What's New in the 2025 Jeep Gladiator?
The Jeep Gladiator (JT) is a midsize pickup truck produced by the American brand Jeep. First unveiled in November 2018 at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Gladiator shares its platform with the fourth-generation Jeep Wrangler.
For 2025, despite a somewhat subtle update, the Jeep Gladiator has undergone several changes to its equipment. The Gladiator features a rounder grille, giving it an appearance closely resembling that of the compact Jeep Renegade. The V-6 diesel engine is no longer offered, leaving the 3.6-liter V-6 gasoline engine as the sole powertrain option. Additionally, the interior now features a large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen—something the Gladiator did not offer previously—which comes standard even on the entry-level Sport trim.
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| What's New in the 2025 Jeep Gladiator? |
For 2025, despite a somewhat subtle update, the Jeep Gladiator has undergone several changes to its equipment. The Gladiator features a rounder grille, giving it an appearance closely resembling that of the compact Jeep Renegade. The V-6 diesel engine is no longer offered, leaving the 3.6-liter V-6 gasoline engine as the sole powertrain option. Additionally, the interior now features a large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen—something the Gladiator did not offer previously—which comes standard even on the entry-level Sport trim.
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| Jeep Gladiator Mojave X 2025 |
Jeep has also added a new wheel design and a windshield-integrated antenna. Anvil is a new paint color option.
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| Jeep Gladiator Rubicon X 2025 |
The 4xe hybrid powertrain is also under consideration, and the diesel engine is no longer available; consequently, the Gladiator lacks variety and lags behind in fuel economy.
Overall Rating (4/5)
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator is a truck that stays true to its Jeep roots. Jeep recognized the popularity of pickup trucks in the U.S. several years ago; to capitalize on this, the automaker applied the Wrangler formula to a truck body, creating a mid-size pickup that boasts the Wrangler's off-road prowess while featuring a 1.5-meter cargo bed at the rear. It has been a sales success in the U.S., with nearly 78,000 units sold in 2023. This is all the more impressive given that its starting price of $40,000 makes the 2025 Jeep Gladiator several thousand dollars more expensive than competitors such as the Chevrolet Colorado and the all-new Toyota Tacoma. There is also the high-speed off-road Mojave variant, equipped with a FOX suspension system; however—unlike the new Ford Ranger Raptor—this is not a high-performance model, as it features the same 285-horsepower naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine found in every other Gladiator. Nevertheless, it offers excellent towing capabilities and improved refinement, featuring better sound insulation and a more extensive list of amenities—including a new infotainment system. Does it now stand as a truly well-rounded vehicle capable of going head-to-head with its more car-like competitors?
How does it perform?
Engine
The 2025 Gladiator is equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, delivered through a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 8-speed automatic. We tested the Gladiator Rubicon—featuring this V-6 engine—on the Hanoi-Lao Cai route and on the Tam Dao mountain climb.
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| Gladiator Rubicon X fording a stream. |
Our test truck took 8.5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h on the highway. While this pace is somewhat slow for a midsize pickup, it doesn't feel that way during daily driving. The V6 engine is impressively powerful and has no trouble helping you reach highway speeds. The automatic transmission is responsive and shifts quickly.
**Real-World Driving Impressions**
Every Gladiator features a 5.5-foot truck bed. Compared to the standard Wrangler, the Gladiator has an additional 19.4 inches between the front and rear wheels. Jeep states that this helps improve the pickup's ride and handling characteristics. Now that we have driven several examples, we can confirm that it drives very much like a Wrangler.
On the highway, the truck's steering lacks precision, and driving can be a bit of a chore on uneven surfaces. However, these characteristics are part of the formula that makes the Gladiator both a capable standard pickup and an off-road vehicle ready for any mountain trail. Enthusiasts are likely more interested in the truck's available off-road equipment—which includes everything from ample skid plates and rock-crawling axle ratios to a water-fording capability of up to 30 inches. Generous ground clearance, along with impressive approach and departure angles, further help the Gladiator conquer the unknown.
On muddy, dirty trails, the 2025 Gladiator Rubicon is a true champion. It possesses ample ground clearance and traction to help us navigate over or around any obstacle. The Gladiator's longer wheelbase makes it slightly less agile than the Wrangler on tight trails, though it doesn't lag too far behind.
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| 2025 Gladiator Rubicon X Wheels |
The on-road handling capabilities—compromised by massive tires and a heavy-duty front axle—are precisely what allow the Gladiator to excel off-road. The steering lacks precision, and the vehicle is susceptible to crosswinds and requires constant correction to stay centered in its lane. Other midsize trucks are easier to drive and less fatiguing.
How is the interior? (4/5)
Jeep has revamped the Gladiator's cabin in a way that really caught our attention. The dashboard has been redesigned to accommodate a large new touchscreen—standard on all trim levels—which now occupies the entire space previously taken up by the central circular air vents; these vents have now been relocated to a horizontal position beneath the screen.
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| 2025 Gladiator Mojave X Interior |
This is the primary change, yet it significantly modernizes the cabin—particularly with the inclusion of a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. The materials are durable and designed to be washable; therefore, we have no issue with this pragmatic approach, especially when considering the Gladiator's design brief. Everything is solidly constructed, and the Gladiator X trim details add a touch of luxury with leather upholstery and contrasting accents.
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| Fully equipped and high-end amenities |
Features vary by trim level; they are quite basic in the Gladiator Sport—where even the windows are manually operated—while the top-tier trims offer the most extensive array of amenities. Interior space is excellent for a mid-size vehicle, providing ample room even in the second row. Visibility is good, and when the roof and doors are removed, the experience becomes truly panoramic.
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Jeep