The 2025 Jeep Gladiator enters the midsize truck arena with a bit of an asterisk. Line it up against traditional contenders, and on paper, it might not scream “best value.” Critics point to its slower acceleration, a ride that’s less about comfort and more about ruggedness, lower fuel efficiency, and handling that’s… well, let’s just say it’s not designed for carving corners on paved roads. Plus, it often comes with a steeper price tag than many in its class.
Yet, to simply dismiss the Gladiator as just another midsize truck is to miss the point entirely. Think of it as a Jeep Wrangler, but stretched and given a truck bed. This DNA transplant is crucial. It inherits the iconic Jeep styling and those robust solid axles – hallmarks of the Wrangler’s legendary off-road prowess. These features, while contributing to a less refined on-road experience, are precisely what make the Wrangler a mountain goat in the automotive world. And the Gladiator shares that spirit. It’s a convertible truck, offering multiple roof configurations, removable doors, and a fold-down windshield, features unheard of in typical midsize pickups. The interior echoes the Wrangler as well, boasting a standard 12.3-inch Uconnect touchscreen and a similar model lineup.
However, the Gladiator is not just a Wrangler with a bed. For 2025, it streamlines its powertrain options, losing the manual transmission and sticking solely with the eight-speed automatic paired with the 3.6-liter V6 engine. Interestingly, this V6/automatic combo is no longer even available in the Wrangler. The Gladiator’s extended wheelbase and Ram-derived rear suspension do contribute to a ride that’s smoother and more composed than the Wrangler, though it’s still a Jeep at heart.
So, is the 2025 Jeep Gladiator the Best Midsize Truck For The Money? It depends entirely on what you value. If the idea of a Wrangler pickup excites you, and you’re willing to accept certain compromises, the Gladiator delivers a unique experience no other midsize truck can match. You’re getting open-air freedom combined with truck utility, and unmatched off-road capability straight from the factory.
However, if your priorities lean towards on-road comfort, fuel economy, payload capacity, and perhaps a lower initial price, then the recently redesigned competition deserves a serious look. Trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Tacoma offer impressive capabilities in their own right, including highly competent off-road versions. The Tacoma TRD Pro and Ranger Raptor even boast engines that outperform the Gladiator’s V6 in terms of raw power. But none of them offer the unique, wind-in-your-hair, doors-off driving experience of the Gladiator.
Ultimately, the “best” midsize truck for the money is subjective. If “best” means most versatile, most conventional, or most fuel-efficient, the Gladiator might not top your list. But if “best” equates to unmatched personality, iconic styling, and the ultimate in open-air adventure combined with truck functionality, then the 2025 Jeep Gladiator carves out a unique niche and could very well be the perfect – and perhaps surprisingly valuable – choice for the right buyer.
