Gravel Roads and Grocery Loads: The Jeep Gladiator’s Got Your Back (and Bed)

Posted at Wed, May 14, 2025 4:00 PM

At Landmark Dodge of Morrow, we’ve spent years helping our customers find the perfect truck to fit their lifestyle. And when it comes to the 2025 Jeep Gladiator, it stands out for reasons that go well beyond what you’ll see on a spec sheet. This truck isn’t built to blend in — it’s designed for those who want something bold, capable, and unmistakably different. The Gladiator brings legendary Jeep off-road DNA to the midsize truck world, offering rugged charm, trail-ready features, and open-air freedom you won’t find anywhere else. 

But here’s the thing: the Gladiator isn’t trying to be like the rest.

Think Wrangler… with a Truck Bed

This isn’t your typical midsize pickup. The Gladiator is, at its core, a Jeep Wrangler that decided it wanted to carry more gear. That means it brings all the iconic Jeep DNA with it—removable doors, a roof you can take off, a fold-down windshield, and a go-anywhere attitude most trucks can’t touch.

Want to feel the wind in your hair and dirt under your tires, all while having room in the back for your gear? The Gladiator’s got you covered. Plus, every trim now comes with Jeep’s vibrant 12.3-inch Uconnect touchscreen, making it feel just as modern as it is rugged.

What’s New for 2025?

Jeep made some smart moves this year:

  • Manual transmission is gone—every model now runs with a smooth 8-speed automatic

  • More features come standard, yet pricing dropped on many trims

  • Power windows and locks are standard across the board

  • Two bold new colors: Fathom Blue and a throwback olive drab called ‘41

The 3.6-liter V6 remains under the hood, producing 285 horsepower, and if you want this engine in a Jeep, the Gladiator is now your only option—it’s no longer available in the Wrangler.

Trim Levels: A Gladiator for Every Lifestyle

With six core trims and a few special editions, there’s something here for every kind of buyer:

  • Sport – Simple, rugged, and ready for upgrades: steel wheels, soft top, and Command-Trac 4x4

  • Nighthawk – Adds style with body-color hardtop and fenders, plus 20-inch wheels

  • Sport S – Value-driven with alloy wheels, safety tech, and Gorilla Glass windshield

  • Texas Trail / Big Bear / High Tide – Special edition looks with off-road capability baked in

  • Willys – Beefed-up for the trail with mud tires, rear locker, and rock rails

  • Rubicon – The ultimate off-roader with 33-inch tires, Rock-Trac 4x4, and disconnecting sway bar

  • Mojave – Desert-ready with a high-speed-tuned suspension and a reinforced frame

  • X Models – Premium takes on the Rubicon and Mojave, loaded with luxury and off-road hardware

Prices start around $39,995 and can climb into the $60K range for the loaded X trims.

Performance: Built for the Backcountry

The Gladiator’s V6 won’t break land-speed records, and it’s not meant to. While competitors like the Tacoma and Ranger offer punchier engines, the Jeep makes its mark off the pavement.

Three available 4x4 systems—Command-Trac, Selec-Trac, and Rock-Trac—let you dial in your trail setup. It’s not the softest ride on the road, especially with chunky tires, but the payoff comes when the pavement ends.

Towing, Hauling, and Utility

It may not have the biggest bed in the class, but it still pulls its weight. The 5-foot box has a max enclosed volume of 35.5 cubic feet. That’s a little less than what you’d find in something like a Ford Ranger, but still plenty usable.

Towing tops out at 7,700 pounds, and max payload is 1,725 pounds—strong numbers for the midsize segment.

Fuel Economy: It’s No Prius

The 2025 Jeep Gladiator delivers the kind of performance that’s built for the trail, not just the pavement. It’s rated at 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, offering a balance of capability and efficiency for a truck that thrives off-road. And while upgrades like larger tires or lift kits can impact mileage, they also unlock even greater adventure potential — which is exactly what the Gladiator is made for. If your priorities include rugged performance and open-air freedom, this Jeep is ready to take you there.

But if personality and trail capability are what you’re after, you’ll know it’s a fair trade.

Interior: Pure Jeep Charm

Inside, the 2025 Jeep Gladiator stays true to its Jeep roots with a cabin that’s rugged, practical, and purpose-built. It features the same durable, easy-to-clean design as the Wrangler, making it ideal for active lifestyles and off-road adventures. The interior balances comfort with utility, and the back seat is well-suited for passengers or extra gear when you need it. Plus, with removable doors, roof options, and a fold-down windshield, it delivers a driving experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Choose from three roof setups:

  • Standard Sunrider soft top

  • Removable Freedom Top hardtop

  • The hybrid Sunrider for Hardtop

Or just go all in and get both—you can!

Tech That Works Hard and Looks Good

Every 2025 Gladiator gets Jeep’s excellent 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 system. It’s fast, responsive, and packed with features:

  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

  • Amazon Alexa integration

  • Dual Bluetooth

  • Split-screen mode

  • Easy-to-navigate docked menus

Whether you’re crawling over boulders or sitting in rush hour, the tech keeps up.

Safety: Solid Tech, Pending Ratings

While official crash scores for the 2025 model aren’t out yet, previous Gladiators have had mixed results in rollover and side-impact tests. Still, it includes plenty of modern safety features:

  • Adaptive cruise control

  • Blind spot monitoring

  • Forward collision warning

  • Trailer sway control

  • Rear parking sensors

  • Side curtain airbags

Final Word: Who’s the Gladiator For?

If you want something different—something with trail-rated capability, unmistakable style, and a convertible roof? The Gladiator delivers in a way no other truck does. It’s a true Jeep with the utility of a pickup, and there’s nothing else quite like it on the market.

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