What Jeep Gladiator Model to Get - a Full Review

Before you buy a new Jeep Gladiator know what model is best for you. This video is a full Jeep Gladiator review! Plus, some money saving tricks.
About twice a week I have customers come into the shop right before they go to the lot to purchase their new Jeep Gladiator. They ask "what model do I purchase." They want a full review since I have one myself and have build a bunch of others. This video is a rundown of just that! Plus, a few tricks to help you save some money.
Who are we? A custom Jeep shop in central Texas. We build Badass Jeeps. Each episode I take you to work with me. Enjoy our Builds, Tips and Off-Road Adventures.
Our website is exodus4x4.com
Contact me at 830-629-0057 or [e-mail] for a build quote.
For general questions post below, I always try to answer.
Follow Us @
Instagram: / exodus4x4
Facebook Page: / exodus4x4
This video was edited by the talented Gabe Hodge.
For the Legal Loons: This video was independently filmed and produced by Exodus 4x4. The opinions and actions of the individuals featured are in no way affiliated with or attributable to the products shown.
Jeep gladiator review | Jeep Gladiator Rubicon | Jeep Gladiator 2020 | Jeep Gladiator Interior | Jeep Gladiator Sport | Jeep Gladiator Overland | Benny Boyd Dodge | Jeep Review | Jeep Gladiator Model | Jeep Gladiator Comparison
#JeepGladiator #GladiatorReview #ItsAJeepThing #offroading #JeepLife #GarageVlog

[@nohabloemojislosiento4930]

I have 2 Toyota trucks and have zero interest in ever owning a jeep, but I want you to know I watched this whole thing and thought it was a great review.

[@terrizMcall6063]

The sons of Nippon would be proud of you,,,

[@johnrpittman5078]

⁹⁹⁹⁹⁰0⁰8

[@jonathanholland3898]

@@terrizMcall6063 YES, we R!

[@lorddrake8566]

I own toyota and lexus but jeep is more fun to drive by far

[@rs5200]

You rarely see old jeeps on the road. There's a reason they're called HEEPS!

[@roadkingrider6532]

I’ve never owned a Jeep. My truck has 230,000 miles on it so looking at a Mojave Gladiator. I’m not into the rock crawling (yet). I’ve always wanted a Jeep though and Ive always had trucks. I appreciate your review!

[@jamesclark7248]

On a comparison video like this, it would have been helpful to show the sticker price too.

[@spankthatmonkey2]

I was thinking the same

[@Iceman-bu1eg]

Or Google?

[@travelcampingblacksmithing786]

MSRP various monthly from what I noticed

[@MM-sq5pf]

They don't want to terrify us

[@robyjessee4672]

$57,000 easy

[@12Bravojeepstuff]

I built mine with the max tow package, hard top, and bed liner. Came out to be 38k. No dealers around me carry that same Jeep for the price it came out to online. Huge markup.

[@justiceandliberty9724]

Hi, when you build it do you pay the amount specified at Jeep.com? Is there any way to negotiate a lower price when you build your own?

[@bassdojo]

I'd like to know as well.

[@jasont7814]

Thank you for your service Mike. A veteran and a Jeep enthusiast 🇺🇸

[@66skate]

I think the Overland is what I'd choose. I want one for strictly on road use and have a lot of options already installed. The only things I'd probably do myself is add a tonneau cover, the insulting panel kit for the 3 piece hardtop and locking hood latches.

[@BetaBuxDelux]

Smart. I’m probably picking up a Mojave but the Overland is probably the better choice for me. The dealer is supposedly giving me discounts on the Mojave. We’ll see.

[@chriscartwright2811]

the other benefit of the sport s max tow package, 'almost free' upgrade to 33" tires from all the guys that bought rubicons and took the wheels off right away, 245/75R17 to 285/75r17 for minimum cash :)

[@John_Henry83]

I would want a Gladiator for Occasional off road use but day to day city and highway driving. So I would prefer a standard transmission. I do not mind shifting and I think the manual would increase my gas mielage.The only thing that I would want from the smart model would be AC and cruise control for long highway trips. All the power this and power that and LCD screens to me is something else that could go wrong when I least suspect it.

