2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Review and Off-Road Test

[@drivingsports]

Is this the Jeep you’ve been waiting for?

[@bosse641]

No. It's too long. The blue Jeep J6 - 2019 - Moab Concept is what it should have been, imo. Perfect. So fine.

[@0HOON0]

Most people don't want the two door jeeps even if they perform better.

[@chadhanson4369]

Driving Sports TV We used to like foreigners too but if you test drive the turbo charged wrangler it doesn’t have near the power, mpg and fun of the jeep. Not to mention the materials are so cheesy in the 4runner everything from plastic like seats to a touchscreen like the one in the 2006 hummers and a design created before then... I would get a grand Cherokee if you want luxury. The trail hawk can do way more than the Toyota and is way nicer in every way

[@NothingButSilicone]

I love my 2022 Gladiator Rubicon. Yeah, it has a bit of a long wheelbase, but all terrain is different. Most of the time it doesn’t matter. And if I do need a shorter wheelbase, I just tow my 2 door, 4x4, 5 speed Geo Tracker.

[@NothingButSilicone]

@@bosse641 Yeah, maybe, but it’s still the best pickup off road. Closet thing in capability would be the Tacoma TRD Pro, but it just doesn’t compare. Approach, departure, ground clearance, foot pedal transfer case vs electronic, crawl ratio, first gear, frame strength, bed strength, towing capacity, even has a real emergency/parking brake 😂. Lot of good full size trucks out there, but they have an even longer wheelbase, and they can’t fit into midsize spaces.

[@eriknephrongfr8847]

I’m not a Jeep guy, but I get it now. This thing is incredible. Thank you for an excellent review.

[@wcjeep]

Manual transfer case is superior. Electronic transfer case must be exercised monthly or the solenoid could stick in one position. Manual transfer case just works.

[@NothingButSilicone]

Shouldn’t you still engage the manual transfer case though? I’ve gotten a whole lot of opinions on this matter. I just make sure to engage 4H at least once a month for a good mile or two, and 4L at least once every other month. I just got my 2022 back in Dec. It’s so nice that I get anxiety going through the car wash 😂. I’ve gone in the mud a couple of times though. Just nothing too severe. But yeah, that was a big sell for me over the Tacoma TRD Pro. I hate electronics. It has a real emergency/parking brake too. Wish it had roll down windows.

[@wcjeep]

@@NothingButSilicone does not hurt to engage manual transfer case occasionally on proper surface.

[@SQJ9F]

I'm very happy that the hostage was released alive.

[@bosse641]

A 2 door long-bed would be interesting.

[@magniankh]

It was called the Comanche.

[@bigpeeler]

Great review. You’ utilized the different options going uphill which is just what I wanted to know about.

[@jjames2162]

Great review!! Outstanding location

[@Grodd70]

Love mine 2021 Rubicon. Yes, its long so if your looking to go rock crawling I would recommend a Wrangler preferably a two door. But that extra length makes a difference in the rear seat which has considerably more leg room than the 16 Tacoma it replaced. It also is more comfortable than the Tacoma, top of line to top of line stereo/infotainment no comparison the Jeeps Alpine is much nicer, easier to use less gremlins and louder. The Tacoma was always searching for gears and in my opinion the 3.5 V6 was just the wrong engine or tune for an off road truck I liked the previous 4.0L that was a great Toyota engine wasn't impressed with the 3.5 it lacked low end torque. I have no idea what 1/4 mile times are (although for off road truck who cares) but the Gladiator from 0-40 is considerably quicker than Tacoma. Freeway speed then hammer throttle I'll give it to Tacoma and Tacoma gets better mileage. The Jeep is much nicer inside, but it should be it was a lot more money. Off road especially in deep mud the Jeep Rubicon comes into its own.

[@NothingButSilicone]

Good to hear. I haven’t owned a Tacoma, but I was between a 2023 Tacoma TRD Pro and a 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. The only TRD Pro available within 500 miles was that awful solar octane color, and they were asking $9k over MSRP. I got my Gladiator in Dec the day after Christmas for almost $8k under MSRP. Went with the 3.6L and ZF 8HP transmission since they’re more reliable. Upon doing further research, seems the only thing the TRD Pro has on the Gladiator Rubicon is a shorter wheelbase. Approach, departure, ground clearance, foot pedal transfer case vs electronic, crawl ratio, first gear, frame strength, brakes, bed strength, real emergency/parking brake, tow capacity, etc etc. Gladiator reigns supreme in literally everything. Happy with my purchase. How’s your 2021 treated you though? Any problems yet?

