2020 Jeep Gladiator Review | The Technical Breakdown

We take a look at the 2020 Jeep Gladiator truck, a brand new take on the Wrangler turned hauler. There are many claims that this is just a simple cash grab and not a real truck, so we take a deeper technical look at the changes and differences with help from Chief Engineer Pete Milosavlevski. The new Jeep is part, SUV, Truck and off-roader and the Gladiator makes no attempt to copy competitors. Will people still cross shop the Tacoma, Colorado and Ranger? We look at the good and bad in this video.
Gladiator Off Road Testing:
• 2020 Jeep Gladiator Qu...
Outro Music - Alan Fowler
Index:
00:00 - 1:15 Intro
1:15 - 6:35 Driving and Vehicle Impressions
6:35 - 9:28 In the Shoppe - Changes to Suspension and Body
9:28 - 12:00 Changes to the Rear Suspension and Frame
12:00 - 13:11 Under the Hood and Towing
13:11 Final Thoughts

[@maninredhelm]

Finally a vehicle for the person who buys a convertible but never puts the top down, buys a 4x4 but never takes it offroad, and buys a pickup but never uses the truck bed.

[@StrideRunner68]

To be fair most new trucks are just used for towing... the carpenters like used trucks to damage ..

[@rmarques1]

Jack of all trades.. master of none.

[@bradysmith3024]

@@rmarques1 true, it's not a Wrangler, it's not a pick up truck... It's both but a little less

[@nomadben]

Holy shit, that's such a beautiful way to put it.

[@patx35]

@@StrideRunner68 To be fair, people buy tow packages, but never tow anything that a crossover can't handle.

[@anotherrandomtexan25]

Some people might be bored by it but the technical stuff is what I subbed for!

[@privateprivate5302]

Me too. I like when they hoist up the car and explain the under carriage. I'm a 41 year old lady and I've learned most of what I know about cars from you tubers I'm in the market for a new car so the education is invaluable. And I LOVE his dry sense of humor

[@skipbreakfast]

Same

[@FishFind3000]

That’s is what makes me see the real value in the car. Once I started working on my own car so see where the money has gone and can appreciated the work and enjoy the car more.

[@raymonds7492]

i came for the sexy stepdad, i stayed for the undercarriage

[@gadielsantiago8813]

Same here

[@bellinghambaseball2]

Dear Savagegeese, I really appreciate you using fun and funky stock music on your B-roll footage instead of regurgitating the same ten shitty tracks (that sound like a dying animal) every other KZbinr uses. Thank you.

[@user-os8sq3uh4n]

From what little I know of music theory I noticed the intro never resolves to a stable note, leaving a dissonant feel. Hallway through the video I'm still waiting for it to resolve.

[@joetarrant99]

The music in the beginning was so on point. Solid nuances, very technical. Wow. Good review Dr. Goose M.D.

[@TC-rc1zf]

You are great at what you do. I watch lots of car reviews and you do it without being quirky and random but is still entertaining and informative

[@SteyrM1912]

This is probably one of my favorite car channels now. You should have way more subscribers than you do.

[@thegamingguy1]

Dude i refuse to except that you make your own music that first song was a straight BANGER

[@Natethegreat200c]

I’m hoping to see your point of FCA to change with the help of your FCA rep Kelly to give you the latest cars and even the old Ones u just had a instant judgement on and never drove. Can’t wait for more FCA videos. Thanks for this one.

[@mikezerker6925]

The detail and quality of your videos is simply amazing!!

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Didnt cover washer fluid capacity

[@savagegeese]

I blew it!

[@MeynMotorGroup]

@@savagegeese I mean it's fine man but I will be anticipating a follow up video to this and I expect to have the information included, in fact I'm entitled to that information.