[@marine1989100]

Just bought a Gladiator Texas Trail. I’m loving it so far and my first jeep as well. Not sure about ask the trims but she’s got it.

[@jdofmemi]

Nice tip on how to ID the max tow version 👍

[@phrogusmc]

I had to point out to the salesman that I bought my Gladiator from how to spot the Max Tow versions. *facepalm*

[@joshuadufresne2655]

@@phrogusmc009

[@johnthibodeaux5189]

I have 35s on sport S with max tow and still have 8th gear.

[@tungol00]

In my opinion the sweet spot is the soft top sport, with trailer tow package (max tow in Canada), 7inch touch with alpine stereo and my favorite part of it is the ecodiesel engine. I bought mine a 2021 model in 2022 great rebates $60,660 Canadian out of the door. Although you get 7600 lbs with the pentastar it doesn't like the hills it's revving at around 4-5k rpm, I still prefer the ecodiesel (even with only 6500lbs max) it pulls with less effort always a lot of reserved torque for passing (with an RV lol!) and you get amazing fuel economy with a trailer (5000 lbs).

[@drillbittreed10]

Now this is an info video . I'm so glad you made it because it helped me make up my mind. And with you being a Texas boy i have to subscribe .

[@Exodus4x4]

Glad I could help!

[@brettpatron2822]

I agree. This was such a well done, informational video.

[@HoloHoloAdventures]

Great video. 👍🏽 We picked the Overland. My husband was initially wanted the Sport. The only thing I wish we had on our model is the 8.4 inch screen.

[@Sss18sss]

Do you have a 7' now? Even with a 5' it's very easy! There is TONS of info on the forums about switching it out and it's extremely easy - All plug and play, no issues. I have ZERO experience with all that and I did mine myself. I believe the screen is about $1000 (don't quote me).

[@edward3342]

I'm glad I got my gladiator sport in a 6spd manual. Driving my automatic on my 18 JL was so boring.

[@JoshuaTootell]

Not a single manual in ANY Jeep within 250 miles of me. Crazy.

[@tracysmith6723]

I did buy the Sport model with the hand crank windows. It also has a 6-speed manual. Nothing fancy but does get the job done.

[@MrComradebuttons]

I don't care about anything other than lockers..I have to buy full trim top of the line to option them?!

[@seadoo4life127]

I like the Willys. Nicer rims and tires plus Rubicon suspension.

[@dennismarkakis1478]

I bought a 2021 sports s with 3.73s and the ecodiesel motor. Lifetime powertrain warranty. With 28k miles. Hardtop. Love it. $43k out the door.

[@ryanmartinage]

The Sport S with the max towing package is I think the best value. I am going to wait on the diesel to see if I jump from the JLU.

[@mmarshall9240]

The diesel is going to have less towing capacity than the max-tow sport. This is due to cooling capacity.

[@ryanmartinage]

@@mmarshall9240 tow even 5k lb behind the v6. It will screaaam. The diesel will have much nicer manners.

[@jamespugh]

@@ryanmartinage here you like the diesel options. Kind wondering when we will see it. Seen you can start ordering wrangler with it .

[@briangodfrey704]

I ordered the diesel with the tow package but you're calling it a "max tow package" Are they the same. With the Rubicon they say 373 gears but can I get the 410s? I won't receive my Rubicon diesel until May 2022 and I'm going to be running 35s but would love to put 37s on it with only a 2 inch lift and I did get the LED package but no soft top because I think it's just a pain in the ass especially here in Canada

[@jimmybell2402]

Just found your channel and am really happy I did. It’s been a while since I had a truck and I have to say the Gladiator is growing on me. While the Chevy/GMC may be a little more conventional looking- I’ve read all about their issues. The once dominant Tacoma shit the bed when they went 3.5 and tried to squeeze mpg. I hate Ford, long story. Honda? Well - it’s “nice” but for me it’d be like working on the farm in August wearing my Sunday suit. I look forward to seeing more of your videos with the Gladiator. Be safe Thanks

[@ivalles120]

Alright, A Sport S for me. Thanks for the video!

