Every car enthusiast reaches a point where they have to admit Jeeps have a certain appeal. For me, sliding behind the wheel of a 2023 Jeep Gladiator for the first time was that moment of realization.
Yes, the 2023 Gladiator might not win any beauty contests, it can get a bit noisy at highway speeds, and crosswinds can push it around. However, despite these quirks, it delivered a driving experience that was, surprisingly, incredibly fun – perhaps the most fun I’ve had in a truck to date.
An Unfiltered Look at the 2023 Jeep Gladiator Sport
This review is based on my personal experience renting a Gladiator Sport model. This means you’re getting an honest, no-holds-barred perspective. No sponsorships, no obligations – just my genuine, unfiltered thoughts on the 2023 Jeep Gladiator.
Finally understanding the Jeep hype. This Gladiator experience opened my eyes to the fun factor of Jeeps.
Initial Thoughts: Embracing the “Ugly”
Let’s be frank: the Gladiator’s aesthetics are… polarizing. Personally, I find it to be one of the less conventionally attractive vehicles on the road. But in a strange twist, this “ugliness” becomes its charm. It’s distinct, unlike any other pickup out there, and that’s actually a good thing. It’s so uniquely styled, so deliberately unconventional, that it circles back to being cool. It’s the automotive equivalent of an ugly duckling that you can’t help but appreciate. Does “so ugly it’s cool” make sense? In the case of the Gladiator, absolutely.
This truck’s unique look certainly stands out. Hopefully, the puddles underneath aren’t a bad sign about the rental deal I got…
The rear design of the 2023 Gladiator is, to put it mildly, distinctive. It’s a look that definitely splits opinions.
The iconic Jeep front grille makes the Gladiator instantly recognizable. Unless you’re a very young child, you know this isn’t a Lamborghini.
Is it love or hate? Maybe both. One thing is certain: finding this Gladiator in a crowded parking lot was never a problem.
Inside the Gladiator: Rugged Simplicity Done Right
If you’ve read my previous thoughts on Jeep Gladiator pros and cons, you’ll know I’m a fan of the interior. Perhaps surprisingly, given my initial exterior reservations.
The 2023 Gladiator interior might not be winning any design awards, but it has a functional charm that grows on you.
The Gladiator’s interior isn’t about luxury; it’s about ruggedness and practicality. And in that respect, it excels. The materials are durable, seemingly designed to be hosed down and wiped clean after a day of off-road adventures. It feels like a truck interior should – robust, straightforward, and definitely not frilly. It perfectly embodies the Jeep ethos.
Practical climate controls! Gloves? No problem. Slightly distracted? Still manageable. Thank you, Jeep, for user-friendly design.
This dashboard screams ‘Jeep’. No risk of confusing it with a luxury sports car interior. Purely functional and distinctly Jeep.
Rear passenger space is surprisingly generous. Plenty of room for adults and definitely enough for kids to be comfortable.
Utilitarian is the key word for the Gladiator’s interior. Some might call it basic, others ‘burly’, but it’s undeniably functional.
Simple, clean, and organized steering wheel and gauge cluster. A welcome contrast to some of the more…adventurous exterior styling.
Modern tech meets rugged design. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, though the screen usage could be optimized.
Exploring the controls. There’s a button for everything in the Gladiator – sometimes you just need to figure out which one does what.
On the Road: Surprisingly Easy to Live With
The 2023 Gladiator Sport is surprisingly user-friendly for a truck. The steering is light, perhaps even a tad too light, making it as easy to maneuver as a compact car. Visibility from the driver’s seat is decent overall. My main gripe was a significant blind spot over my left shoulder, which did become annoying in traffic.
Off-road capable and surprisingly nimble on city streets. Driving the Gladiator is easier than you might expect for a truck of this size.
One of the most impressive aspects of the 2023 Gladiator’s driving experience was its handling of rough roads. Compared to other midsize trucks like the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, the Gladiator feels significantly smoother over bumps. It absorbs imperfections without feeling like the rear end is about to lose control. It maintains a planted and composed feel on a variety of surfaces.
Cruising in the Gladiator. It’s not a sports car, but it offers a surprising amount of driving enjoyment for a truck.
Highway driving in the Gladiator is comfortable, though it’s not built for speed. It’s more about confidently tackling any road surface.
Engine and Transmission: Needs More Grunt
Under the hood, the 2023 Gladiator houses a 3.6L V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. In my opinion, it’s simply not enough. While it’s adequate for maintaining speed once you’re there, acceleration feels sluggish. Getting up to speed from a standstill or merging onto the highway can feel a bit stressful.
The 3.6L V6 engine of the 2023 Gladiator. Decent on paper, but in practice, it could use a bit more power for confident acceleration.
Limited space under the hood. For those considering performance upgrades, the engine bay of the Gladiator might present some challenges.
The disappointing part is the limited space under the hood. Adding aftermarket performance enhancements like a nitrous kit or turbochargers – which the Gladiator could really benefit from – seems challenging due to the cramped engine bay.
Storage and Utility: Compact Bed, Decent Towing
Despite being a pickup truck, the Gladiator features one of the smallest beds in its class. If you regularly need to haul large or bulky items, this isn’t the truck for you. Transporting a standard 4×8 sheet of plywood? Not going to happen in the bed.
The Gladiator’s bed is on the smaller side for a pickup. Perfect for smaller loads, but not ideal for large cargo or moving furniture.
However, the Gladiator does offer a respectable towing capacity of 7,700 lbs for a truck of its size. While it might not feel like it has the grunt to pull that much weight, the numbers suggest it’s capable enough for towing trailers or smaller boats.
Ready for recovery. The Gladiator’s tow hooks are a functional and visually rugged detail, useful for off-road situations or helping out friends.
Off-Road Prowess: Surprisingly Capable in Base Trim
The Gladiator I tested was the base Sport model, equipped with standard street tires (245/75R17) and a street-tuned suspension. Despite these limitations, it proved surprisingly adept at venturing off-road. It confidently handled terrain that would leave many midsize SUVs struggling or stranded.
Even with standard street tires, the Gladiator Sport shows impressive off-road capability. It handles curbs and rough terrain with ease.
Fuel Economy: Prepare for Frequent Gas Stops
The Gladiator’s fuel economy is, to put it kindly, underwhelming. Perhaps its brick-like aerodynamics are to blame, but I averaged a disappointing 19 miles per gallon during my test. This was despite driving conservatively most of the time.
Thirsty truck. The Gladiator’s fuel consumption is definitely on the higher side. Frequent trips to the gas station are to be expected.
Fuel efficiency is not the Gladiator’s strong suit. Be prepared for less-than-stellar MPG if you choose this truck.
