2025 Jeep Gladiator Review: Off-Road Specs & Pricing Guide
2025 Jeep Gladiator Review: Off-Road Specs & Pricing Guide
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator continues to dominate as one of the most capable midsize trucks on the market, especially for off-road enthusiasts. As a rugged blend of open-air freedom, truck utility, and legendary Jeep performance, the Gladiator redefines what a pickup can do—whether you're tackling rocky trails or hauling cargo across town. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the 2025 model’s off-road specifications, trim levels, pricing structure, performance capabilities, tech offerings, and why it remains a top contender in the adventure-seeking vehicle segment.
Overview of the 2025 Jeep Gladiator
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator builds on the success of its predecessors by enhancing comfort, technology, and off-road prowess. Based on the Jeep Wrangler platform, the Gladiator combines the body-on-frame durability of a traditional truck with the proven off-road heritage of Jeep. With a longer wheelbase and a five-foot cargo bed, it offers practicality without compromising the iconic Jeep DNA.
Available in multiple trim levels—from the entry-level Sport to the top-tier Rubicon 392—the 2025 Gladiator ensures there's a model to suit every lifestyle, from weekend warriors to full-time outdoor professionals. With improved towing, payload capacity, and refined interiors, the 2025 model strikes a balance between adventure-ready toughness and everyday drivability.
2025 Jeep Gladiator Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator lineup offers a variety of trims that cater to different needs and budgets. Each trim brings unique features, off-road capabilities, and aesthetic upgrades, making it easier for buyers to find their ideal match.
1. Jeep Gladiator Sport – Starting at $42,995
The base Sport trim is a no-frills, highly capable truck that delivers essential Jeep functionality at a competitive price. Standard features include:
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine
- 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission
- Command-Trac part-time 4x4 system
- 17-inch steel wheels
- Manual folding windshield (optional)
- Uconnect 4 infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
The Sport trim is ideal for those who want raw off-road utility without excessive luxury. It’s the best value for DIY adventurers who plan to customize their truck later.
2. Jeep Gladiator Sport S – Starting at $45,495
The Sport S adds convenience and comfort upgrades over the base model. It comes with:
- Power windows and locks
- Keyless entry
- Remote start
- 8-speed automatic transmission (standard)
- Uconnect 5 with 8.4-inch touchscreen (optional)
- Available hardtop and power accessories
For those who want a slightly more refined experience without stepping into off-road-focused trims, the Sport S is a smart middle-ground.
3. Jeep Gladiator Overland – Starting at $51,995
The Overland trim shifts focus toward on-road comfort and premium materials, making it perfect for daily drivers who still want off-road capability. Highlights include:
- Leather-trimmed seating
- Heated front seats
- 9-speaker Alpine audio system
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection
- 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with navigation
- LED headlights and fog lights
- 18-inch alloy wheels
The Overland offers a more luxurious interior and advanced driver assistance features, ideal for those who want comfort without sacrificing Jeep's rugged spirit.
4. Jeep Gladiator Mojave – Starting at $50,995
Engineered for desert off-roading, the Mojave trim is the Gladiator’s high-speed off-road specialist. It features:
- Bilstein high-performance FOX shocks with bypass technology
- Off-road-tuned suspension with increased travel
- Skid plate-protected fuel tank
- Standard 33-inch all-terrain tires
- Trailer Sway Control and electronic sway bar disconnect
- Standard 8-speed automatic transmission
- Aggressive front fascia with integrated recovery hooks
The Mojave excels in sandy and rocky terrains, offering superior articulation and damping for high-speed desert runs. It’s the go-to model for Baja-style adventures.
5. Jeep Gladiator Rubicon – Starting at $49,995
The Rubicon remains the most capable off-road trim in the Gladiator lineup. Renowned for its trail-conquering prowess, it includes:
- Rock-Trac 4x4 system with 4:1 low-range transfer case
- Electronic locking front and rear differentials
- Disconnecting front sway bar for improved articulation
- 33-inch all-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels
- Off-road rock rails
- Heavy-duty Dana 44 axles
- Red tow hooks and aggressive off-road bumpers
The Rubicon is built for rock crawling and extreme off-road conditions. Its features make it a favorite among hardcore off-roaders and overlanding enthusiasts.