[@ericpierce4041]

You earned a new sub like and bell , about 80 ish miles from you been thinking about a Gladiator for bit ,good info and now I know how to spot the max tow probly saved me a ton of money watching this video 👍

[@TopoPilot]

I bought the Mojave in black... It's an incredible vehicle really. I love it!

[@PNWLiving1725]

Man, I want to be able to tow, I wonder if the max tow package it

[@TopoPilot]

@@PNWLiving1725 Mine has the tow package. I can tow 6000 lbs. That's not much, but it lets me tow my motorcycles and snowmobiles.

[@PuRpL3DrAnKinMYsippy]

Man I'm digging that Gator Green on the Overland.

[@Worldexplorer2390]

video starts at 1:31 (Sport Trim) 3:30 Overland Trim 8:18 Rubicon Trim 12:12 "cool" options/upgrades 13:45 Sport S Max Tow Package

[@somebodyandthem]

Thanks

[@gerard0l6569]

He forgot the Mojave option.

[@tofuman7456]

@@gerard0l6569 I bought the mojave 😎

[@thedigitalnomad2795]

@@gerard0l6569she said the company had no intention leep 12:26

[@lightningblue648]

Love the video. Hoping to buy a Gladiator this week. Looking at buying a North Edition with leather. I rarely go off road and miss my Wranglers. This seems like the perfect vehicle for me and the right trim. Thanks again for the great video.

[@dannation8837]

Thanks for letting us know how to identify Max tow. You're the man

[@pauljordan756]

Great info!!!! I am shopping JT's now and you gave the BEST insights I have seen so far. THANK YOU - new subscriber due to this video!

[@jamespugh]

Same

[@kennethsillers2310]

I just got the willys edition. It looks fantastic.

[@GP9railfan]

I’m looking at getting a Willy’s edition. How do you like it?

[@kennethsillers2310]

@@GP9railfan I love it. It’s a great package

[@kennethsillers2310]

@@GP9railfan I love it. It’s got mid level trim. Not a rubicon but not a sport either. But it’s got mud terrains and rubicon suspension. I really enjoy it b

[@jacobzeigler435]

this video made me rethink about getting the rubicon. I want to mod and upgrade a lot but it is just way too expensive.

[@TorqueWagon]

Great explanation of the trim packages. I’m looking to get a gladiator soon and this was really helpful.

[@melvin5818]

The willy with the xr package is more then what anyone needs. Skip on the Alpine stereo a aftermarket system will blow that out of the water.

[@MMID303]

I'm going Sport S, with Alpine stereo, with max tow to get the 4.10 gearing. Adding 2.5 inch lift, 17" wheels and 35" tires.

[@Exodus4x4]

Awesome, you’ll love it!

[@dylanlevin]

Super informative just what I've been looking for

[@rrg5054]

Excellent Review. Thought I knew some stuff but it’s like I always say…It’s what you learn after you know it all that matters😎

[@cgscprspecialist3937]

Awesome video as always honest great information.

[@MikeMike-bn9ys]

Thanks Mike so I guess I’m getting the rubicon I do want to raise it 2 inches and get 37 on them. Maybe easy to medium off-roading and that’s all. Some snow guess rubicon it is ha Thanks for the review was great!

[@Sean_thompson_bass]

JT sport, max tow package with 4.10 gears and dana trac lok rear differential, and you're good to go.

[@ramseyhazemey795]

Really enjoy this video. First time seeing your channel. Now I want a Gradiator! Thx. Well done!

[@RickNethery]

I want the sport with roll up windows and max tow.

[@Disasterpiece5150]

Yes I hate automatic windows

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

@@Disasterpiece5150 base sport has steel rims

[@eustace2c2]

I have a JLU sport with roll ups and no power locks. After 2 years of it I'm ready to go back to power windows/locks.

[@RickNethery]

@@Disasterpiece5150 Automatic windows are just something else to go out and expensive when it does.

