I Took the Jeep Gladiator on Adventures for a Month – Here’s What I Loved About It

The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is arguably the most capable 4WD out of the factory, but after a month of driving one, I’ve found plenty more perks too.

4WDrivers are a brand-loyal bunch – myself included – and when the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon arrived, I wasn’t convinced this long, assertively-styled truck would live up to the claims. But I was dead wrong.

Ironically, the same week it arrived, my daily ride was hit at a stop sign and written off, so I ended up using the Gladiator as my personal car for an entire month.

Now that I’ve taken it on many 4WD tracks, the beach, highways, windy roads, and city car parks, I feel like I know what the Gladiator is all about.

Read more: How To 4WD For Beginners

The Gladiator has been my roman empire for a whole month

It Lives Up to the Claims

Jeep claims that the Rubicon series is the most capable 4WD straight out of the factory – which is a big call – but let’s break it down.

From the factory, the Gladiator Rubicon has front and rear locking differentials, a 4:1 ratio transfer case, and a sway bar disconnect that operates with the push of a button.

If you’ve spent any time in 4WD circles, you’ll know these aren’t standard features on almost any 4WD. They’re high-end modifications that can easily cost tens of thousands in aftermarket upgrades.

On top of this are a winch-compatible steel front bar, steel rock sliders, and underbody and rear protection.

Straight outta factory there’s nothing more capable. (Jeep genuine accessories shown.)

I put the Gladiator through some rough tracks, including river crossings with hidden boulders, and the underbody protection saved me from a few bangs that could have otherwise resulted in expensive damage.

I knew it’d be capable, but I was genuinely surprised by how effortless it made everything feel.

From steep, rocky tracks to waist-deep ruts and wombat holes, the Gladiator handled it all with ease. The live-axle suspension provides plenty of travel, which helps the truck flex and adapt to tough terrain.

Engaging low-range and off-road mode is a simple push of a button. The Gladiator adjusts its traction control system, transmission, and throttle response to handle dirt, mud, and sand without breaking a sweat. This mode made rock crawling an easy, controlled experience, and even in tricky conditions, the truck remained stable and composed.

At just over 40 degrees, its approach angle is probably better than any other ute or pickup on the market, allowing you to tackle steep inclines without worrying about scraping the front.

So we’re basically going rock climbing

The departure angle is around 25 degrees, and even though I expected to take some hits on the larger rocks, the steel protection did its job perfectly.

Overall it moves like a much smaller vehicle when off-road.

While it’s a big call, after many tracks, I’m convinced this is the most capable factory 4WD.

It Doesn’t Drive Like a Truck

Let’s face it, no matter how adventurous we are, most of the time we’re sitting in traffic or rolling around on sealed roads.

But I think Jeep has managed to blend the ruggedness of live-axle suspension with smooth handling on highways and even winding roads. It’s a rare balance that gives the Gladiator a dual personality.

On highways, the Gladiator feels composed and stable, and its punchy V6 engine delivers 209kW of power, which means overtaking and uphill climbs are no issue.

V6 engine + 43.4° approach angle = no problems on this track

Even on tighter corners, the truck holds its line well, and the steering remains precise with no surprise feedback, like you get in other live-axle vehicles.

Driving on loose gravel roads the Gladiator felt smooth and stable at speed. The suspension absorbed bumps and dips with ease, keeping the ride comfortable for everyone on board.

The only downside is added wind noise from the aftermarket Sunrider canvas roof this car had installed. But the upside is it literally pops open to the sky in seconds.

It’s a Statement on Wheels

With wide, flared arches, aggressively styled curves, and the length between front and rear wheels longer than a Corolla, the Gladiator doesn’t shy away from attention.

I got plenty of looks and waves (including the secret Jeep driver wave) while I was out and about.

I’m not sure whether it’s a pro or con, but there’s no denying it’s a conversation starter. Strangers sometimes popped over for a chat about the car and whether they loved or hated the styling (never in between) and friends messaged me to ask for a test drive.

Of course, turning up to camp in a new car, I copped a few (hilarious) comments from my mates, but after a few tough tracks all the blokes gathered around the Jeep with arms folded to silently inspect, nod, and stiffly mumble positive comments about the car – which is just about the highest form of praise.

The sound of a good meal and a good car…. silence

Inside the cabin is less of a statement and more of a nod to Jeep’s simple roots, with a combination of modern comforts and classic design touches. The materials inside the cabin feel high-quality, and Jeep has paid attention to detail with stitching on the steering wheel and seats.

Of course, the iconic combination of round headlights and vertical grill is a living tribute to the original Jeep that made a statement back in 1941 as a simple, rugged modular vehicle that arguably started the 4WD scene.

It’s Not Stuck in the Past

Despite its strong ties to its history and classic design features, you’d be surprised by the modern tech tucked in the cab.

These include heated seats and steering wheel, and a large touchscreen dash with Apple CarPlay. These little luxuries make a big difference, especially on chilly mornings or after a long day of driving.

The Gladiator also comes with a full suite of modern safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking (AEB), and seatbelt pretensioners.

With these features seamlessly running in the background, the truck feels secure and modern, even though its purpose remains rugged and adventure-focused.

Despite a smaller door to climb through, the interior feels spacious, with plenty of headroom even for taller drivers, and the back seat provides enough legroom for multiple big blokes to travel comfortably over long distances. On one trip, four of us spent five hours (each way) in the car, and no one had any complaints.

You Can Use it Every Day

Despite its incredible length, the Gladiator handles daily chores with ease.

I took it into the city for work a few times and was impressed by how nimble it felt ducking down narrow streets and around tight roundabouts.

At just under two metres tall, it also fits into underground car parks without an issue. The reverse camera and parking sensors made squeezing into tight parking spots at the supermarket easy.

Whether you’re on tracks or in traffic, the Gladiator can handle it all

The tray size is equivalent to other dual-cab utes on the market, meaning you have plenty of room for all your gear. I easily fit a fridge, a massive power station, BBQ, and camping gear for four people on a long weekend trip.

While I didn’t get a chance to tow anything during my month with the Gladiator, I’m confident it’d handle towing a camper or trailer with ease. With 347Nm of torque, it has almost double the towing power of my current 4WD, which tows a two-tonne digger without breaking a sweat.

Read more: What Should You Carry In Your 4WD Rescue & Repair Kit?

Final Thoughts on the Jeep Gladiator

Handing back the keys, I almost felt nostalgic after a month of off-road adventures and having the Gladiator coincidentally filling in as my daily ride.

Jumping in each day, the Jeep always felt ready for action. And while it might look like an impractical car, it really does tick all the boxes for daily life.

Jeep’s ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything’ motto rings true!

One standout for me is the price point. The top-of-the-range Rubicon is packed with way more features than its more-expensive competitors.

Overall, it was also just an easy car to get around in, with precise, well-tempered steering and brakes, and a good mix of old-fashioned fun and modern tech.