The 2021 Jeep Gladiator lasts around 200,000 miles with some steering and suspension issues reported. At $34,645 to $44,925, it’s expensive, but worth the money if you’re in the market for a truck that is capable off-road.
Is the 2021 Jeep Gladiator a Good Used Truck?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Jeep Gladiator since it offers plenty of capabilities, along with a practical cabin. Owner reviews praise the off-road performance, strong V6 engine, along with the comfortable suspension.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are more utilitarian than luxurious, the seats are comfortable, cargo space is also good with the five-foot bed.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread issues on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. In general models from 2020-2022 are all reasonably reliable as they age.
- Performance 8/10 – The 2021 Gladiator is not the most powerful small truck on the market, although the off-road performance is better than many competitors.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2021 Gladiator is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, along with emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 24 MPG, giving 528 miles of range from the 22 gallon tank. Gas costs are similar to other trucks, at $276 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is expensive, although slow depreciation makes it a good value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Gladiator?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Jeep Gladiator is an excellent addition to Jeep’s lineup mixing the ruggedness of a Wrangler with a truck bed, it also gets good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Gladiator at 4.3/5, praising the larger rear seats than other small trucks, but doesn’t like the slow steering.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Gladiator a 4.6/5, enjoying the off-road capabilities, but owners don’t like the high running costs.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Jeep Gladiator Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator include the steering wandering, a rear axle seal leak, along with the front suspension squeaking while going over bumps. Overall, these problems are similar to other trucks on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Gladiator ages.
The steering wandering is the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, showing up in the first 20,000 miles. Owners report loose steering components which allows it to move around easily on the road. Replacing the steering components fixes the problem, costing around $800 when it’s out of warranty.
A rear axle seal leak has also been reported on the 2021 Gladiator at around 25,000 miles. The seal simply wears out as the Gladiator ages, since it’s rubber which breaks down. Replacing the seal is an easy, but time consuming process, which costs around $400, depending on local labor rates.
The front suspension squeaking while going over bumps is another issue mentioned by some Gladiator owners. The problem is usually caused by loose suspension components on the front end. Checking, tightening, and adjusting the parts usually fixes the problem, and can be done under $200.
There are four recalls on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, which is similar to other trucks from the same year. The most serious recall covers the fuel pump which can fail, leading to a loss of fuel pressure at the engine. Jeep will replace the pump on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the clutch pressure plate, as well as the rearview camera, which Jeep will also fix for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Jeep Gladiator Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Jeep Gladiator can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other small trucks like the Toyota Tacoma. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other trucks according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $480 per year.
As a used 2021 Gladiator reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the front brakes costing $450, steering knuckle which costs $650, along with the radiator lines which cost around $350.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is okay in the base Gladiator offering a 5-inch central display. Optional upgrades include larger 7-inch and 8.4-inch touch screens with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Standard safety technology is basic, only offering a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Rear parking sensors
- Forward facing camera
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Is the 2021 Jeep Gladiator a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator is a good value if you’re in the market for an off-road focused truck. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $34,645 to $44,925, making it more than a GMC Canyon or Ford Ranger. When new, the price range was $34,960 to $45,240. Depreciation is very slow, only losing about 2% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Gladiator?
There are four main models of the Jeep Gladiator offered from the base Sport all the way through to the popular Rubicon off-road model, along with the flagship Mojave. All 2021 gladiator models come standard with four-wheel drive.
Sport is the entry-level model with:
- Manual Crank Windows
- Limited Slip Rear Differential
- Cruise Control
- One USB Port
- Manual Door Locks
- Cloth Seats
- 5-Inch Central Display
- Folding Soft Top
- Removable Doors
- Eight-Speaker Audio System
Overland is a step up, adding:
- Power Windows and Door Locks
- Automatic Headlights
- Heated Power Mirrors
- LED Headlights
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Two USB Ports
- Automatic Climate Control
- 7-Inch Central Display
Rubicon focuses on off-road performance with:
- 33-Inch All-Terrain Tires
- Larger Fender Flares
- Locking Front and Rear Differentials
- Electronic Disconnect Stabilizer Bar
- Fox Shocks
- Rock Rails and Skid Plates
- Two-Speed Transfer Case With Off-Road Gearing
Mojave is the top-of-the-line model which has:
- Reinforced Frame
- High-Speed Transfer Case
- Fox Internal Bypass Shocks
- One-Inch Suspension Lift
- 4-Inch Touchscreen
- Spray-In Bedliner
- Black Hardtop
What Engines Come In the Jeep Gladiator?
- The base engine is an average 3.6L V6 which makes 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque at up to 19 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while an eight-speed automatic transmission is available as an optional upgrade. Performance is okay, taking 8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
- An available upgrade is the more efficient 3.0L turbodiesel, which produces 260 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque while getting up to 24 MPG.
What Colors Does the Jeep Gladiator Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Gladiator?
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offers a comfortable and well-appointed cabin, providing a pleasant driving experience for both the driver and passengers. With its spacious interior, the Gladiator can accommodate up to five people, providing ample legroom and headroom.
The seats are designed to offer support and comfort during long drives, and higher trims feature premium materials such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel for added luxury. The Gladiator’s suspension system effectively absorbs road imperfections, contributing to a smooth ride quality even on rough terrain.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Gladiator Have?
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is a versatile and rugged pickup truck that offers a unique blend of off-road capabilities and practical storage solutions. Its cargo bed measures 5 feet in length, providing ample space for hauling gear and equipment.
In addition to the bed, the Gladiator features a variety of storage options inside the cabin. The rear seat area offers flexible storage solutions with under-seat compartments and fold-flat seat backs, maximizing the available space for passengers and cargo.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Jeep Gladiator was launched for the 2020 model year.
2020: First model year for the Jeep Gladiator, which is a truck version of the very popular Jeep Wrangler.
2021: New diesel V6 engine available.
2022: Sport model has a new standard 7-inch touchscreen, while all other models get an 8.4-inch touchscreen.
How Does the Jeep Gladiator Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is a nice small truck if you’re in the market for one that can handle off-road terrain better than the competition, although you sacrifice some reliability for the fun driving experience.
The Ford F-150 is a larger truck which is available for about $1,500 more. Towing performance is better in the Ford F-150, while the Jeep Gladiator offers a more capable four-wheel drive system. We recommend the Ford F-150 if you really need a truck to tow or haul, otherwise the Gladiator is more fun to drive.
The Jeep Wrangler is a similar vehicle from Jeep which is available in the same price range. Both the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator share the same base platform, while the Gladiator has a bed to haul cargo. In general, we recommend the Jeep Wrangler since it has some more passenger room, although the decision comes down to personal preference.
