.
            8.8 cu.ft.7.3 cu.ft.33.9 cu.ft.64 ft.

            2021 Jeep Gladiator vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              7650 lbs.1700 lbs.4650 lbs.Jeep USA
              9310 lbs.1600 lbs.5537 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1583 lbs.4436 lbs.

              2021 Jeep Gladiator Pickup Truck Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              7

              Recalls

              2

              Investigations

              252

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              2021 Jeep Gladiator User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              JS

              John Sadler

              2021 Jeep Gladiator

              80th Anniversary 4dr Crew Cab 5 ft. SB 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 24, 2024

              Corvette owner to Jeep gladiator. Very happy which is saying something.

              Pros - ["The miles per gallon. The diesel model I get 29 mpg. Verses 13-15 in the gas engine model.", "Towing power. Capable of Towing over 7000 lbs gvwr."]

              Cons - ["Takes def fluid. However you can delete.", "Should offer a package with lift and tires already installed, as well as bigger gear in the rear end. Over all the vehicle is amazing!"]

              The room of my 2014 Chevy Corvette just wasn't cutting it. I didn't think anything would be the answer, at least that I would be happy with. I have always liked jeeps, so I started browsing models. I liked the utility features of the gladiator having the truck bed. I test drove the gas model. Not too shabby, but just wasn't thrilled about it. As I walked to the car after the test drive, I noticed...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review