What Everyone NEEDS To Know About The 2022 Jeep Gladiator 

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Well, the longer wheelbase of the Gladiator DOES cause some issues on the trail, but that longer wheelbase makes it ride more stable/comfortable on the hwy. Otherwise, being a Rubicon, it's still the top-dog Jeep. And since Ford cancelled it's plan to produce a Bronco Truck, the Gladiator will continue to reign supreme in the mid-size off-road-focused serious 4x4 truck segment...even though it continues to have only one competitor: The second-place Chevy Colorado ZR2. There aren't any others... -- BR

@@billredding2000 should make pulling a trailer easier too. Haven't had to do that yet. Rides smoother thanks to the longer wheelbase. And the best benefit is big crosswinds don't bother it like a Wrangler.

@@okpanhandlr Yes, even though the Wrangler can pull a trailer, it's only a small one of max weight of 3500lbs (one reason I needed the Gladiator: 7000lbs capacity), and due to its shorter wheelbase it can get a bit squirrelly towing whereas the Gladiator -- with its longer wheelbase as you said -- is more stable. The Ford Bronco is also limited to 3500lbs, so even if I wanted a Wrangler OR a Bronco (didn't!), neither of them would do. Still, some people say they've had issues towing with a Gladiator, but IMO it's because they didn't load the trailer properly/pay attention to the tongue-weight and it's not the fault of the truck itself. And if Jeep rates it to tow 7000lbs, I EXPECT it to do so -- and safely. ;-) For one example re: how "poorly" the Gladiator is suited to tow, check out that Motor Trend article where they said towing their 5200lbs Airstream trailer with the diesel Gladiator was even "dangerous." I can't believe the Gladiator was THAT bad unless something was amiss, even though they said they knew about & observed the proper tongue-weight...so this poor result is a mystery (to me). Look for the article titled "2021 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel First Test: Not the Perfect Truck You Were Expecting" for reference. As said, they used the diesel version, but I'd say the gas Gladiator would be the same experience for them given the trucks are the pretty much the same otherwise. Whatever, I only tow VERY rarely (only when I move every 3-4 years, using a U-Haul 6x12 cargo trailer at most (rated for 4400lbs max total weight, trailer plus cargo), so given the capacity of the Gladiator I have at least 2600lbs "reserve capacity" left over, which should make towing even easier (meaning handling on the road and less wear & tear on the Gladiator). I like that because I do not want to tow at or even close to a (any!) vehicle's max capacity -- I want 1500-2000lbs reserve. Kind of like the Rule of Thumb in the RV world: The 80% Rule -- keep towing to a max of 80% of your vehicle's capacity. Won't be doing any towing (moving) anytime soon but am looking forward to my second long-distance road-trip in my Gladiator coming up this Summer (again, from CO to TX and back to CO)...it's really fun to drive as well. :-) Happy Gladiator-ing, -- BR P.S. I use the bed for carrying stuff as well, but I installed a hard bed-cover/tonneau (a tri-fold) on it -- that was a MUST DO before carrying anything in the bed for 2 reasons: For SOME sense of security (keep bed contents out of street-trash's eyesight) and weather-protection of stuff in the bed. It's especially needed on road-trips to carry luggage and keep the cabin from being cramped/cluttered with those things in there instead of the bed. So far, so good. ;-)

@@billredding2000 they had to have loaded up that airstream with tongue weight messed up. Like you, I might pull a U-Haul. Usually a 12 foot tandem axle with a couple ATVs. They rode very well behind the Wrangler until I would land on a road that buckled in the heat. Then it would sway like crazy. Driving 45 was the only recourse. But any vehicle would likely have to slow down anyway. Pulled nice thru twisty mountain roads as long as the road was in good repair. No lack of power climbing either. But I may want a camper someday. I also prefer the fold up bed topper. And so nice to have the dirt in the back and not have to hook up to the trailer to just go purchase one sheet of plywood.

They should bring back the 318 cui with fuel injection and coil packs for each spark plug.

Agreed, just got a willys edition and the 5.7 even detuned would be perfect!

Until then, Diesel will do

Put an LS in it!!

What 4x4 systems does it have?

early models had an aluminum steering boxes, they have been upgraded to steel... I believe Mojave never had the issue because they've always had the steel steering box.

@@mrmgjohnson thank you.

