One used vehicle is as good as another, right? They all tend to be the same regardless of the model year you’re looking at and the trim level that was chosen when the vehicle was sold as new, yes? No, not at all—though you probably already knew that—but if you’re not sure whether these kinds of details are really that important when you’re looking at used models, then we’re here to help with some guidance. Before you head to any used Jeep dealership, it’s important that you equip yourself with plenty of knowledge so that you have a good sense of what you’re looking for and which vehicles will and won’t work for you. Looking at the Jeep Gladiator, you might think that it will be easy to find the right used model with the features you need since it’s only been around for a few years. We’ll admit that you won’t find as many different options as you will with something like a used Jeep Wrangler—that beast has been around for decades, and there are a lot of pre-owned ones out there. That being said, even in only a handful of years, the Gladiator has gone through some changes, and there have been numerous options available in this time. Let’s check out some of the key features and details you should look at when shopping for a used Gladiator to ensure you get what you need. Jeep Gladiator Basics Before we dig into the finer details of the Gladiator, let’s touch on a few general things first: the Jeep Gladiator is a midsize truck that was first released (in the modern era, at least) for the 2020 model year. This means you won’t find a vast range of different versions of the Gladiator out there compared to some models that have been around for decades. In many ways, its design is similar to the popular Wrangler: the doors and roof are removable, letting you open the Gladiator’s interior, and it has been engineered for fantastic off-road performance. Every model comes with four-wheel drive (4x4) with numerous options available (more on that below). So, with all of this in mind, what should you look at? Key Detail #1 – The Engine Depending on the model year of the Gladiator you look at, either one or two different engines might have been available when it was new. This is why the model year is still vital as you consider a used option, even with a vehicle that’s only had five model years so far—including the latest, updated 2024 Jeep Gladiator. For the 2020 model year, the Gladiator launched with a single engine: a 3.6L V6 that delivers 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This is a great engine, and it has remained the standard option in the years following its release. For the 2021 model year, Jeep introduced a second option: an available 3.0L V6 diesel engine that provides 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. This is a huge boost to torque and the perfect choice if you’re a fan of diesel engines. We should note that with the 2024 model year, Jeep has retired the diesel engine for the Gladiator, so if that’s something you want, then you need to focus on 2021 through 2023 models. The standard engine is offered with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic, something to consider as you look at different used models (the diesel engine only comes with the automatic). Key Detail #2 – The 4x4 System Although every Jeep Gladiator comes with 4x4 engineering, there are actually four different versions offered, which means you’ll find a wide range of drive systems in used models. The standard option is a Command-Trac part-time 4x4 system, which is what you’ll find on a lot of used models since it’s offered on almost every trim. If you’re looking for something that’s engaged no matter where you’re driving, then you should look for the Selec-Trac full-time 4x4 system that’s offered on all models with one exception: the Rubicon. The right 4x4 system depends greatly on your driving preferences, so consider both options. The other two 4x4 systems available for the Jeep Gladiator are only offered on the Rubicon model, which is designed as the ultimate expression of off-road performance for this truck. These are both Rock-Trac 4x4 systems, which are some of the best on the market and perfectly demonstrate how well Jeep understands the needs of off-road enthusiasts. A Rock-Trac part-time system is standard on the Rubicon, with a full-time system available. This creates tremendous freedom to find exactly what you need, so keep these in mind as you shop. Key Detail #3 – Towing and Payload Ratings The Jeep Gladiator launched with well over half a dozen trim levels available, with numerous features and offers across them, with a variety of included and optional packages. Depending on how the Gladiator is configured, its towing and payload capacities can vary quite a bit. Used models that are configured for greater capability can haul up to 7,650 lbs behind them. Similarly, payload capacity can reach up to 1,700 lbs—this can make a difference if you like to load your truck bed with a lot of cargo. Be sure to check the specific capacities for any particular used model you’re interested in and choose one that can handle the weight you need. Key Detail #4 – Interior Features and Tech Across the variety of trim levels and model years, you’ll find a wide range of interior features on the Jeep Gladiator. These are things that can be easy to overlook in the moment when you’re shopping, but if you’re not careful, then as you live with your truck, you might find things you miss that you wish you had looked for. Looking at the 2020 Gladiator, it launched with a 5.0-inch Infotainment display and a 3.5-inch monotone Driver Information Display as the starting options. Some trims, like the Overland, upgraded those to a 7.0-inch Infotainment screen and a 7.0-inch full-color Driver Display—a larger 8.4-inch Infotainment screen was also available. Starting with the updated 2024 model year, the Gladiator now comes with a gorgeous 12.3-inch Infotainment display standard on all models; this is just a small part of how this truck has been updated for the latest model year. An eight-speaker sound system has been standard since the Gladiator launched, with an advanced nine-speaker Alpine sound system available. You can also find a range of interior options from cloth seating to heated, leather-trimmed seats and much more. These things are worth considering as you look at different used models. Find the Perfect Used Jeep Gladiator As you can see, the model year, trim level, and available options with a particular used Jeep Gladiator can have a significant impact on the kind of performance you get and the features you’ll enjoy. This is why it’s so important to have a sense of what you want in your vehicle before you ever go shopping so that you can be sure to find everything you need. It’s also why doing some research before heading to a dealer can save you a lot of time and money since this makes it easier to figure out the model and trim you need before you start looking at what’s out there. Whether you know exactly what you want or you’re still figuring some things out, we’re here to help, so come visit us at Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Georgetown today, and we’ll make sure you get the perfect Jeep Gladiator to meet your needs.