6. Jeep Gladiator Rubicon 392 – Starting at $79,995
The crown jewel of the 2025 Gladiator lineup, the Rubicon 392, is powered by a 6.4L HEMI V8 engine producing 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This high-performance model includes:
- 4.5-inch lift for increased ground clearance
- 37-inch off-road tires
- Performance suspension and brakes
- Exclusive badging and wide fender flares
- Launch control and performance exhaust
- Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
- Leather and suede interior with heated and ventilated seats
The Rubicon 392 transforms the Gladiator into a street-legal off-road monster, capable of 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds—making it one of the fastest off-road trucks available.
Off-Road Specifications: What Makes the 2025 Gladiator a Trail Dominator?
The Jeep Gladiator’s off-road capability is rooted in its design philosophy: every component is engineered for maximum terrain conquest. Below are the key off-road specs that define the 2025 model.
Ground Clearance and Approach/Departure Angles
Ground clearance varies by trim but is significantly enhanced on the Rubicon and Mojave models. The standard Rubicon offers up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance, while the Rubicon 392 boasts an impressive 13.1 inches thanks to its factory lift.
- Approach Angle: Up to 43.6 degrees (Rubicon 392)
- Breakover Angle: Up to 22.6 degrees
- Departure Angle: Up to 26 degrees
These angles allow the Gladiator to climb steep inclines and descend safely without scraping the front or rear bumpers.
Four-Wheel Drive Systems
Depending on the trim, the 2025 Gladiator comes with one of two 4x4 systems:
- Command-Trac (Sport, Sport S, Overland): A part-time system with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. Ideal for light to moderate off-roading.
- Rock-Trac (Rubicon and Rubicon 392): A full-time, heavy-duty system with a 4:1 low-range transfer case, providing extreme torque multiplication for rock crawling and technical terrain.
The Rock-Trac system is one of the most capable in its class, giving the Gladiator a distinct advantage on the trail.
Suspension and Articulation
The suspension setup is tailored to each model’s intended use:
- Standard models use a traditional coil spring front and rear setup.
- Mojave features FOX internal bypass shocks for high-speed damping.
- Rubicon 392 has performance-tuned suspension with increased articulation and stability.
The disconnecting front sway bar (standard on Rubicon trims) dramatically improves wheel articulation, allowing one wheel to stay grounded while the others climb over obstacles.
Traction Control and Off-Road Tech
The 2025 Gladiator is equipped with advanced traction systems, including:
- Selec-Trac or Rock-Trac terrain management systems
- Electronic rear differential lock (standard on Rubicon)
- Electronic front differential lock (Rubicon)
- Electronic sway bar disconnect (Rubicon and Mojave)
- Hill Descent Control
These systems work in concert to ensure maximum grip and control in mud, snow, sand, and rocky terrain.
Water Fording Capability
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator can ford up to 30 inches of water with the proper setup. The Rubicon and Mojave trims come with enhanced sealing and air intake positioning, allowing safe river crossings and rainy trail conditions.
Towing and Payload Capacity
While primarily known for off-road performance, the Gladiator is also a capable workhorse:
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,650 lbs (when properly equipped)
- Payload Capacity: Up to 1,725 lbs
The V8-powered Rubicon 392 offers even stronger towing performance, making it suitable for hauling boats, trailers, or off-road camper setups.
Engine and Transmission Options
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator offers two primary powertrains, with a third high-performance option for the Rubicon 392.
3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine
Standard on all trims except the Rubicon 392, this engine delivers:
- 285 horsepower
- 260 lb-ft of torque
- Available 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission
While not the most powerful on the market, the Pentastar V6 is reliable and efficient, returning an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway with the automatic transmission.
6.4L HEMI V8 Engine (Rubicon 392)
This high-output engine transforms the Gladiator into a performance beast:
- 470 horsepower
- 470 lb-ft of torque
- 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters
- 0-60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds
While fuel economy drops to an estimated 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway, the trade-off is unmatched power for towing and acceleration.
Interior and Technology Features
The 2025 Gladiator features a more refined interior than ever before, with improved materials and modern tech across all trims.
Uconnect 5 Infotainment System
Standard on higher trims and optional on others, Uconnect 5 brings:
- 8.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- Over-the-air software updates
- Voice command and cloud-based navigation
- Available 115V household-style power outlet
The system is intuitive, responsive, and designed for both daily commutes and remote off-roading navigation.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The Gladiator now includes more advanced safety features, particularly on Overland and higher trims:
- Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
- Lane Departure Warning
- Blind Spot Monitoring