There’s a point in every auto enthusiast’s journey where the undeniable appeal of a Jeep becomes clear. For me, that moment arrived behind the wheel of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator. Despite its unconventional aesthetics, noticeable wind noise at higher speeds, and susceptibility to crosswinds, the Gladiator delivered an unexpected level of enjoyment, possibly the most fun I’ve ever experienced in a pickup truck.
This review of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator Sport model stems from personal experience, having rented the vehicle at my own expense. This ensures an unbiased and candid perspective, free from external influences or obligations. What follows is a genuine, unfiltered evaluation of this unique vehicle.
“Oooohhh. I get it now.” It was a gradual realization, but the charm of a Jeep finally clicked. Perhaps I was a bit late to the party, but the experience was enlightening.
Initial Impressions: Embracing the Unusual
Let’s be frank: the Gladiator’s design is polarizing. Many would consider it among the less conventionally attractive vehicles on the road. However, in the realm of automotive design, “ugly” can be a virtue. Its distinct silhouette, unlike any other pickup truck, is arguably a positive attribute. It’s so strikingly different, so deliberately unconventional, that it commands a certain level of appreciation for its audaciousness. It’s so ugly it circles back to being cool. It’s a paradox, but one that resonates with the Gladiator’s character.
This truck certainly possesses a unique and arguably unconventional aesthetic. Let’s hope the moisture underneath is simply condensation and not indicative of hidden issues contributing to the favorable rental rate.
The rear end design of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator might be considered less aesthetically pleasing by some, reflecting a subjective perspective on its overall styling.
There’s no mistaking the iconic Jeep grille and headlight design on the 2023 Gladiator, instantly recognizable unless perhaps you’re a very young child with limited vehicle knowledge.
A love-hate relationship might describe the aesthetic reaction to the 2023 Jeep Gladiator. Regardless, its distinctive design ensures it stands out, even in the most crowded parking areas.
Inside the Gladiator: Rugged Simplicity
For those familiar with my previous assessment of Jeep Gladiator pros and cons, my positive remarks about the interior might seem surprising, perhaps even suggesting a long-held Jeep affinity.
The 2023 Gladiator’s interior may not be a contender for design awards, but it possesses a certain charm. Its ruggedness and straightforwardness are genuinely appealing. The use of materials that can withstand a quick hose-down and wipe-clean approach is a practical and appreciated feature. It embodies the essence of a truck interior – functional, robust, and devoid of unnecessary frills or luxury. In my opinion, it’s precisely what a Jeep interior should be.
Appreciation is due for the inclusion of physical climate control buttons and knobs in the 2023 Jeep Gladiator. These controls are easily operated even with gloves on, or perhaps in less than perfectly sober conditions – though the latter is certainly not endorsed.
Rest assured, there’s little risk of confusing the 2023 Gladiator’s dashboard with that of a Lamborghini. It’s unequivocally Jeep in its design and execution.
Children, and even adults under six feet tall, will find the rear seating area of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator surprisingly spacious and comfortable.
The interior of the Gladiator leans heavily towards utilitarianism. Words like ‘burley’ and ‘rugged’ accurately describe the abundance of hard plastics and exposed fiberglass elements within the cabin.
The steering wheel and gauge cluster present a clean, simple, and well-organized design. It’s a shame some of this design philosophy couldn’t have extended to certain aspects of the exterior styling.
The good news: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported! The less ideal news: the limited screen utilization for these features is somewhat frustrating.
Navigating the array of buttons and controls within the 2023 Jeep Gladiator might lead to moments of questioning their specific functions.
Driving Dynamics: Surprisingly Civilized
The 2023 Gladiator Sport Edition proves to be remarkably user-friendly for a truck. The steering is light, perhaps even a touch too light for some, making it as maneuverable as a 2017 Kia Forte. Visibility from the driver’s seat is generally adequate, though the over-the-shoulder blind spot on the left side was a persistent annoyance.
Forget the sports car comparisons for a moment. The key takeaway is the 2023 Gladiator’s surprisingly easy driving experience, comparable to a small economy car in many respects. One of the most impressive aspects of driving the 2023 Gladiator was its composure on uneven surfaces. Compared to vehicles like the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, the Gladiator absorbs bumps and imperfections with remarkable smoothness, avoiding the skittish rear-end feeling common in some trucks. It maintains a planted and stable feel across a variety of road conditions.
While it’s not quite in the same exhilarating league as driving a 2016 Corvette Stingray, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator offers a surprising level of driving enjoyment, approaching that of a sports car in its own unique way.
To be clear, the Gladiator doesn’t possess the raw speed or razor-sharp handling of a Corvette. The point is its ability to navigate road imperfections with minimal disruption, offering a comfortable and controlled ride even over rough surfaces.
Engine and Transmission: Power Needs a Boost
The 2023 Gladiator is equipped with a 3.6L V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. In my estimation, this power output is somewhat lacking. While adequate for maintaining speed once attained, acceleration, particularly from a standstill, feels sluggish. Merging onto highways can feel more like a calculated maneuver than an effortless surge of power.
The presented image is purely for illustrative purposes, devoid of any explicit hand gestures directed at the 3.6L V6 engine.
Adding to the engine performance issue is the limited space under the hood, making aftermarket power enhancements like nitrous or turbochargers a challenging proposition – modifications that could significantly benefit the Gladiator’s performance.
Cargo and Practicality: Bed Size Realities
Despite its pickup truck designation, the Gladiator features one of the smallest beds in the segment. For those requiring substantial cargo-carrying capacity on a regular basis, this may not be the ideal choice. Transporting standard 4×8 plywood sheets, for example, is simply not feasible.
The bed of the 2023 Gladiator, while functional for some tasks, is undeniably compact. Transporting larger items like snowmobiles, or perhaps more than a few metaphorical ‘dead bodies’, would be a tight squeeze. On a more positive note, the Gladiator boasts a respectable towing capacity of 7,700 lbs for its size class. While its on-road demeanor might not immediately convey such pulling power, the official figures suggest otherwise.
The inclusion of prominent tow hooks on the 2023 Gladiator is a nod to its off-road and utility potential, perhaps useful when requiring assistance from a more robust truck in challenging terrain.
Off-Road Prowess: Surprisingly Capable Base Model
The reviewed Gladiator is the entry-level Sport model, equipped with standard street tires (245/75R17) and a street-tuned suspension. Despite these road-oriented features, it demonstrated surprising off-road capability, confidently navigating terrain that would likely be impassable for many midsize SUVs.
The 17-inch street tires on the 2023 Jeep Gladiator Sport proved surprisingly adept at handling curbs and rocky surfaces, exceeding expectations for their intended on-road use. Regarding any metaphorical cargo mentioned earlier, no comment.
Fuel Efficiency: Thirsty Truck
Perhaps attributable to its boxy, aerodynamic profile, fuel economy in the 3.6L V6 Gladiator is notably poor. An average of just 19 miles per gallon was observed over two days of driving, even with a relatively conservative driving style.
The fuel consumption of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator is significant, requiring frequent trips to the gas station. Its thirst for fuel is a notable drawback.
Despite its various shortcomings, including fuel inefficiency, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator possesses an undeniable charm that makes it surprisingly endearing.