[@hughtrain]

First.. i'm so glad I found your channel! We need an updated version of this video. Especially with the new models and options. But perhaps you can still answer. IS the sport s with the Max tow package still the best case purchase for someone who is just looking to put 35's (Maybe 37's)on with a minimum lift kit? Also, the sport s doesn't offer a body color roof... but comes with body color fenders. Is there an aftermarket, or MOPAR roof in body color to purchase? I'm definitely not going to be rock crawling, so i don't think I will ever need the Rubicon "accoutrements" with sway disconnects etc. The new 7" uconnect audio isn't terrible compared to the 8.4 upgrade. Also, maybe a video on a "poor man's" gladiator.... cheapest route to getting a "bad ass jeep".... Thanks for your time.. keep up the videos!!! I'm learning a shitload...

[@Exodus4x4]

Maybe we should update it!

[@kenjepsen4579]

@@Exodus4x4 That would be cool.. Just ordered a Willys unlimited for the wife and I'm bouncing between the Sport S w/tow pkg and the Mojave.. Mostly street and beach but want at least 35's maybe 37's.. Hate the looks w/ 33's and no lift lol

[@GladiatorGang]

A big chunk of our "Suggested Video Views" roughly 20% of all suggested videos is this one, so we figured we'd pop in, say thanks for the views and then watch this video. We've talked with you on Instagram about the issues you had when boosting the Pentastar, won't say anymore about that disaster. Anyway, keep the content coming. Thanks the traffic and looking forward to seeing more. Can't wait to do a Hemi Swap in ours, hopefully this fall, but most likely in the spring of 2021.

[@jorgemedrano7562]

Awesome Video and Thank You for the knowledge on the trim levels and advice.

[@stephenhookephotography8669]

Great reviews. Thanks for doing this.

[@Mikeycrzed]

Sport s Max tow is the one 👍

[@MiniOne82]

I'm even more confused after watching this.

[@michaelsteven1090]

Gladiators have no "great' attribute..

[@JohnLee-ig1sq]

all beautiful trucks but personally I would go for that white rubicon.

[@Shattered_Times]

I just bought a white Mojave

[@billonbuilding284]

That was great. Exactly the info I needed. Thanks😀

[@tomasrivera1211]

Thanks, very important information to buy a gladiator.

[@keenankinder6657]

That vice grip garage's (best youtube channel ever!!!) intro music... Very good information video.

[@Exodus4x4]

Its the music KZbin channels dont have to pay for lol

[@brettpatron2822]

Such a great point - if you are going to do a lot of mods, why buy a Rubicon. If i bought a Rubicon, i don't see spending much for upgrades. Especially so at that high price point.

[@boiedy12]

Because a rubicon holds it value more

[@mariaangelina3936]

Thanks for all the great information.🌻

[@creekerjk]

Thanks for the video it was very helpful

[@brians8952]

so I came across this after I bought my Gladiator Rubicon and my very first Jeep. very happy to here that I bought the right gladiator for me. 37 was my goal and only minor upgrades. Great video

[@bdbrinkley5504]

Mainly using it for road use and Grass trails ...so 2021 Gladiator Sport S ?? over the other models of the Gladiators ??

[@krasnaludek298]

Excellent video; no nonsense presentation. 👍🏻

[@blackstratus2664]

Passenger Fender flare on the Rubicon is from an Overland, and Driver side is from a Rubicon. You can see the height difference. Most likely a factory mix up.

[@Exodus4x4]

Ha!

[@Reuben_rmr]

I’m about to buy a rubicon gladiator in Australia. It’s 2000mi away on the other side of the continent. Can’t wait to get my 37’s on, wish I could run Dana60’s but in Aus we have to have wheels in the flares on road 😢

[@AmericanStandardK9]

Keep up the good work. Subscribers will come. Good content

[@1946jeeplover]

Great video, interesting tidbit about the fenders and the lip for the tow package

[@johnthibodeaux5189]

Rubicon is for those that want to brag and the clout with saying, "ohhhh i have a rubicon." so what, you spent 20k for lockers and sway bar disconnect. How many are actually going to be in an offroad situation where you'll need to disconnect the sway bar? The best value is the Sport S with max tow. To me its a hybrid between Rubi and Overland. I put a 2.5 inch lift and 35 mud terrains. No rub without a lift also, I had the tires before the lift and was fine.

[@transws6am]

Wow. It's going to be ok, little boy.