[@savagegeese]

@@MeynMotorGroup 45 minute video draining the tank and refilling

[@MeynMotorGroup]

@@savagegeese now that's a video i'll get napkins and lotion ready

[@kevinregan5566]

If it is like the other JL's out there, it hold's 7/8ths of a gallon. Here is a link to the forum where they are discussing just that, and the overall frustration that there is a miniscule amount left in the gallon jug when you are done filling it. If Mercedes did not destroy Jeep, will this be the thing that does? Only time can tell. www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/windshield-washer-fluid.17468/page-2

[@IMLYINGISWEAR]

If Toyota sold the 79 Series Landcruiser in the US, the Gladiator would cease to exist.

[@devlad]

Totally agree, especially with the 4.5L V8 turbo diesel.

[@MarkPharaoh]

You clearly don’t understand Jeep fanatics 😉

[@DiscoFang]

@@devlad 4.5L V8 Turbo diesel with manual trans and Euro 5 emissions rating.

[@ataraxia4526]

I can't believe they actually made this car. I saw some photos of this concept years ago but never tought they would do it. This thing is just so insane and cool it's unreal.

[@1bojanbojan]

I have tested one on my channel 0-60, did better than expected. Loved the refreshed jeep wrangler, Drives way better than before. 8 speed is a huge step up from old 5 speed and new wrangler is a lot quieter.

[@greentube461]

Great video, as always ! Many thanks ! - if you ever make another, could you expand on the on-road ride differences between Overland and Rubicon trim levels ?

[@briancoleman971]

Great review. You nailed the differences that Jeep owners are willing to live with and why

[@CourtneyCoyle]

Really enjoy your brutal honesty on reviews. I am looking at a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (2019 or 2020) and would love to see you review it!

[@leenmeenmememachine]

Great review, thanks for taking a look at an interesting and refreshing modern car, even if it's not perfect it's still enjoyable to watch you do a deep dive on it. About the infotainment issues, I've heard you used to be an ex-tech guy. I think it would be a very interesting video if you explored the design, compromises and philosophies of car computer/infotainment design, it's a field I don't kniw very much about. It might be a bit too technical for mass appeal for clicks, but it's definitely something I haven't seen yet and would be really interested in exploring.

[@wilsontennis31992]

Love the intro music. Your work is just so good.

[@Koato]

wilsontennis31992 it’s like Zelda the Aladdin version

[@kaikaiser1497]

Thank you, way ahead in detail & quality in comparison to (most of) the other JT Gladiator Reviews.

[@tomingrassiaimages8776]

Love the portrait lighting at the intro.

[@vinuezaer]

Very nice. You brought a few new things to light. Thanks.

[@timothycc711]

Another excellent video Mark! Love it!

[@panterino]

I never go off-road but I love this car and I'm glad they made it. Someone out there is going to have a crazy amount of fun with it!

[@TeensierPython]

I do! I hardly ever use it for its full off-road capabilities. But I love having it when I need to get to those places other cars/trucks can’t get while carrying all my hiking/camping/hunting gear.

[@cspnboy14]

I recently drove a JL Wrangler with the I4 turbo and loved the low-end torque, etc. I did some HW and was not happy to find that the battery to create your e-torque will cost about $1500 to replace. No thanks. Great review, great info!

[@mannyrosado9887]

Thank you for the phenomenal review. I'm in the market for one and this video greatly assisted.

[@basithph8958]

Really like the breakdown in this video Very detailed and expounded

[@hfwilkesjr]

🍺 Great job as usual, I especially like the choice of music at the beginning. 🍺

[@CammedFox]

The only car review channel I will watch. Plus I'm near the area you tend to film so it's cool to see places I might actually recognize lol

[@mikuelable]

Love your videos since day one

[@pigman4084]

My Ford with sync 3 does the screen disappearing act sometimes too as well as cutting power to the USB ports on occasion.

[@Mephistopheles019]

Your reviews are kick ass. Are you planning on reviewing the Tesla Model 3? In a world of fanboys on that product, I'd be really interested to hear your opinion.

[@bob15479]

YESSS. Please PM3 would love to hear what he has to say.

[@MaxSpeedMike]

A friend of mine saw a gladiator for the first time yesterday. It's amazing how many people think it's just a Wrangler with an added bed in the back

[@BA-gn3qb]

JEEP and Breakdown are two words in the title that say it all.

