Jeep Gladiator Review- The Good, Bad, & What I Changed Immediately

It's the truck just about every Jeep enthusiast has been waiting for-myself included. While I've done reviews on the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon in the past, I finally pulled the trigger on a Gator Green Gladiator to call my own. This is my initial review as moving from a 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 to the Gladiator Rubicon has been a big change. Here, I'm going to dive into what I like about, what I don't like about it, and all of the things I changed immediately.
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[@drakewilliams736]

You are by far my favorite person who did a review on the Gladiator! You were fair and honest. Also your 19 minute video felt as if were shorter than that because you got straight to the point. Other videos that were half the size of yours felt as if I were binge watching on Netflix!

[@Berserkeroffroad]

Thanks for sharing. This video is the first one I've seen that mentions the fender flares can be separated. Great content!

[@TheRageDr]

Heyo, just got the overland, looking forward to making it mine! thanks for the review and guidance!

[@richprice4138]

I did the exact same changes to my Gladiator. Love this truck!

[@RCoperator]

Great review man, thanks! My family and I want that exact one!

[@stevecrall206]

Thanks for this review. I’m a recent Owner of a Gladiator Rubicon and found this quite helpful. You might consider a Video for those of us new to off roading to explain the specific features that the Rubicon offers.

[@peterf.4268]

Great vid, really liking your Gladiator content, I’m planning on getting one, hopefully soon. With regards to the steering twitchiness some are experiencing (especially on JTs with a lift & bigger tires), it is likely a too-weak front track-bar mount. Synergy makes a beefier surround mount that corrects this issue.

[@jackd7402]

Great review and video. You obviously have experience with other brands of off road vehicles. I like what you are doing, keep it up!

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Thank you.

[@BrianFulmer]

Watched this while waiting for 35x12.5 BFG AT's to be installed on my JTR. I was a little startled that the things you added right away mapped very closely to my choices, except I ordered the factory bed rail kit so I can run a cargo net. Not much rain in California, so a tonneau is overkill REALLY agree about the shock valving being off. We named our truck Tigger because it is happy and bouncy!

[@billredding2000]

"Not much rain in California, so a tonneau is overkill" Please, people get a tonneau/bed-cover for more than just weather protection... -- BR (2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon)

[@eugeneenslow8563]

Excellent video. Very well spoken. Love the gator green. Would love to get a Willy's or Mojave in gator green.

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you.

[@allantilley3716]

Nice vid and nice Jeep! It's just called Gator here in Canada, not sure about in the US. I heard it was originally supposed to be called Gator Green but since it looks more brown than green they changed the name. It actually falls under the beige category with Gobi according to the Mopar parts dept here (and in person I can see why). Either way closest thing to actual green they sell it in yet!

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

It’s just called gator here as well. I just can’t help myself. I always call it Gator Green.

[@jaysteranka3904]

I love the video! I am planning on purchasing a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon in gator green. I have been going over the factory options. The one option that isn't listed is the option for a winch. Also there is an option that requires you to the LED lights which I would rather not have to get! Anyway I love your setup! I am looking forward to getting mine!!!

[@DrivingLine]

They offer the ability to get a winch on the Wrangler Rubicon now, I’m not sure if that’s going to roll over to the Gladiator line. I would not get it direct from the factory however unless they increase the capacity. The current Wrangler one they offer is an 8000 pound winch. You really need a 9500 pound or higher. LED lights should be optional, it just depends on trim package.

[@rcud1]

I was driving yesterday behind a basic looking semi truck and trailer hauling gravel, and they had all LED lights. These car mfg. selling LED lights as an expensive upgrade peeves me. But seems everything he didn't like was just personal preference to customize it, which is good.

[@guidok3762]

Subscribed, greetings from The Netherlands. I own a Jeep gladiator rubicon, bought it in Canada because it is not available in Europe

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Awesome! Thanks for subscribing and hello from the US!

[@fiftyshadesofurban]

2:12 Strangely enough with my Line-X bedliner stuff DOES NOT stay put. Whatever is in the back always ends up at the front of the bed when I get home.

