Anyone else tempted by the new Jeep Gladiator?

[Bulldog9]

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/2020-jeep-gladiator-jt-photos-info

I've had a Jeep since 1984...... A string of Cherokee's Grand Cherokees, and a Commander since 2006.  When I got back from Afghanistan last year, I bought a Toyota Tundra TRD PRO, and really love it, but man this new Gladiator is calling my name..... I was hoping it would be released in 2017/2018, but was delayed. I likely wont buy a first year model, but man this is nice..... And hey........... It's kinda Italian ;-)

[rschrum]

Gonna get a track hawk next year when I retire. Had a 82 scrambler, had a lot of fun with that one.

[Lannis]

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/2020-jeep-gladiator-jt-photos-info

I've had a Jeep since 1984...... A string of Cherokee's Grand Cherokees, and a Commander since 2006.  When I got back from Afghanistan last year, I bought a Toyota Tundra TRD PRO, and really love it, but man this new Gladiator is calling my name..... I was hoping it would be released in 2017/2018, but was delayed. I likely wont buy a first year model, but man this is nice..... And hey........... It's kinda Italian ;-)

I had a 1980 J10 pickup from 1985 to 2006.    It was a good solid vehicle basically (drive line and frame) but the trim, dash, controls, etc were horrible tat and were all broken or gone by the time I sold it.

This new one looks like $50 - $60,000 to me.   I'll never spend even a third of that on a single vehicle again in my life, so I'm out ....

Lannis

[Bulldog9]

I had a 1980 J10 pickup from 1985 to 2006.    It was a good solid vehicle basically (drive line and frame) but the trim, dash, controls, etc were horrible tat and were all broken or gone by the time I sold it.

This new one looks like $50 - $60,000 to me.   I'll never spend even a third of that on a single vehicle again in my life, so I'm out ....

Lannis

It's going to e a midsize competitor (Tacoma, Canyon, Ranger)  so pricing will be mid 30's.... Though I expect dealer gouging.  I imagine the top line trailhawk with diesel and all option smay hit high 40's low 50's. ALLPAR is saying a solid mid 30's - 40's..... Still a lot of $$, but I think it will sell like crazy.... https://www.allpar.com/news/2018/11/2019-jeep-gladiator-pickup-pricing-speculation-42915

[Ncdan]

I have a 2015 Jeep Wrangle which is a fine little vehicle for what it's designed for. Personally I either want a truck for what a truck is for or a Jeep for what a jeep is for. I will admit it's s fine looking vehicle and am curious as to the price.

[Kent in Upstate NY]

I wrangle my Jeep as well. I have a 2016 Sport that should last me quite a while. However, a diesel jeep P/U at a reasonable price might tempt me.

[rocker59]

Yep, the coolest pickup to come out in awhile.

FCA is kicking ass.  The new RAMs are really nice.  Now, the Jeep Gladiator, and soon RAM Dakota based on the same platform.

A Gladiator Rubicon with Diesel would be a pretty versatile light truck!

I want one!

[Lannis]

It's going to e a midsize competitor (Tacoma, Canyon, Ranger)  so pricing will be mid 30's.... Though I expect dealer gouging.  I imagine the top line trailhawk with diesel and all option smay hit high 40's low 50's. ALLPAR is saying a solid mid 30's - 40's..... Still a lot of $$, but I think it will sell like crazy.... https://www.allpar.com/news/2018/11/2019-jeep-gladiator-pickup-pricing-speculation-42915

Ve shall see, shall ve not ... ?

[Kev m]

Back in 2016 the finalists for my current vehicle where:

* JKU (Wrangler Unlimited)
* Colorado/Canyon
* Tacoma

In the end the open top, manual transmission, off-roadability, and a company that let me order it equipped the way I wanted won out.

I really love my 16' JKU Sahara.

So if this was available then there's a good chance it would be in my fleet now!

Hope they sell a ton!

[Demar]

My eye is on the Gladiator. My first new vehicle purchase was a red 1984 Jeep Cherokee Chief. I ordered it and waited 3 months. I think the dealer sold it out from under me to someone who paid more than I did. They were a very hot item that first model year. I wanted a 5 speed manual and CA wouldn't sell the manual with the six so I had to get a 4-cyl. I opted for no A/C because of the 4 cyl and I suffered a bit when we took it to Death Valley. The 4 had problems going up Hyw 80 to Tahoe with 4 people in it and their gear. I was constantly shifting between 3rd and 4th. A 3.5 gear would have been perfect.