[@VS666]

i took your last video to heart and will continue to never consider buying a new vehicle. if someone can genuinely afford this gladiator i'm happy for them though, looks like a really cool vehicle that can do anything

[@TheBlackDeath3]

I love how the music in the beginning reminds me of Final Fantasy!

[@LPM84.]

Great detailed technical review. I like the gladiator, but I've been burned once by FCA with a 2014 Jeep Cherokee T.h. We sold it this march, and it still had 10 open recalls! Not to mention nearly a dozen T.C.M (transmission control module) software update/flashes, new transmission wiring harness, new T.P.S (throttle position sensor) and one transmission replaced at 32k miles due to loss of 2nd gear. Waiting a couple years to see how this vehicle pans out, and to see what the diesel engine version is like. Hopefully by then the FCA gets thier vehicles, and act together.

[@LPM84.]

@guy proulx wishful thinking lol🤣🤣🤣

[@unknownpleasures_nic]

Thats true, I now have a front wheel drive sedan. But my old rear wheel drive truck was kind of fun to toss around with all the body roll it felt like a roller coaster. love the tech stuff part btw

[@calebhall7052]

Awesome review! I have one question: What's the towing capacity on the Sport and Sport S if you don't elect to get the Max Tow Package?

[@jjlad5037]

Another excellent review! You tick all the boxes.

[@rjwintl]

have admired the truth about any of the vehicles that you review !!! ... great review , as always !!!

[@joelspaulding5964]

Opening scene is with the top-optioned Gladiator, complete with Savagegeese speaking dash ornament. (Hula-girl standard in lower trim levels.) Hula-Goose ornament is a one-off.

[@jebbush8491]

2:52 Amazing timing, must've taken a lot of planning to pull that off

[@tylerbennett6485]

Great review! One thing I've been searching for is an opinion on the Gladiator coming from a fullsize truck owner. I just wonder how they stack up in terms of interior space and bed/cargo space. Obviously there won't be as much room but is it somewhat livable if you have been living "fullsize" for a number of years.

[@hirundine44]

I am always amazed by other drivers who cross double yellow lines, especially coming towards us. Didn't Jeep make something similar in 1970's- 80's. ?

[@KimJasonE]

Did you ask about death wobble in the JK/JL? Wondering if they improved the ball joints/track bar/bushings.

[@Mr2pint]

Great review as usual I wonder how this compares with something like a Hilux - this jeep probably has more street cred however I don't trust Chrysler with build and reliability issues

[@chrismunsey3185]

I don't think they look good from the factory but I've seen a few modified ones with a lift and bigger wheels and tires and they are badass!!👌🏽

[@thestiggie7765]

Sweet environment and aerial shots! Where was it?

[@Mctsep]

Love your vids

[@BUCKNERBUCK2]

Folks commenting on rust... unless that spare tire is made of iron and is rusting also, that appears to be mud and dirt splatter. Probably a press vehicle that’s been to some events out west.

[@gsheverything_2716]

I learn way more things here than anywhere else, keep doing your shit buddy 👍

[@OuzoLouGarage]

How long has the 4x4 system been in place? You guys know how to build a AWESOME 4x4 for off road ?

[@nathanlewis3462]

Dana 44 axles front and rear standard on JT. Wide track on may tow equipped.

[@Ala7madFilms]

In Kuwait City, Wrangler covers 65% on the streets, and I hate it. As always, you change my perspective from what I hate to reconsider again, the good and bad of the car.

[@rog1046]

question did the 2019 ford ranger sync screen ever freeze up on u? Did the HVAC system freak out on you? Does the Ranger need a max trailer tow package to tow it's max?

[@rogerquijada3932]

Would be very interested in seeing a video on the new Nissan Titan

[@Robert8455]

What's up with the snake exhaust at 8:22 and is that a 1 quart or 2 quart oil sump? I applaud them for giving the market something new but why a 30' long 4 door? Why not a regular or 'club cab' that would be so much shorter? I configured a top of the line rubicon glad your later and price was 60 F'n thousand dollars?

