Jeep Wrangler vs. Gladiator: A Tale of Two Very Different Jeeps

At first glance, the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator look almost identical, sharing similar styling inside and out, along with the same Pentastar V6 engine. But beneath the surface, these two models are built for very different buyers, and a closer look at the base trims reveals just how far apart they really are.

The most obvious difference is body style: the Wrangler is an SUV, while the Gladiator is a pickup truck. That distinction brings major size changes. 3 inches. That extra length translates into more headroom and rear legroom for passengers, and the Gladiator seats five, compared to the Wrangler's four.

All that extra size comes with extra weight. The base Wrangler tips the scales at 4,003 pounds, while the Gladiator weighs in at 5,050 pounds. 1 seconds longer. The Gladiator also carries a higher price tag, starting at $41,815 versus the Wrangler's $38,030.

6-liter V6, but the drivetrains differ. The Wrangler comes with a 6-speed manual, while the Gladiator gets an 8-speed automatic, a $2,500 option on the Wrangler. The Gladiator's peak torque of 260 pound-feet arrives earlier at 4,400 rpm, compared to the Wrangler's 4,800 rpm. The truck also comes standard with a tow hitch and can pull 4,500 pounds, while the Wrangler manages just 2,000 pounds with the hitch as an extra.

Fuel economy is close, with both returning 19 mpg combined, though the Wrangler edges ahead on the highway at 23 mpg versus the Gladiator's 22. These differences aren't about one being better, they simply show how the Gladiator leans toward work and family duty, while the Wrangler remains a more accessible, lighter-footed option for everyday driving.