[@frankconsidine5989]

I used 3/16 silicone fish tank air hose. You can get in different colors

[@rickchilds6922]

I enjoyed watching your Gladiator review, I have an Overland Gladiator and you mentioned hunting for a gear and shift points which I seem to feel when going thru my residential neighborhood at speeds not over 28mph it feels like it doesn't shift smoothly. I am wondering if its a normal auto transmission feel, Thanks Rick I also intend to buy the roll up bed cover.

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

I have the same powertrain in my JL. Both Jeeps shift fairly smoothly at low speeds. I have a slow section of neighborhood I cut through regularly. The oddest thing is to look down and being in sixth gear at 35 miles an hour.

[@ZR1GTV8AlQattan]

awesome review

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you!

[@DUNEATV]

Very nice video...thx

[@terrelwhite307]

I wanted to ask about the truck bed cover, could you ping me the link. I am so excited about getting one. My car is on the clock! Haha

[@catdaddy3302]

I’ve got a Mohave. There’s no problem with rear suspension.

[@TroyPosey]

I finally made a video about my new 2020 Gladiator Rubicon... I love this thing! 👍🏻🤘🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5WqoKl_nN-Igrs

[@jonathane8585]

I like the subtle mods. Curious you didnt opt to get the 11.5" wide trail/ridge grapplers? Perfect for the stock Rubicon wheels.

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

They only offer the Trail Grappler in a 11.50 at the moment. If they would offer the Ridge in that width, I definitely would’ve gone that way. I’ll probably end up just getting wheels eventually. I’ve found a few companies that over over 5.5 inches of backspacing.

[@jackd7402]

Ali Mansour Editor What company offer those wheels?

[@bobbyfanman1734]

Great reviews, always really enjoy your videos. You have a very nice style and just do a great job. Couple months ago I picked up a new Gladiator Sport S. I found a set of new Wrangler Rubicon take offs, 285/70/17 Falken Wildpeak MT that I put on my Sport S. I shouldn't have to recalibrate my speedo or anything like that for this mod do you think? I believe these are pretty much the same size as the stock Gladiator Rubicon tires. Also did your Gladiator have any issues with the steering on it, the wandering between the white lines? Mine is terrible, I'm all over the place. Fortunately I ran across the videos where folks are installing the Synergy front track & sector shaft brace which seems to fix the wandering. So I will be adding that shortly. Just was curious if you had the same problem or not. Thanks again for outstanding KZbin content.

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you. Technically you will not have to recalibrate your speedo for the Jeep to operate correctly with the new tires. However, your speedometer will likely be a touch off. A Tazer Mini from ZAutomotive would be a good future investment so you can input the new tire size. In terms of steering wander. Mine isn't bad enough where I feel I need to do get a drastic fix for it. Synergy makes great products. But, before I went that route, I would contact your local Jeep service department and see if your Gladiator qualifies for the TSB that swaps out the aluminum steering gearbox for a cast steel unit. That seems to be the fix for most people complaining about excessive front end wander. Best of all, it won't cost you anything.

[@bobbyfanman1734]

@@DrivingLine Great, thank you very much!

[@alieshragh6839]

If you had to keep one between JL and JT which one would you keep

[@randycarter4529]

Thank you for this video. Do you know if a Gladiator does not come with blind spot monitoring and you get new tail lights with it. Can the system be updated to run them?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

I don’t think so as that system is also part of the adaptive cruise control and utilizes additional sensors as well. If anyone would know, it’s probably Zautomotive. I would recommend reaching out to them.

[@highwayman3304]

I enjoyed your review, thank you. I have a 2020 gladiator Rubicon as well. I currently have 35‘s on it and was thinking about going to a 37 inch Ridge Grappler. Did you need to re-gear your JL? Why did you go with a 35 over the37’s for the gladiator? Thanks again.

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Thank you. I have not geared my JL yet. However, I want to. I think I’m going to do 4.88s. I knew going with the 37s for the Gladiator it would need gears. For 35s, it does not. I drive the Gladiator on road more than I do the Wrangler, so a 37 didn’t make sense for me.