[@Grodd70]

@@NothingButSilicone Awesome...congrats 2022 Rubicon:) I have been very happy so far...zero problems. Did a small leveling kit, Corsa exhaust, tonneau cover and a Tazer ...all good so far. Buddy who kind of followed me. I got a 2016 Tacoma, he went got the 2017 the following year. When I bought my 2021Gladiator he liked it so much he bought a still on lot 2020 Gladiator Rubicon. He had steering box issues (death wobble)at freeway speeds from the aluminum steering box..Jeep fixed it free of charge to the newer 2020+ steel box other than that, no problems for either of us.

[@blitzbbffl]

Nice to see you grooming your son to follow in his dad's steps as a future drivetrain abuser!! 😉

[@Goosefraba100]

59k. ouch.

[@motor-head]

Jeep has the only straight axle body on frame production 4x4 on the market and they are superior to all others in capability. The ability of the straight axle front suspension to articulate over terrain makes it far, far superior to say a Toyota or any other 4x4 with independent front suspension. With factory locking front and rear differentials in the Rubicon it's capabilities make the uninitiated just shake their heads in disbelief. The only downside is a new Rubicon costs a million dollars and it makes even the wealthiest think twice about taking it out and beating it up. I'll stick with my '97 Wrangler TJ. It's modified exactly the way I want it. It's extremely capable (even more capable than a new Rubicon) and I don't have to worry about scratching it because............well..............it's already scratched.

[@davehgreen]

This video sold me on the Rubicon vs a Sport. Great example and explanation for a lay person!

[@armaniusmaximus]

Lovely truck, but I'd have a hard time with it as a daily commuter. Sure love the off-road capabilities though!

[@NothingButSilicone]

I have a 2022 Gladiator Rubicon that is my daily. It’s very comfortable, but it has horrible gas mileage. I’m shopping for another vehicle. Going to trade in my 2nd vehicle for something that’s fast but still gets good gas mileage. Civic Type R, Golf R, Corolla GR, something like that. That way I’ll have the best of both worlds in my garage. Maybe after that I’ll even start a project car. Something older.

[@brsnow225]

I love my 22 Rubicon, I got the diesel, kills the sticker capable weight but it was just fine, will have to update next time, getting the Mopar lift that wasn't available when I ordered. I wouldn't want to pull the same camper with the gas though

[@0HOON0]

14:11 The Gladiator's offroad weak spot: An absolutely Massive wheelbase.

[@ALMX5DP]

_HOON_ while it’s worse than the standard Wrangler, it’s still quite competitive when compared to other factory vehicles. If it’s a big concern, then go with a slightly bigger tire which Jeep thoughtfully crafted the vehicle to accept.

[@markcalvert2675]

The Rubicon model essentially comes with a 1 inch lift. A 2 inch mopar lift with 35's will allow you to overcome most obstacles without scraping it's belly.

[@0HOON0]

@D B A full foot longer than a crew cab Tacoma.

[@0HOON0]

@D B I'll rephrase: The wheelbase is very long for a midsize truck and this somewhat compromises it offroad.

[@robertschmitz6805]

Goon, it's a truck.

[@djnnelson]

The Jeep is supposed to be moving when you transfer into 4LO. Just rolling at 2-3 MPH. That is why it popped out, it wasn’t fully engaged.

[@chirpchirpy123]

Personally I went to the dealer lookin for a gladiator but came out with a Wrangler Mojave. The gladiator just feels like one of those "I dunno if I want a truck or a legit off roader". The size is a huge liability on the extreme trails approaching full sizer territory.

[@NothingButSilicone]

Some of us need a truck, and therefore have no choice. Still the best off road truck there is by a long shot. Tacoma TRD Pro is great, but it really can’t match the performance. Not stock at least. On the vast majority of terrain, it hasn’t been a problem for me. Though if I need a shorter wheelbase, I just tow my 2 door, 4x4, 5 speed Geo Tracker 😂

[@michaelshowell8998]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JL, and how they've improved it from the JK.

[@wanttoplae]

Don’t forget the e-torque assisted 4-cylinder. Only a few horses less, more torque, better fuel economy, and faster to 60.

[@jdmspiritturkey]

hope to see the G wagen. for the offroad capabilities

[@drivingsports]

That video is dropping in a couple weeks.

