We've tested a few different version of the Gladiator with an automatic transmission on our 75-mph highway route that helps us evaluate real-world fuel economy. The automatic gearbox increases its estimated city mpg to 17 and drops its highway figure to 22 mpg. Gladiator models equipped with the standard manual transmission are rated at 16 mpg city and 23 highway. Those looking to load up the Gladiators cargo bed can carry between 11 pounds of payload. For comparison, the Wrangler is only rated to tow up to 3500 pounds. Even the weakest version can pull a 4000-pound trailer. When properly equipped, the Gladiator can tow an impressive 7700 pounds. 2024 Gladiator Is a More Advanced Off-Road Pickup.Generous ground clearance and approach/departure angles further help the Gladiator conquer parts unknown. Enthusiasts care more about the truck's available off-road equipment, which includes everything from copious skid plates to rock-crawling axle ratios to the ability to ford up to 30 inches of water. Still, these characteristics are part of the formula that makes the Gladiator both a legitimate pickup truck and a trail-ready tool. On paved roads, the truck's steering lacks precision and the ride can be busy on uneven surfaces. Now that we've driven several examples, we can confirm that it drives much like the Wrangler. Jeep says this helps improve the pickup's ride and handling. Compared with the regular Wrangler, the Gladiator has an extra 19.4 inches between the front and rear wheels. Every Gladiator comes with a 5.5-foot truck bed. In other words, it's slightly slower than most competitors. We tested an Overland model with the automatic, which needed 7.2 seconds to scoot to 60 mph. The Gladiator is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque routed through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic. Our other preferred options include the Cargo Management pack (400-watt power inverter, an under-seat storage bin, and a bed-mounted 115-volt outlet) and the auxiliary switches and upgraded charging system for any lightbars or accessories that we'll surely add for maximum Jeepness. Inside, we'd spec the headliner for better noise and temperature insulation and upgrade to the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, because it adds navigation and is more sophisticated than the standard 5.0-inch unit. We'd also select the three-piece hard top for its ability to quickly open the roof. We'd choose the all-terrain tires and anti-spin rear differential for improved traction when the blacktop ends, and we'd add the side steps to make getting in out and easier. We think the Sport S is the perfect canvas to create our ideal Gladiator.

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