[@bradgrabowski6750]

I just got a Gladiator Rubicon and I wanted to go 35’s but was reading 33 was the max without any type of lift kit. Have you had any issues on or off the road with clearance or rubbing? Thanks! Great video!

[@scratchnbell]

I currently have a Jk and Ram 2500. The wife has a JL. it is time to do something with the JK. I keep going back and forth between JL and a JT. We absolutely love having the top off. My wife calls the Jeep my sanity. I'm nervous the JT won't have the same same effect. We are out on forest roads at least 3 days a week. What are the driving and handling difference between the JL and the JT? What one do you prefer to just get in for driving and fun and why. BTW if I get a JT I will most likely wait for the diesel. I forgot to mention. I have a big Labrador that rides everywhere with me. The way the back seats fold are weird, not really up and not really down. I'm would probably do a partial rear seat delete to give the dog someplace to ride.

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

I love my Gladiator for a daily driver. I’m constantly using the bed, so it is more practical than the JL. I’ve just logged 1,000 miles of on and off-road driving with my JL. Other than the need to re-gear, I have no complaints about the performance overall. I prefer to go off-road in the JL much more than the Gladiator. That’s simply due to the size. I used to haul my German Shepard everywhere with me and would recommend doing some sort of seat extension or platform if you are getting the truck. Overall, if I had to keep one, it would be the Gladiator as I have a dedicated wheeling rig that I can use if I want to get rowdy off-road.

[@sethhinton5260]

I'm interested in the heavy tow package. I understand it's not available on the Rubi. But if I'm willing to wait, I can get the 4.10 gears and even add the fenders that come on the Rubicon. Do you know if that's accurate? Thanks for the revue.

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

I was looking at doing the same as you’re mentioning. Get the max tow package, and just add the Rubicon flares and gears later. You’ll probably have to special order one as well. Rubicon, when opted with the towing package, is more or less like opting for a max tow package in many senses. However, talking with those that do you have the max tow package versus other Rubicon owners, the ones with the max tow package say their Jeeps ride a lot stiffer.

[@ivannazario8761]

Awesome, I appreciate the review. I just purchased a sport S . I could pick up a rubicon Kit from someone who removed it. Do you recommend this rubicon lift kit with 33 inch tires? I can get it all for 1300

[@DrivingLine]

For that kind of money, you would be better off purchasing an aftermarket suspension kit. There are so many good and inexpensive kits for these trucks. The valving of the stock Rubicon shocks are very light, which is another reason to go aftermarket. - Ali Mansour

[@TheCottonmouth1967]

Put 35 tires on my auto jk , trans went out about 55,000 miles . Traded it in for the gladiator, love it . Will not make the same mistake twice , will put in 4.56 before going to 35 tires . Love Jeep ! Learned that proper gearing is the way to go .I got hooked on lift it big tires

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

A 4.56 would be great with 35s. The 4.10s work very well here in the coastal plains. If I didn’t start with a Rubicon, I would likely jump up to 4.88s. I don’t mind being a touch over geared as these engines don’t make power until higher in the RPM curve. Good luck with your build!

[@jeepjournal8248]

Hi may I check that your 35s do they stick out past the fender flares? Thank you!

[@DrivingLine]

The poked out just barely. I'm running different wheels now however. kzbin.info/www/bejne/imm0iIV4hLdjr9k

[@kimtaylor479]

Keep an eye on your rear axle seals leaking. Have a 21 rubi with 252 miles on it , both sides are leaking.

[@DrivingLine]

Haven't had an issue with that.

[@cmelchoraaron]

Baby shit green 😂 Love it

[@ytrabbithole6893]

Nice review. I know it’s a Jeep and comes with the territory, but is the wind noise a problem with the freedom top? On longer trips does it ever get irritating or do you sort of just get used to it?

[@DrivingLine]

You get used to it. The soft top makes noise as well. After you drive it for a while, you don't really pay attention to it.

