Best Jeep Gladiator Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Jeep Gladiator Model Years (Ranked)
Direct Answer
The Best Overall Jeep Gladiator is the 2023 Gladiator Rubicon, the most refined version of Jeep's midsize pickup after several years of running fixes, with a 285-hp 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, front and rear locking differentials, an electronic sway-bar disconnect, and 33-inch tires straight from the factory.
The Best Value pick is the 2021 Gladiator Sport S, which added desirable option packages while sitting in the depreciation sweet spot around $30,000-$36,000 used. Because the Gladiator only launched for the 2020 model year, this ranking covers every model year and the key trims within them to reach ten distinct picks, judged on capability, reliability, drivetrain, and value.
Every pick lists real engines, horsepower, and model-year facts.
How We Ranked These
We weighed each model year and trim on off-road capability, powertrain and towing, reliability and known issues, safety and tech, on-road manners, and used-market value. Sources include Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, **U.S.
News, Consumer Reports, the IIHS, the EPA, and Jeep**. The Gladiator is a body-on-frame pickup built for trails and towing, so capability, the right axle and locker setup, and the maturity of each model year drive the ranking.
1. 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6, 285 hp, 8-speed auto or 6-speed manual, 4WD | Best for: Buyers who want maximum factory trail capability
The 2023 Gladiator Rubicon is the most sorted version of the truck. By this model year Jeep had addressed many early build complaints, and the Rubicon brings the serious hardware: Tru-Lok front and rear locking differentials, an electronic front sway-bar disconnect, a 4:1 transfer case, rock rails, and 33-inch off-road tires from the factory.
The 3.6-liter V6 makes 285 hp and 260 lb-ft, mates to an 8-speed automatic or a true 6-speed manual, and the truck tows up to 7,650 pounds in lighter configurations. It is the rare pickup that can crawl a hard trail and tow a trailer.
Pros:
- Front and rear lockers plus sway-bar disconnect
- Factory 33-inch tires and 4:1 transfer case
- Available 6-speed manual transmission
Cons:
- Firm, trucky on-road ride
- Thirsty V6 fuel economy
Verdict: The most capable, most mature Gladiator to buy.
2. 2024 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6, 285 hp, 8-speed auto or 6-speed manual, 4WD | Best for: The newest mid-cycle refresh with updated tech
The 2024 Gladiator received a mid-cycle update with a new grille, standard side curtain airbags, and a larger available 12.3-inch Uconnect touchscreen. The Rubicon retains all the heavy off-road hardware. It is the newest, best-equipped Gladiator, though it commands a price premium over used 2023 examples and drops the EcoDiesel option that earlier trucks offered.
Pros:
- Updated 12.3-inch Uconnect and standard side airbags
- Full Rubicon off-road hardware
- Newest design with the freshest interior
Cons:
- New-truck pricing
- EcoDiesel no longer offered
Verdict: The freshest Gladiator with the latest tech.
3. 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mojave
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6, 285 hp, 8-speed auto or 6-speed manual, 4WD | Best for: Desert running and high-speed off-road
The 2021 Gladiator Mojave is the Desert Rated variant, tuned for high-speed off-road instead of slow rock crawling. It adds Fox internal-bypass shocks, a reinforced frame, a 1-inch front lift, and 33-inch tires. The Mojave keeps the rear locker but trades the front locker and sway-bar disconnect for desert-focused suspension, making it the choice for sand and open trails.
Pros:
- Fox internal-bypass shocks for desert running
- Reinforced frame and 1-inch lift
- 33-inch tires and rear locker
Cons:
- No front locker or sway-bar disconnect
- Same firm on-road ride
Verdict: The desert-runner of the lineup.
4. 2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport S 💎 BEST VALUE
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6, 285 hp, 8-speed auto or 6-speed manual, 4WD | Best for: Maximum value with room to add packages
The 2021 Gladiator Sport S is the value standout. It adds desirable convenience features like power windows and locks, automatic climate, and supports popular option packages, all while trading around $30,000-$36,000 used. It keeps the same V6 and 4WD as pricier trims, and buyers can add 4.10 gears or a trailer package to taste.
It is the smart-money Gladiator.
Pros:
- Strong used value near the low thirties
- Same V6 and 4WD as costlier trims
- Wide option-package availability
Cons:
- No factory lockers
- Fewer off-road extras than Rubicon
Verdict: The best value in the Gladiator range.
5. 2022 Jeep Gladiator Overland
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6, 285 hp, 8-speed auto, 4WD | Best for: A more comfortable, on-road-friendly Gladiator
The 2022 Gladiator Overland leans toward comfort with body-color fenders, a softer setup than the Rubicon, available leather, and the larger Uconnect screen. It still offers respectable off-road ability and the full 7,650-pound towing capacity in the right configuration. It is the pick for buyers who want the open-air pickup experience without the trucky Rubicon ride.
Pros:
- More comfortable on-road manners
- Available leather and larger Uconnect
- Full towing capacity available
Cons:
- Less hardcore off-road hardware
- Still thirsty
Verdict: The comfort-leaning Gladiator.
6. 2021 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel
Engine: 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, 260 hp / 442 lb-ft, 8-speed auto, 4WD | Best for: Maximum torque and towing efficiency
The 2021 Gladiator offered the optional 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 making 260 hp and a massive 442 lb-ft of torque, ideal for towing and low-end crawling. It returns better highway efficiency than the gas V6 and is the torque king of the lineup. It costs more used and requires diesel-specific maintenance, but for trailer haulers it is compelling.