It did have it's share of problems due to a first model year but nothing seriously wrong. I kept it for 10 years and put about 180,000 miles on it. By then the only gear that wouldn't howl was 3rd gear. It was pretty worn out by then. I did like it and loaded it up many times with the roof fully loaded on family trips to Yosemite when the kids were small. It handled it all pretty well.

I currently have a 2001 Tahoe that has been the best vehicle I've owned with 239,000 miles on it. It runs strong but looks like hell with all the clear coat peeling off. I was lately looking at a Colorado ZR2 and Tacoma Sport planning on a purchase late next year. Now I'm heavily looking at the Gladiator. The timing looks to be right with release in Q2 2019. I said I would never buy a first model year again but I may cave for the Gladiator. It shares running gear and engine and most other components with the Wrangler that are proven components. The Dana axles are awesome. The only things really new are the frame and the drive shaft and the roof so how bad could they screw those up? I'm hopeful.

I don't like the tall bed sidewalls on the new midsize pickups. The Gladiator has a reasonable bed height and shorter sidewalls. Maybe there will be some deals this time next year after the initial frenzy and hopefully Jeep will have built a bunch in early 2019.

The important question.... can I fit my Stelvio in the 5-foot bed with the gate down?

[Kev m]

[twowheeladdict]

If they come out with a 2 door extended cab with at least a 6 foot bed I will probably go for it. 

I love the versatility of being able to tow a good size trailer, haul stuff, and the ability to have open air driving when desired.

The passenger doors look like they took a shortcut to save building unique passenger doors and are an eye sore on the 4 door model.  I don't need rear seats and don't want rear seats.

[poorBob]

If they come out with a 2 door extended cab with at least a 6 foot bed I will probably go for it. 

I love the versatility of being able to tow a good size trailer, haul stuff, and the ability to have open air driving when desired.

The passenger doors look like they took a shortcut to save building unique passenger doors and are an eye sore on the 4 door model.  I don't need rear seats and don't want rear seats.

+1
I have owned 5 pickups in my life - all 2 doors with long beds. For my money, a 4 door with a short bed defeats the purpose of having a pickup truck. That said, I am seriously going to look at these new Jeeps - definitely a contender for next 4 wheeled vehicle.

[Kev m]

Well if it takes off wildly maybe, MAYBE you might see a 2-door extended cab variant, but they went this way for a reason (the vast majority of the truck buying public, especially in the mid-size segment) are buying 4-door crew cabs.

Personally the rear doors don't offend me at all, it makes total sense to share as many parts as possible with the JL/JLU. Hell that makes accessories and replacements easier and cheaper .

I took a look at the website last night - damn the Overlander trim in Hydro Blue with a black hardtop and tan leather - yup, I'd be ALL OVER THAT!

Good thing I LOVE the one I have.

[Joliet Jim]

+1
I have owned 5 pickups in my life - all 2 doors with long beds. For my money, a 4 door with a short bed defeats the purpose of having a pickup truck. That said, I am seriously going to look at these new Jeeps - definitely a contender for next 4 wheeled vehicle.

Depends what your purpose is, if it's to tow 9000lbs of travel trailer on a long road trip like I do, a double or extended cab 2500HD is the right truck. Room enough inside to carry the things you need for a five to six hour drive (coffee, food, jackets) and a large telescope tripod with a bed long enough for camping supplies.

[rocker59]

If they come out with a 2 door extended cab with at least a 6 foot bed I will probably go for it. 
 

That would be my preference for a daily driver.  Two-door with a slightly extended cab.  Maybe only 18-inches.  No ridiculous little jump seats.  Just a flat floor in the extended area to put luggage, tools, whatever.  Then add a 6'6" bed.

