There is no doubt about it – the Jeep Gladiator is a pretty awesome piece of work, to be sure. Jeep’s first pickup truck in nearly 30 years, the Gladiator, the 2020 Gladiator brought a new level of utility to this adventurous brand. Based on the iconic Jeep Wrangler, the Gladiator is built for off-road trails and backcountry adventures. And now that it has been out on the market for over a year, a used Jeep Gladiator Sport is an affordable way to get your hands on one of the most exciting pickup trucks in years.
The Sport is the base trim for the Gladiator, which makes it a particularly good choice for several reasons. First of all, a used Gladiator Sport is the least expensive way to get behind the wheel of this capable truck – and unlike other vehicles, a base model Gladiator is still fully Trail Rated. Second of all, a Gladiator Sport is an inherently simple vehicle that lacks all the complicated electronics of the higher trims. This makes it an excellent off-road machine and the perfect blank canvas for customization.
Happy Trails
Truth be told, the Gladiator was built specifically to grind it out on the trail – there is no doubt about it. When Jeep built the Gladiator Sport, they didn’t hold back, and every little detail about it is built with off-roading in mind. Take, for example, the push-button start button that just happens to be waterproof. Does anybody think this is just a coincidence? We think not; Jeep did their homework to ensure that the Gladiator Sport was trail-ready from the ground up.
While the Gladiator Rubicon might be the best equipped for the trails, the Sport isn’t far behind. If you need proof, look no further than the available heavy-duty Dana 44 solid front and rear axles. They deliver durability, strength, and performance, so you bet that the Sport can handle whatever type of terrain you prefer. Behind the iconic Jeep grille is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces plenty of torque as well as horsepower. To say it is a strong engine is a bit of an understatement, and it boasts enough power to tackle any trail.
It’s a Truck, a Convertible Truck
If you are a truck type of person who enjoys driving through the city with the wind swirling through your hair, you must experience the Jeep Gladiator. Just remove the roof, take off the doors, and fold down the windshield and you suddenly enjoy the benefits of driving a convertible. There is just nothing that compares to open-air driving, and no other truck on the market offers this feature.
Driving a convertible makes you feel free and powerful. If you think about it, you never see a driver in a convertible with a sour look on their face; in fact, they are always smiling, laughing even. After a tough day at the office, your commute home can be therapeutic; this is especially true when you can pop the top off and enjoy the fresh air. Driving a convertible gives your mood an upward boost and supports emotional well-being.
Noise is often considered a bad thing while driving, but it is just the opposite when you are driving a convertible. All of that external noise created when driving a convertible drowns out your smartphone, so you never take any calls. It is also difficult to hold a meaningful conversation while driving around with the top down, so you are left with only your peaceful thoughts. Owning a convertible is better than paying for expensive therapy.
It’s a Jeep, Inside and Out
The styling of the Jeep Gladiator Sport inside and out is classic Jeep. As such, if you love the Jeep brand for whatever reason, you will definitely love the Gladiator. On the outside, the Gladiator looks a lot like a Wrangler with a bed; you get the iconic seven-slotted grille, the exterior hood latches, the exposed tow hooks, and the classic round headlights. Really, what’s not to love about the classic looks of a Jeep?
The interior of the Gladiator is also a lot like the Wrangler. Take a look at the dash and you will notice a similar layout, with large buttons, round vents, and the Jeep logo throughout. Of course, you don’t need to see the Jeep logo to know that you are sitting behind the wheel of a Jeep.
You Can Make it Unique
Jeep makes it easy to personalize and customize your Gladiator, and it is even easier when you are buying a used model. A used Gladiator Sport is the ideal blank canvass for your personalized off-road rig. Thanks to the boatload of available aftermarket options, owners of the Gladiator can accessorize theirs with light bars, winches, bumpers, and the list goes on. The same holds true inside your Jeep Gladiator. You can customize your Gladiator with storage organizers, floor mats, and electronic gear.
If you are feeling more adventurous, then you can invest in major mods for the truck. Larger wheels, lift kits, upgraded differentials – there are so many options for the Gladiator that you will need to do your homework to discover which ones best suit your needs and lifestyle. We could devote an entire article to Jeep accessories and mods, but here are a few factory options to whet your appetite.
In all likelihood, anybody who owns a Gladiator can be found enjoying their weekends on some sort of adventure. Whether you enjoy mountain or kayaking, bed-mounted cross rails work with the Jeep Trail Rail system to allow your Jeep to carry bikes, boats, and whatever other items you need for your adventures. The bed storage system provides various storage spaces for supplies, tools, or gear. Jeep also offers a variety of roof racks and cargo carriers that are built specifically for snowboards, skis, or even bicycles.
Jeep offers a variety of tonneau covers for the Gladiator. These include soft roll-up covers, hard tri-fold covers, and soft tri-fold covers. In addition, you can enjoy a variety of graphics on your Gladiator. And while Jeep offers several graphics options for the hood and side, there is an endless supply of graphics for your Jeep that you can find at other retail locations.
Big and Tall
As far as length, the Gladiator is longer than the competition. For example, the Tacoma measures just under the Gladiator Sport unless you upgrade to the long bed, which will cost you more money. The same is true with other competitors. In terms of height, the Gladiator Sport stands above the rest, giving you a superior ride height and the ability to see everything around you. In terms of ground clearance, once again, the Gladiator takes the lead over the competition. The Gladiator also boasts a higher roofline than the competition, which means you have plenty of room to move around in your Jeep.
The Jeep Gladiator is already claiming its stake in the American truck market. This has much to do with the fact it is a Jeep, and it is closely associated with the iconic Wrangler. The Gladiator is an excellent investment for anyone seeking a ride as adventurous as they are. Of course, anyone who needs a truck for work-related activities will find a used Gladiator Sport perfectly capable as well. But you don’t need to be the outdoorsy type or a contractor to enjoy everything that this truck has to offer. Buying a used Jeep Gladiator Sport for your weekday commute or running errands is just as smart. Regardless of your reasons for buying a Jeep, this is a truck that is sure to put a smile on your face.