Pros:
- 442 lb-ft of diesel torque
- Better towing and highway efficiency
- Effortless low-end crawling
Cons:
- Premium price and diesel upkeep
- Automatic-only, no manual
Verdict: The torque-and-towing specialist.
7. 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6, 285 hp, 8-speed auto or 6-speed manual, 4WD | Best for: Full off-road hardware at a used-Rubicon price
The 2022 Gladiator Rubicon has all the same trail hardware as the 2023, including the lockers and sway-bar disconnect, at a slightly lower used price. By 2022 most early production quirks were resolved. It is a strong alternative to the 2023 for buyers who want to save money and do not need the very latest interior.
Pros:
- Full Rubicon off-road hardware
- Lower price than 2023-2024
- Most early issues resolved
Cons:
- Smaller standard touchscreen than 2024
- Firm ride
Verdict: A cheaper path to a sorted Rubicon.
8. 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6, 285 hp, 8-speed auto or 6-speed manual, 4WD | Best for: The launch-year flagship at the lowest Rubicon price
The 2020 Gladiator Rubicon was the launch year and immediately won acclaim, including being named MotorTrend Truck of the Year. It has all the Rubicon hardware. As the first model year it had some early build and reliability complaints, so a careful inspection and service-history check matter, but it is the cheapest way into a Rubicon.
Pros:
- Cheapest Rubicon with full hardware
- Award-winning launch design
- Available manual transmission
Cons:
- First-year build quirks
- Older, smaller infotainment
Verdict: A budget Rubicon, buy with inspection.
9. 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport S
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6, 285 hp, 8-speed auto or 6-speed manual, 4WD | Best for: The cheapest capable Gladiator overall
The 2020 Gladiator Sport S is the most affordable way into the nameplate while still getting power features and 4WD. It skips the Rubicon's lockers but can be optioned with the Trailer Tow and Max Tow packages for the full 7,650-pound capacity. It is a budget entry that still tows and goes off-road competently.
Pros:
- Lowest-cost Gladiator entry
- Available Max Tow for 7,650 lb
- Same V6 and 4WD
Cons:
- First-year reliability watch items
- No factory lockers
Verdict: The cheapest entry to the lineup.
10. 2023 Jeep Gladiator FarOut Edition (EcoDiesel)
Engine: 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, 260 hp / 442 lb-ft, 8-speed auto, 4WD | Best for: Collectors who want the final diesel Gladiator
The 2023 Gladiator FarOut was a limited final-edition that sent off the EcoDiesel with unique badging, a body-color hardtop, and a loaded feature set. With the diesel discontinued afterward, the FarOut is a collectible send-off combining the 442 lb-ft torque with exclusive trim.
It commands a premium and is harder to find, but it is the diesel swan song.
Pros:
- Final EcoDiesel special edition
- 442 lb-ft of torque and loaded features
- Collectible exclusivity
Cons:
- Premium price, limited availability
- Diesel-specific maintenance
Verdict: The collectible diesel farewell.
How to Choose
Pick by how you will use the truck. For serious rock crawling, a Rubicon with its lockers and sway-bar disconnect is essential, and the 2023 is the most sorted year. For desert and high-speed off-road, the 2021 Mojave with its Fox shocks is the specialist.
For towing, the EcoDiesel trucks deliver 442 lb-ft of torque. For value, the 2021 Sport S offers the most truck per dollar, and the 2020 Sport S is the cheapest entry if you accept first-year watch items. Whichever you choose, plan for a firm ride and modest fuel economy, the tradeoffs for genuine open-air capability.
FAQ
Which Gladiator year is most reliable? The 2022-2023 model years are the most sorted, after Jeep worked through early build complaints from the 2020 launch year. A documented service history matters on any used Gladiator, especially first-year trucks.
How much can a Gladiator tow? Properly equipped with the Max Tow package, the gas V6 Gladiator tows up to 7,650 pounds. The EcoDiesel's 442 lb-ft of torque makes towing feel more effortless even if peak capacity is similar.
Is the Rubicon worth it over the Sport S? For off-road use, yes. The Rubicon adds front and rear lockers, an electronic sway-bar disconnect, a 4:1 transfer case, and 33-inch tires. If you mostly drive on pavement and tow occasionally, the Sport S saves significant money.
Why is the EcoDiesel hard to find? Jeep discontinued the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel after the 2023 FarOut Edition. The diesel was a low-volume option to begin with, so used examples are scarce and command a premium for their torque and towing efficiency.
Bottom Line
The 2023 Gladiator Rubicon is the Gladiator to buy: the most mature model year with the full off-road arsenal of lockers, a sway-bar disconnect, and factory 33s. Value shoppers should target the 2021 Sport S, which delivers the same V6 and 4WD with room to add packages at a used price in the low thirties.
Towing-focused buyers should hunt down an EcoDiesel. Match the trim to your terrain and the Gladiator delivers genuine capability no other midsize pickup matches.
Sources
- Car and Driver — Jeep Gladiator reviews and specifications
- MotorTrend — Jeep Gladiator Truck of the Year and trim testing
- Edmunds — Jeep Gladiator model-year reviews and used pricing
- Kelley Blue Book — Gladiator used values and ownership costs
- U.S. News & World Report — Jeep Gladiator rankings
- IIHS — Jeep Gladiator safety ratings
- EPA fueleconomy.gov — Gladiator fuel-economy figures
- Jeep — official model-year specifications and trim details