Like Kev mentioned, the 4-door Gladiator will have to sell above expectations in order for a 2-door to be introduced.  It would require tooling up for a new cab and bed.  Not a cheap proposition.

something like this fantasy photoshop rendering:

[twowheeladdict]

Depends what your purpose is, if it's to tow 9000lbs of travel trailer on a long road trip like I do, a double or extended cab 2500HD is the right truck. Room enough inside to carry the things you need for a five to six hour drive (coffee, food, jackets) and a large telescope tripod with a bed long enough for camping supplies.

The gladiator won't come close to that.  LOL!  My only draw to the Gladiator is the ability to have a soft top and open air driving.  Otherwise, I will keep my Nissan king cab with its 6500 towing capacity and room for a bike or tent set up in the bed.

We also have a regular cab long bed 2500HD for towing the gooseneck horse trailer.  Everything goes in the trailer or the toolbox and with the two of us the cab never feels crowded.

I like king cabs because I don't need or want four doors.  The older style GMs with the suicide doors looked better and were more practical for getting stuff out of the back.

Nissan has a rear seat delete option on their new Titan that appeals to me.  They remove the seats and add storage organization as well as bump up the front seats to power and console.  Hard to find one to look at though because everyone wants luxury trucks these days.

[twowheeladdict]

That would be my preference for a daily driver.  Two-door with a slightly extended cab.  Maybe only 18-inches.  No ridiculous little jump seats.  Just a flat floor in the extended area to put luggage, tools, whatever.  Then add a 6'6" bed.

Like Kev mentioned, the 4-door Gladiator will have to sell above expectations in order for a 2-door to be introduced.  It would require tooling up for a new cab and bed.  Not a cheap proposition.

something like this fantasy photoshop rendering:

  Yes, that right there would be the one.

[Kev m]

The gladiator won't come close to that.  LOL!  My only draw to the Gladiator is the ability to have a soft top and open air driving.  Otherwise, I will keep my Nissan king cab with its 6500 towing capacity and room for a bike or tent set up in the bed.

FWIW, the tow rating on the Gladiator is 7650# and you can put a bike or tent in the bed.

But I'm with you, it would be the open air thing for me!

I think I closed the top on my JKU no more than maybe once a month all summer!

[Kev m]

THIS IS what I want:

[rocker59]

The gladiator won't come close to that.  LOL!  My only draw to the Gladiator is the ability to have a soft top and open air driving.  Otherwise, I will keep my Nissan king cab with its 6500 towing capacity and room for a bike or tent set up in the bed.

With 7650 lbs towing and 1600 lbs cargo capacities, the Gladiator is in 1/2 ton pickup territory.

Late intro of the 3.0 EcoTech Diesel will give the Gladiator 400 lb/ft torque.  It will be pretty capable, especially in Rubicon trim.

It could never replace a 3/4 ton pickup, though, for what they can do.

[Toecutter]

I love it. I'd love one.

But I don't buy new cars/trucks. Ever. Worst use of money in the world. I buy used, I pay cash.

I get the "what about warranty" argument from my friends, to which I respond "Waranty is only useful on new vehicles anyways". I'd much rather buy a 6-7 year old vehicle, and fix it as needed on my own dime. I come out so much further ahead in the end.

Hell, my current vehicle... the oh-so-cool 2006 Honda Element. I've put 225,000 km on it since buying it used (it was 6 years old when I bough it), and I think, in total (not including gas and insurance) I have about $18,500 in it. That's maintenace, tires, repairs...

Buying new makes zero sense to me.

but, if someone wants to sell me their Jeep Gladiator for $10,000  or less, I'm all in. Hit me up.

[Kev m]

I love it. I'd love one.

But I don't buy new cars/trucks. Ever. Worst use of money in the world. I buy used, I pay cash.

I get the "what about warranty" argument from my friends, to which I respond "Waranty is only useful on new vehicles anyways". I'd much rather buy a 6-7 year old vehicle, and fix it as needed on my own dime. I come out so much further ahead in the end.

Hell, my current vehicle... the oh-so-cool 2006 Honda Element. I've put 225,000 km on it since buying it used (it was 6 years old when I bough it), and I think, in total (not including gas and insurance) I have about $18,500 in it. That's maintenace, tires, repairs...

Buying new makes zero sense to me.

but, if someone wants to sell me their Jeep Gladiator for $10,000  or less, I'm all in. Hit me up.