Thank you! Hope it was informative for you

My '21 JLR has no problems whatsoever. I also wonder how many of these complaints are because the steering on these vehicles is intentionally vague for better off road handling.

@@michaelsimmons8447 I think the "vague steering" (due to Jeeps being "'an antiquated design" as some automotive pundits say) definitely is related to solid-axle (vs. independent front suspension) as Jeeps have always had, but IME, it's been dealt with as of 2021 models with the new box (as I noted). True, I'd expect the Chevy Colorado ZR2 (another serious 4x4/mid-size truck) to be "better" (tighter-steering) than the Wrangler/Gladiator on the hwy, but frankly, I don't notice ANY "wandering" with my 2021 Gladiator Rubicon. Perhaps the ones in "Hydro Blue Pearlcoat" color are exempt from such issues? I mean, I COULD have gotten the only other Gladiator Rubicon on the dealer's lot at that time, but it was black. So, things could have been worse I guess... ;-) -- BR P.S. No, I don't feel cheated NOT getting the "traditional Jeep" wandering-steering "feature" when I got MY 2021. :-)

Great info! Thank you for passing along.

@@michaelsimmons8447 One more thing related to your point about Jeep's "added fudge factor" steering for better off-road performance. Yes, I agree, but also wanted to say that my previous vehicle was a 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD, with VERY nice steering. So if my Gladiator (my new Daily Driver) DID have "wandering steering" -- since I was used to driving the Pilot -- I sure would have noticed any sloppiness, but honestly, I haven't. -- BR

I have a 2018 jlu and a 2021 gladiator. I can attest, the newer gladiator is so much better when it comes to steering and bumpsteer

You have 2 gladiators?

Is that what causes the wandering issue he talked about in the video?

@@ROgletree it makes it worse. There are just extra links that add to the slop. The aluminum box and bolts flex and allow the steering to deflect more. . Is my Jeep a bit wandery. Sure I guess. I don’t really notice it and drive with one hand. Basically just takes some minor correction every now and again. Nothing like older Jeeps and trucks with SFA though.

@@KTMcaptain technically I don't have two gladiators. My wife has one and I have one. But yeah there are two parked in my driveway.

@@ROgletree once we did the TSB on my wife's jeep it was a night and day difference.

I would settle for the 5.7L

Because you want to pay over $80k for a Jeep? 😂

@@devriessigns9149 all that for a 392 lmao, not even a hellcat!!!

Im new to this what does 392 mean?

392 cubic inch motor....its the 6.1 liter hemi...

There's a company that will swap one in for you, blanking on what the company's name is, will also put a hellcat motor in one too

@@Chrisp325 ohhh makes since , appreciate the explanation

@@Chrisp325 late...but the 392 is a 6.4L

I can driving my 2020 JLUR sitting on 37’s with a finger and it rides really good.

More complications

Mike, do you have a link to that video? I can’t find it on Truck U’s page.

@@mountainlife1165 Sorry no, it was on TruckU last Sunday on the Motor Trend channel. I t usually gets repeated during the week.

@@mountainlife1165 The episode repeats on Saturday noon. I set my DVR and maybe I can find the manufacturers name.

@@mountainlife1165 I just watched it again. The kit is from Baxter Performance.

@@mikecampbell5856 , thank you

Sure, and just another airhead no-basis-in-fact opinion. I'm sure someone would say the very same POS remark about whatever YOU are driving. NO vehicle is perfect -- even yours. -- BR

Wow, enlightening comment.

I. I drive a Jeep, it's a love-hate relationship😂😂😂😂. You sensitive fool.

@@jasonhannah7483 You didn't say any of that...YOUR fault for coming across as just another clueless Jeep critic. But really, why would anyone want to have a "love-hate" relationship with their vehicle? Get something you actually LIKE instead. -- BR

I say go drive a new rubicon or Mojave you may be surprised. I was ! And I came out of a 19 Ram limited. 😐

Gladiator is Jeeps latest... damn auto correct

I'm pretty sure they'll get it together for the 2022 models some people just got it too early I usually wait until new models been out for a couple of years so any problems can be corrected or updates but I know a coworker that got a 2021 he said he hasn't had any problem with his he got the Mopar 2" lift and 20" rims with 35" tires he said it's been good no steering issues he got his back in December 2020

My 2020 has been fine , 30,000 miles so far

Because Ford hasn’t sold any lemons either?!

Ford can’t even build their bronco lmao.