[@ytrabbithole6893]

@@DrivingLine Thank you! That’s good to know.

[@johns6993]

Most 35/12.5/17 tire mfgs state 8.5in wide wheel... I like my stock JT wheels and don't really want any "poke" . What are the concerns/disadvantages of running a narrower wheel....Thanks

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

One of the biggest challenges with running a 7.5-inch wide wheel and a 12.50-inch wide tire is that the tread tends to crown at street pressure. Even at 35 psi, I have trouble getting the entire tread patch on the ground. You can test this by running chalk across the tire then driving. Any chalk that is left on the top of the tread block is an indicator that that part of the tire is not touching the ground. To fix this issue, you generally have to run lower air pressure. This can hurt your fuel economy and performance, as well as impact towing. I recently found that AEV offers a JT wheel with 5.77 inches of backspacing that is a 17x8.5. I'm going to order a set of those to get back in spec. Given it has such a high backspacing number, I should not be outside of the flare by much.

[@johns6993]

Thank you

[@ibjlgup]

Thanks for the great review. I just purchased a Mojave Edition in the same color and love it! Question...do you notice any rubbing with the 35's and no lift when off-roading?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Thank you. I haven’t experienced any rubbing with my setup and the type of wheeling that I do with it. I actually did a video on running 35s and no lift on the Rubicon Gladiator which you can watch here kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5jSloecdpqEb5I

[@petervlcek4764]

I

[@ernieallen9067]

You should get a bestop sunrider roof

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

I have a friend with one on his Gladiator. I like it. Super easy to use and install. Would be a good future upgrade.

[@bankruptsee]

Needs more power. Holding out for the Bronco truck because of the ecoboost.

[@johnkraft5640]

Diesel gladiator

[@jasonortiz65]

i love your Jeep

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Thank you.

[@FRWD_FXLRST]

Love the color. Is the Gladiator rear seat, leg room bigger than the JLU?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

As crazy as it sounds, the rear of the Gladiator seems bigger. But, by the numbers that FCA list, I don’t believe that it is.

[@BrianFulmer]

2" more leg room in the back. I can sit behind my 21 year old who is 6'2" and I'm at 6'1. Little changes make a difference. EDIT I misspoke, I read that and didn't confirm it, but dang I've been in a JL and it doesn't seem to have as much legroom. 38.3" on JL and JT.

[@trl510]

"baby shit brown" like the description :)

[@robertwhite1217]

Traded my ZR2 for a Gobi Rubicon, and haven;t looked back!!

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

I love the Gobi color. That was my second choice if I couldn’t get the Gator Green. My Colorado was a great truck, but so far, I am really enjoying the Gladiator.

[@jthor8373]

You traded in your ZR2 for the Gladiator Rubicon!? I did too lol

[@Audace1400]

I'm looking at a zr2 or gladiator. In your experience what makes the gladiator a better vehicle?

[@nolllllojt2122]

Do you need spacers with the original wheels and to also Put the 37 tires

[@DrivingLine]

Most Rubicon JT's I've come across with 37s on stock wheels have had wheel spacers, but I am not 100-percent-sure they are necessary. I would probably try without first, then add on if you find that you are rubbing the frame/control arms.

[@acevent5759]

hey did you feel the V6 is underpowered for that gladiator set up?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Not at all. The eight speed transmission makes all the difference. I’m very happy with the power overall.

[@H.ros666]

I love it

[@thesaint8319]

Hi congrats !!! can you tell me how much you paid for the Gladiator ?

[@DrivingLine]

I'd have to look up the exact number. I traded my Colorado in on it. I think it was right around 50K all in.

[@ocracoke2013]

You look like you are driving at Cape Lookout or Cape Hatteras!

[@DrivingLine]

A little farther south actually near Carolina Beach, North Carolina.

[@SergioLopez-xu9ht]

Hi I would like to know more about the engine and transmission on this gladiator

[@DrivingLine]

It's just the stock 3.6L and 8 speed auto that came from the factory.

[@rickt4293]

I got a Gladiator sport with max tow last month...I wonder if I could do 35x12.5 tires? Nice ride.