[@eperot]

Because all anyone wants anymore are full crew cab pickups with short beds. When was the last time you saw a single cab pickup with an 8' bed? Trucks....the family car of the 21st century.

[@Giediprime117]

Cool jacket! Would you mind sharing? BTW your the best! Beginning of your video.

[@Clobercow1]

There is no airflow over the condenser outside to cool the charge regarding the AC. Make the main engine fan kick on and I bet it will blow cool.

[@tallll70]

Ram trucks have independent electric fan to keep AC compressor comfortable when vehicle is not moving, Jeep maybe too, but really ac will blow fairly cold without compressor fan, just not for long until compressor stalls, the fan is not there to make air could, but to keep compressor operational. I would guess the issue is in some control there not responding as expected and that they can easily tweak

[@JoshuaTootell]

AC should be hooked up to the electric fan. Soon as the compressor kicks on, so does the fan. If not, something is probably wrong.

[@JulianVR4]

Never have I EVER considered a Jeep, I've always been into my '04 SIlverado (I need to town my 3000GT to and from....but this thing is beginning to tickle my pickle as far as towing capacity and FUN vs a 4runner. BTW- These outtro videos have been brief and fucking HILARIOUS for the last several videos!! You got me trying to shut people down at work !!! LMAOOO

[@postersm7141]

4:37 did you pedal it between first and second or did you keep it to the floor the whole time?

[@071949]

The "Overland" part of the name is interesting. Many years ago my dad worked on the assembly line at the Jeep plant in Toledo, Ohio. The name of the company at that time was "Willys Overland".

[@fixman88]

Nice! The Electrolux factory where I work building freezers was founded in 1964...by Studebaker, and one of the professional freezer lines we make are still called Kelvinator.

[@MajorSpam]

Which Wrangler is best Wrangler? Mine is best because pick up.

[@cinthe3]

Can't wait till you tear up the supra

[@762x69]

I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was looking forward to that myself

[@davidfabian3899]

Had a jeep compass as a rental for two days and got a gladiator for the third. I found the gladiator much more fun to drive. Resale, reliability, price doesn't matter for a few day rental but it's fun as hell. Especially after that sick cow feeling compass.

[@wearetesla2820]

What’s the best trim level to get ??? Does it matter

[@DUD3_BR0]

The hard tops are actually louder than the soft tops by several decibels. The hard tops create more wind noise. You will hear more of whats around you with the soft top though. At least that's how it is on the JL.

[@savagegeese]

Its much quieter in the Gladiator.

[@christopherjsmith27]

Great video. You did not touch on safety. I realize it hasn't been crash tested and I know it's a Jeep but I am surprised with a newly designed vehicle in 2020 they didn't address safety issues such as side impact and crumple zones . Your thoughts?

[@savagegeese]

They have side airbags in the front seats. The frame was modified in the front to improve frontal impact. But rear airbags were not possible with open air/roof design. I don't think its a huge negative unless you use this as a family/passenger vehicle. Keep in mind this thing is still safer than cars from 10 years ago so while it may not be as safe as every modern car its far from a death trap. It also has size and weight on its side. If you hit a Civic you will destroy that car. If you hit a Suburban different story. Same can be said driving smaller cars which most crash tests Don't factor in. Not every crash is equal or measurable.

[@SirBigzalot]

I have an 09 SR turbo diesel hilux is this a worthy replacement?

[@Alyosha00]

Agreed on all your points, except the pricing. The Gladiator is actually quite expensive. Yes, you theoretically can buy the starting-price versions, but spec'd for the average guy, it's super pricey. The TFL folks bought a Rubicon for 60k (which only included the most popular options !!). I feel that FCA may have miscalculated its pricing strategy. Yes, the Gladiator is cool, but you can buy a Colorado ZR2 or a Tacoma TRD Pro for the low 40k's. The price premium is excessive.