I get it, BUT, keep in mind that currently the Wrangler enjoys top dog resale value (along with only a couple of other players like the Tacoma). So time will tell how much depreciation you can save.

[rocker59]

  if someone wants to sell me their Jeep Gladiator for $10,000  or less, I'm all in. Hit me up.

It's hard to buy a Jeep of any kind "for $10,000 or less".

It would be 20+ years old and have a four-banger.

[twowheeladdict]

I love it. I'd love one.

But I don't buy new cars/trucks. Ever. Worst use of money in the world. I buy used, I pay cash.

I get the "what about warranty" argument from my friends, to which I respond "Waranty is only useful on new vehicles anyways". I'd much rather buy a 6-7 year old vehicle, and fix it as needed on my own dime. I come out so much further ahead in the end.

Hell, my current vehicle... the oh-so-cool 2006 Honda Element. I've put 225,000 km on it since buying it used (it was 6 years old when I bough it), and I think, in total (not including gas and insurance) I have about $18,500 in it. That's maintenace, tires, repairs...

Buying new makes zero sense to me.

but, if someone wants to sell me their Jeep Gladiator for $10,000  or less, I'm all in. Hit me up.

Just be thankful there are people willing to buy new.  I get the cash thing, and I am with you there, but I will also take advantage of the zero up to 1.9% financing on new (that you can't get on used) and let my money stay invested and growing. 

If I am just buying a commuter like a Honda, I will buy used.  If I am buying a vehicle that someone could have thrashed like a 4x4 or sports car I want new.  When I buy a used bike I end up making it like new so unless it is a real bargain it is not worth it to me.

I am currently looking at sports cars and certified used ones are where I am looking because they are priced better, have super low miles, and 7 year 100,000 mile warranties.  Many are vehicles given to the manufacturer's management for 6 months to a year of use.

[twowheeladdict]

It's hard to buy a Jeep of any kind "for $10,000 or less".

It would be 20+ years old and have a four-banger.

I have never pulled the trigger on a Jeep, but have admired them.  Starting in 1993, every few years when I have some money burning a hole I will go look at them and just can't justify the purchase.  '06 was one of those years and I looked at everything from square headlight models for $3000 to Rubicons for over $30,000.  In '06 Jeep was doing some nice rebates and I almost pulled the trigger on a base 4 cylinder with AC for $16900.  Should have done it.  The '05-'06 are my favorite Wranglers because I like that body style and the 6 speed manuals.  In '16 I was looking again and found an '06 just like I could have bought with 48,000 miles on the clock.  They wanted $15,000 and said they will get it.  I could have owned a jeep for 10 years and only lost $2k in value!

[Clifton]

If they come out with a 2 door extended cab with at least a 6 foot bed I will probably go for it. 

I love the versatility of being able to tow a good size trailer, haul stuff, and the ability to have open air driving when desired.

The passenger doors look like they took a shortcut to save building unique passenger doors and are an eye sore on the 4 door model.  I don't need rear seats and don't want rear seats.

Same here and don't even put little fold up seats in the back, just make a nice space for tools, camping gear, dog, etc. Hopefully FCA could offer this in one trim level at some point.

[bad Chad]

I don’t know much about this new pick up except The choice of name seems somewhat Homo erotic.
I do know the must-have keep up with the Joneses vehicle in suburban Chicago for the past couple years has been the four-door Jeep Wrangler hands down.  Those things are all over the suburbs though I never saw one that looked like it had been anywhere near dirt!

[Kev m]

I don’t know much about this new pick up except The choice of name seems somewhat Homo erotic.

It's a name from Jeep's own history, a Jeep pickup introduced for the 1963 model year.

[rocker59]

I don’t know much about this new pick up except The choice of name seems somewhat Homo erotic.
I do know the must-have keep up with the Joneses vehicle in suburban Chicago for the past couple years has been the four-door Jeep Wrangler hands down.  Those things are all over the suburbs though I never saw one that looked like it had been anywhere near dirt!

Gladiator was a full-size truck for 1963:


It was also a Wrangler-based show truck in 2005:



Get yourself out of the suburbs and you'll see lots of dirty Jeeps.  They're popular here in The Ozarks, and in The Rockies.