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

I’ve seen a couple people do that. I just don’t know how well it really works. Seems like you can get away with it on-road, but seems unlikely that you’ll have the clearance you need upfront off-road.

[@stephencarbajal5657]

How are tires doing being out of spec with the wheels debating on doing the same? Thanks in advance.

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

I ended up buying wheels. I actually made a video on why and what wheels that should go up this week. The problem with the stock wheel is that you have to run the tires down into the mid 20s to get a flat contact patch. I have an AEV Pintler wheel that’s 8.5 inches wide now and I can run the tires at 35 psi and still have a flat contact patch.

[@stephencarbajal5657]

@@Ali_Mansour_Editor yea i know it's a issue with narrower wheels. Still on 35's? Debating on 35's or 37's? Still not sure on lift as well, I had the mopar 2" on my JLUR and thought it was a good kit.

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Stephen Carbajal I’m still on 35s. I have 37s on my JL. If I move up, I will do gears at the same time. The 4.10s and 37s on my JL doesn’t keep 8th over 65mph. So, I don’t want to sacrifice that on my Gladiator. I’ve been looking at shock upgrades, but not too much at lift kits. I haven’t ridden on the Mopar kits.

[@stephencarbajal5657]

@@Ali_Mansour_Editor hmmmm I had 37's on my JLUR and it drove great, held 8 no problem but I did use the superchips flashcal.

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Stephen Carbajal I am recalibrated with an Tazer mini. I’m going to go with 4.88s in it eventually.

[@wastesports]

Where did you get the stubby antenna

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Amazon JeCar 7.5Inch Stubby Reflex Short Antenna Replacement JK JL Accessories Metal ABS Antenna Designed for Optimized FM/AM Reception for Jeep Wrangler JK www.amazon.com/dp/B07SGDG5Z8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_MAvdoCb2y2wyY

[@BryceRFlatt]

Why was the check engine light on?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

It wasn’t. It was in the acc setting there. It always flashes on before it starts.

[@mike.wish.]

Link to the antenna? Thanks 😊

[@DrivingLine]

Here you go. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SGDG5Z8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@dennisjordan8300]

Wow amazing looking! What’s the offset

[@DrivingLine]

Those are just the stock Rubicon wheels. No spacers. I don't recall the factory offset number.

[@pparks72]

What area of NC are you in ?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Wilmington

[@bobbycobbler1598]

Any chance you would like to sell those wheels?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

I’m holding onto them for now.

[@NealeyUNC23]

Was that Uwharrie at 16:36? If so, what trail was that?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Great eye! Yes. That is Dickey Bell.

[@chrisurfer83]

I'm just going to say, my white gladiator ALWAYS looks dirty because the rubber seals drool black residue everywhere...

[@frankmartin3182]

I subscribed as soon as I heard you say baby shit brown

[@freedommafia9584]

you know what they say about snows cut park

[@DrivingLine]

Ha! I know it's officially going to be closed at the end of the month.

[@JOEHILLS1]

Ali how’ve you been man?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Hey Joe! I’m doing well! Still chasing trucks with cameras.

[@JOEHILLS1]

Livin the dream.

[@MegaAtlacatl]

Baby shit green lol

[@hoosierangler210]

Them tires are just waiting to eat that front Bumper.

[@DrivingLine]

It looks like it, but it's never been an issue. I ended up moving to a AEV wheel with the same tire. It works great.

[@MrBeel124]

THE "Weak Link" KILLER for the Gladiator (IMO) is that lousy, terrible "ESS" MOTORCYCLE battery hidden out-of-site and a real PAIN to replace, found UNDER the Power Ditribution/fuse box. Absolutely horrible design. Had mine fail twice within a month. GOODBYE Gladiator.

[@DrivingLine]

You can actually delete that battery and run a single battery. My aux battery died after two years. I ended up running a larger main battery and completely bypassed the small one. I agree, it's in a terrible spot.

[@Castellanocreep]

So many people buy these loaded jeeps to look cool. Jeep trucks look atrocious