[@RalHellcat]

Do you think they should have made a Jeep Pickup based on the Grand Cherokee vs the Wrangler?

[@davidtaylor5811]

Yes! Imagine if it had the same engine options!

[@DJPleasureSeekingMissle]

Is that a new V60 you’re sitting in? Possible review soon?

[@fabianherrmann6398]

Dont know anything about offroad driving, nor care about Jeeps or trucks and towing, but I had a very entertaining and informative time watching your video! Love your showing all the parts, what does what and where and how.

[@justinrussell9009]

Damn that's a nice jacket in the ontro

[@robertmontgomery7158]

Is the rusty undercarriage an option? Or is that dirt?

[@Tempsho]

What’s the towing capacity with the manual transmission.

[@fredd164]

What's the intro music? I could totally get down w that.

[@farshadfarah]

@savagegeese - Really cool jacket! what brand is it?

[@EvanMoon]

“This is Sparta.” Oh sorry wrong movie

[@leeloo21231234]

does it still leak inside. ? I can't get people who would pay this kind of money on a car that leaks from new..

[@TheLegendandjaguar]

Its either the 2020 Bronco or for some odd reason liking that Chevy Zr2

[@ihateshysters]

Final Fantasy town music in the intro.

[@dannoyes4493]

Well Done!

[@blitzbbffl]

Mark, you missed the most important spec! Is it true that the Gladiator can weigh 5,070 LBS? If so, no wonder people are complaining about that no low-end torque V6.

[@eganjos1]

God damn you make great videos. Super Premium

[@Gorilla_Jones]

This vehicle should come with the theme to Rambo blaring from external speakers.

[@dpcoffey]

Yep, and with no way to turn it off. Not even cutting the battery will disable it.

[@jgg204]

Gladiator is coming at a much needed time for FCA. They just reported their sales numbers, the Wrangler JL sales are down -25%

[@appiana4009]

Except that the reason JL sales are down is because they're too dang expensive...

[@jgg204]

@@appiana4009 so true. The prices are out or control

[@charlietripi]

What song was that at the end of your intro please 😍

[@baronvonjo1929]

Is it reliable though?

[@ien2023]

You know one thing you'll notice ? ...the price tag. You will def feel it in your pocket. It's awkward looking long boxy truck for all the wrong reasons. I was so looking for The Gladiator but I'm holding off my money for The Bronco. Thank you Jeep for making me seriously looking at SUV again. You guys make truck look bad.

[@John__Doe__]

Can you make a review about the Tesla model 3?!

[@rainboxreviews]

I'd enjoy a vid on whether Jeep/FCA is fundamentally engineered and assembled to lower tolerances than Toyota. FCA consistently nails exciting design and misses reliability, and Toyota is the exact opposite.

[@gwot]

in your opinion. Toyota's been stepping up it's designs on the new models, I like 'em.

[@beaudaniel1370]

@guy proulx that's the cool thing about the gladiator you can tighten all the bolts they missed from factory yourself good luck doing that on a Toyota

[@dwaynecarlin]

High Margins FCA only has 2 current domestic (if you can even call it that) products selling so raise the price and they will come.

[@393strokedcoupe]

I know what you would say to it but I'm going to ask anyway. I understand you do new car reviews and analysis, but it would be cool to see you do, every once in a while, a subscribers car. Preferably a pony car or common collectible. Anything else wouldn't make sense as people only look to buy older cars in these two areas mentioned that would appreciate the inside scoop I believe. I don't think anyone would come watch just to see a review of an old beater. Lol! Just saying, I think it would be a cool treat every once in a while.

[@WarHammer1911A1]

Looks awesome in silver.

[@AB-hi6ru]

Ty

[@brittthomas5946]

Luckily, never had the screen go blank on me. The Android Auto is slow to come on though.

[@powerofyourbrains]

We like riding on top of cars too

[@BTC909]

How is the Freestyle "tuning" coming along?

[@savagegeese]

Keeps blowing up

[@ashishpatel350]

It will definitely be breaking down...