How different is the 2023 Jeep Gladiator from the 2022 Jeep Gladiator? Truthfully, outside of price differences and a few new features for 2023, these trucks are very similar. Our comparison guide is here to help you figure out which truck best suits your needs.
Key Takeaways
- For 2023, the Gladiator introduces the new Freedom Edition package, which adds unique styling and off-road upgrades.
- The 2023 Gladiator is slightly more expensive (starting at $37,565) than the 2022 Gladiator (starting at $38,775).
- Both off-road-ready trucks are available with one of two powerful engine options. And both come standard with rugged four-wheel drive.
- There are four main Gladiator trim levels, but a variety of packages and equipment are available to help you create the perfect off-road pickup.
New Features
The latest version of Jeep’s midsize truck now offers a Freedom Edition package. With it, you can outfit your 2023 Gladiator with rugged upgrades like rock rails, steel front and rear bumpers, and LED headlamps and fog lamps. The Freedom Edition package also includes special styling, including American flag decals and Oscar Mike-embossed leather-trimmed seats.
MSRP
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator (starting at $37,565) is only slightly more expensive than the 2022 Jeep Gladiator (starting at $38,775). However, you should note that the 2023 truck is the only model year that’s currently available to order! When you build and order your own Gladiator, you’ll enjoy the perfect trim model, equipment, and styling!
Power & Performance
These trucks offer your choice of two engine options:
- 3.0L V6 (285 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque)
- Turbo Diesel 3.0L V6 (260 hp, 442 lb-ft)
The standard V6 engine comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but it’s available with an eight-speed automatic. The turbodiesel engine is only available with the eight-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive is always standard. Both engines are widely available across the Jeep Gladiator lineup. However, the Mojave is not available with the turbodiesel engine.
Choose the turbodiesel engine for a ride that’s both pretty thrifty and very torque-heavy. With it, the Gladiator earns up to 24 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway).
In addition to supplying plenty of power for your off-road cruises, these Jeep trucks can transport your biggest toys! Properly equipped, the Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 pounds.
Trim Models & Equipment
Both the 2022 and 2023 Jeep Gladiator offer four main trim models: the Sport, Overland, Rubicon, and Mojave.
The Sport is pretty basic, with crank windows and manual door locks. However, it delivers everything you want in an off-road-ready truck, including removable doors, a folding soft top, and a fold-down windshield. This trim model even has some high-tech features, like a 7-inch central touchscreen, a USB port, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.
For a Gladiator that’s better equipped with modern conveniences — like power windows and door locks, automatic headlights, and heated power exterior mirrors — upgrade to the Overland. This truck also comes with some tech upgrades, including a nine-speaker Alpine audio system and a bigger, 8.4-inch central touchscreen. Rear-seat USB ports help everyone keep their devices charged. And the Overland even has some luxurious features: built-in navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
If you’re looking for the most trail-friendly Gladiator, that’s the Rubicon. This truck comes standard with 33-inch all-terrain tires, locking front and rear differentials, Fox shock absorbers, and an electronically disconnecting front stabilizer bar — in short, everything you need to roll through rugged terrain. A 4.10 rear axle ratio enhances off-road and towing capabilities.
If you want your Gladiator to specialize in high-speed dune racing, choose the Mojave. This truck is ready for the desert with a reinforced frame, extra 1-inch suspension lift, and Fox internal bypass shock absorbers with hydraulic jounce bumpers.
The Mojave’s transfer case is specially tuned for enhanced high-speed four-wheel driving.
Your Jeep Gladiator
Both of these Gladiator model years deliver what you want in an off-road-ready truck. If you want to design your own Gladiator (or enjoy any of the new features for 2023), then you need to pre-order a 2023 Gladiator in particular. However, if you happen upon the perfect 2022 Gladiator at your local dealership, you may be able to nab it at a slightly lower price!