[@tysonvance]

If you havent been in a situation where a disconnected sway bar was needed to keep your tires on the ground for additional traction and stability while traversing some fun technical off camber trail, Im sorry

[@johnthibodeaux5189]

@@tysonvance I did'nt say it wasnt needed, saying that you can manually disconnect the sway bar!!! And i am saying 90% will NOT be in a situation where its needed anyway as 90% of people don't go offroading to any extent.

[@johnthibodeaux5189]

@@transws6am its better than OK, little boy. And i guess you deleted your other comment about I shouldnt tell people not to buy a rubicon. First of all, I can tell people whatever the hell I want to. My opinion is my opinion. AND, people ask all the time if 35s will rub and if you have a max tow sport, you can put 35s on without it rubbing. NO ONE said anything about off roading. This questions comes up all the time in the group threads. I didn't say you can put 35s on and go off road and be fine, did I. So how about you check yourself and stop being a Comment NAZI!

[@tysonvance]

@@johnthibodeaux5189 I agree that most will not need these features but ive been down in the dirt so many times connecting and disconnecting my sway bars.. but last summer i never reconnected them as I was leaving windrock park in TN since I misplaced a bolt over the weekend and have been driving disconnected every since haha.. it would be nice to have the auto reconnect option..

[@stevetabor4447]

Good job crazy seeing your gladiator next to the stock ones should try an hook up with the dealer an merge exodus models be pretty cool if so as always be safe 👍

[@MrTiger310]

Is there a chance you could do an updated video to this? There are several changes to the lineup now.

[@modifyit1]

14:35 reason behind the wider fender is with the max tow package you get thicker and wider axles, not the same axles as the Rubicon.

[@Exodus4x4]

Yes, same axles as the Rubicon but minus the locker. We’ve actually swapped parts out in between the axle housings.

[@TheToeIsUp]

4:10 alright you got a good chuckle out of me with that bit.

[@lancedyck3730]

Great video! Very informative

[@superbcomplex]

Phenomenal review. Exactly what I needed.

[@stevest.martin3940]

I'm saving my money for a JL diesel

[@TheVikingSailor]

Better save a lot of it

[@dirty46]

Me to.

[@dustinp120]

Are they actually coming? I feel like I've heard rumors of a diesel jeep for the past 15 years.

[@Drak7282]

That’s a mistake, but if you want to piss money away good on you

[@Drak7282]

Dustin P they have an eco diesel coming out next year, most Jeep/off road enthusiast will tell you it’s a giant waste of money

[@cbailey2486]

Great video, thank you my brutha ✊🏾. Made my decision easier

[@trialbyfirehomestead6810]

Great video. Thanks for doing it. I'm waiting for the ecodiesel. Keep up the good work.

[@Exodus4x4]

Thanks man! I just did a ecodiesel review last week. Go check it out.

[@amrynthegreat4842]

Been looking for jeeps and your channel helped , new sub

[@Exodus4x4]

Thanks! Good luck with the buy and let us know if we can help out.

[@andrewyoung-n8ary]

The “little lip” is most likely due to the wider axles in the max tow package.

[@IlovePumping]

...and the special all-terrain tires.

[@joelsmithers6887]

Overland, max tow, steel bumpers n rubs, mud terrains.

[@enginepy]

This was a super helpful video

[@John-vh1fk]

I really liked the gladiator but had to pass on it because of how they package it. Was fine with a Sport S but the proximity key is NOT AVAILABLE on the Sport S! Why have push button start if you don’t get a proximity key? Seems like a small thing but once you have that, it’s hard to go back. So I thought I’d get the Overland, then I find out that the Max Tow is NOT AVAILABLE on that trim! I can’t figure that one out. Next step up to get both of those options is the Rubicon but the Rubicon is more than I wanted to spend and is overkill for what I’d be using the truck for. Keep lost a sale because of their stupid packaging of options.

[@kawanisumills]

NIce review thanks!

[@vmac805zero7]

I wish they had the two door version with a longer bed

[@anthonygiordano3991]

Me too.. the 4 door is just too long.