[@miguelircontar]

I personally think the Wrangler looks better

[@nickolasdobbyn]

It's 2024 and I can't afford this one so I am going to get a 2020 Rubicon modded

[@Mauser1965]

Then there's the other two things that many other enthusiasts do not have, such as the "Jeep Wave" and "Go Topless".

[@Soreal75]

Great video

[@floydb9100]

is this better than a mercedes 4x4 Squared ? If so, how ?

[@spursdynasty7378]

Love the look but not the price!

[@spencergaither8660]

Great job.😎

[@moonsapling]

Great review as always! Would love to see the new Forester or Outback attempt these obstacles.

[@Sirgromulus]

Not exactly in the same category...if you haven't noticed.

[@moonsapling]

@@Sirgromulus what does this have to do with my comment? I just said I would like to see if a Subaru can clear that exact same obstacle.

[@drivingsports]

We're going to ask Subaru if they're game when they eventually ship an Outback up to our region. So long as it's before the first snow. That location is above our winter snowline.

[@moonsapling]

@@drivingsports thanks for reaching back! Looking forward to your next review!

[@chadhanson4369]

Umbra says I highly recommend test driving a Forrester and then a Cherokee (most awarded suv ever) and wrangler with the full electronic dash and touchscreen. My friend tried to get me in the Subarus but after coming from Jeep I couldn’t stand how cheesy and cheaply made everything worse. Not to mention I get 26 mpg in a 300 horse power wrangler compared to two mpg better with nearly half the horsepower for the same price in a subie. Not to mention the jeep resells for thousands more which saves you thousands more in the long run even if you spend an extra $80 in gas a year. My friend switched over to Jeep as well. I highly recommend checking out their new turbo in a Cherokee trail hawk or limited. Way better resale value, way more capability, way nicer materials, most awarded SUV ever, best touchscreen on the market, and soft touch materials everywhere. I don’t know how Subaru is in business but Jeep and dodge sold over 2 million vehicles in US alone last year so there far beating Subaru in every way Hope that was helpful and you get a nice, fun car that saves you thousands more in the long run

[@justinwells6795]

Cool truck but the 60k msrp is ridiculous

[@chadhanson4369]

You can buy one under $40,000. This has just tons of extras and appearances you don’t need

[@robertschmitz6805]

There's no difference in price . the Chevy and toy, all cost the same. But you can't take off the top on theirs.

[@robertschmitz6805]

The price of the JT is $35,000. And customising it , is way cheaper to do on a jeep. Way more parts. And less parts to put on a Toy. I've done a lot of research and comparisons with all theses trucks. For what the JT can do is far better than any other mid size truck out there.

[@DrHavok1]

wtf is that the olympic mountains near ish mason county wa

[@drivingsports]

This was filmed near Snoqualmie. That's Mt Rainier in the background.

[@derecksotomsyor9768]

si subió la jeep

[@jo-vf7rc]

Needs a hellcat

[@squidproquo2241]

No kiddo your off road system is better than that Jeep. You can climb straight up rocks higher than the length of that Jeep.

[@DPACGJ]

How tall is the boy? The shoulder strap riding high on him. Most authorities recommend a booster seat or equivalent until the child is at least 57 inches tall.

[@drivingsports]

State law in Washington is booster seat until their 8th birthday or 4'9", whichever comes first.

[@vicwiseman6038]

For that price, I would take the TrdPro Taco.

[@elgrande3934]

Nice but overpriced.

[@ALMX5DP]

Not bad, but let’s not kid ourselves thinking this is anything other than a full-size truck.

[@ALMX5DP]

guy proulx nope but it has dimensions in key areas that are larger than some 1/2 tons. To me that means it can be considered for the segment above.

[@ALMX5DP]

guy proulx using a base F-150 for comparison, length, width, height and wheelbase.

[@ALMX5DP]

@guy proulx I guess that was satisfactory?

[@ALMX5DP]

@guy proulx I did though, they are right above.

[@ALMX5DP]

guy proulx so what do you think?

[@henrykim1996]

Bottom is already rust... dang. 😑

[@magniankh]

They come with skid plates now, standard option.

[@kdtune33]

Close to 70 grand out the lot....,gotta be a dope dealer,pimp or work for the govt to afford that shit!

[@capt.stubing5604]

Rubicon starts at $45k.

[@capt.stubing5604]

I just bought a Launch Edition fully loaded for $58k and change.

[@whitefang8329]

overpriced car.