[@jefflyon4601]

Great video as always, Love seeing the bad ass gladiator next to the stock one’s.my favorite channel

[@grtelli]

I wish that Jeep offered another Trim Package that had just rear lockers

[@CaptainRudy4021]

Apparently you haven't heard about the upcoming Gladiator Mojave

[@jonhall6195]

You can actually order a sport with a rear limited slip locker

[@mikeandre9903]

Love everything about this vehicle except for the rim and tire package makes it look stupid but I guess each to their own

[@offroad_adventures2934]

Awesome video. Thanks. Are the front and rear aftermarket lockers out yet? If yes, could you share a link please?

[@Exodus4x4]

There are a few different brands out there but I don’t have links

[@keinanvivian4089]

If only you could get the 5.7 right from the factory in these! I would definitely buy one then. And I'm sure many others would too

[@isaacbolin2367]

Yes, definitely!!

[@richcreager7877]

Putting a 392 in mine

[@CharlesAlexanderJr]

@8:12 that hurt. I've been eyeballing the Overland for a few months now, 🤣

[@Redfour5]

A little bump on this as I'm looking now in Nov 2023 with the massive incentives including 15% off of Sport and related models...like the Freedom Edition. Now, I'd bet you would point to that as the best to get. It has ALL the things you noted as "good" for the basics. AND it comes with the steel front back winch ready bumpers, the rock rails including the bed rails, the max tow package and even in the case of the one I'm looking at three years after your video, the audio package with the 8.4... AND, with a dealer incentive AND the Jeep incentive 30% off of MSRP 42K. They are getting desperate to sell these now days with the introduction of all the other mid size trucks over the last couple of years... I'll take one thank you... It would have been interesting to see a Mojave with a 5.7 hemi, but another plane of reality I guess.

[@jesuschristislord7754]

Very informative, thanks.

[@doncampbell3088]

Is the 6 spd manual still available?? Thats the one option i really want.

[@Spotlightadrian1]

Great video!

[@The-Jokes-on-You]

So how about the manual transmission vs automatic? I've heard they've had issues with their manuals, any truth to this?

[@juanmontanez1874]

Where’s the Mojave bro?? That’s the one I picked up, I love it!!

[@johnnie5442]

Is a Rubicon good for towing 6000-7500 lbs.? 33" are perfectly fine by me, if it comes with them.

[@lisakamphues4089]

Purchase to 2020 gladiators Mike hooked us up on Discounts

[@jefflilyea4669]

Try to find one with forged steel knuckles. ( they don't make em. they're all aluminum)

[@melissadoty10]

Did I miss it or did you cover the Willys..?? Just curious, I had a 2020 Jeep Wrangler 2 door manual, which they paid me more $ than I gave for it… & drove it for 2 years, So I couldn’t pass up the deal I got on my new 2022 Willys sport Gladiator … Beautiful Gray granite crystal , So now I have a Wet Willy..!!Lol

[@billyboblemon207]

Thank for your help sir.

[@juliusnavarro6990]

Everyone likes jeeps until you see the price lol

[@vinmad6669]

NICE ------ very interesting video _______ thanks bro !!

[@Exodus4x4]

🤘😎

[@OrganizedMud]

Awesome video, thanks! I only wish you’d mentioned what gearing you’d go with for the entry level with 37s you described. Max tow package Sport S, 2” lift, 37s, aftermarket lockers, and re-gearing. I’d love to hear your recommendation for the lift, lockers if available now, and gearing, for this poor man’s capable gladiator. Also, keeping in mind for many of us maintaining best towing capability possible with the setup. My goal is to haul a reasonable toy hauler with my Harley to the mountains- camp, ride, and Jeep. 🏴‍☠️😎👍

[@OffroadCpl]

4.88

[@darkpill]

I remember when these things used to be popular.

[@andyarnette9220]

3 weeks ago I purchased a 21 gladiator rubicon, manual transmission that, apparently, has the max tow package. The dealer put a spring leveling kit and 37s on it. It looks absolutely amazing but I'm concerned about all the hype surrounding upgrades to drivetrain, steering and and suspension, etc.. being necessary to run 37s. I don't have a lot of money to spend on upgrades. Is there anything critical I need to be concerned with?

[@mblake0420]

Needs a research to use all of the gears, you are gtg

[@XRPirates_Booty]

Good job on your review 👍