A Jeep is always a great choice if you're looking for a vehicle for your off-road adventures. The brand's reputation with off-roading enthusiasts and the public is so strong that many refer to any vehicle with off-road capabilities as a Jeep. If you're in the market for such a vehicle, the next question you'll likely ask yourself is which Jeep model would suit you best.
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler and 2024 Jeep Gladiator are great examples of vehicles you can depend on in challenging terrain. Despite this being a head-to-head comparison, its purpose isn't to determine which is better but which is more appropriate for you based on your needs and preferences. Read as our All American Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) team in Oneonta, Alabama, shares some of the main characteristics of these models.
Overview
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler is an off-road-oriented compact SUV. Now in its fourth generation, it's been around since the 1980s and has enjoyed continuous success mainly due to its unique design and exceptional dependability. The 2024 version builds on these qualities by adding styling updates, a stronger rear axle, and other small improvements.
Unlike the Wrangler, which has an almost four-decade history behind it, the 2024 Jeep Gladiator is part of the Gladiator's first generation, which the brand first introduced in 2019. It's a unique vehicle, matching the Wrangler's excellent off-road performance while also being a functional midsize pickup truck. Like the Wrangler, you can remove its top, making it the only convertible pickup truck available today.
Excellent Standard Features
Both the 2024 Jeep Wrangler and the 2024 Jeep Gladiator are very well equipped, even in their base versions. The Wrangler comes with standard tow hooks, skid plates, and 17-inch steel wheels, which help its off-road performance. The Gladiator also has standard features that enhance off-road capability, such as its four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing. This system is useful on slippery surfaces and steep inclines, as it helps the engine develop large amounts of torque at a relatively slow speed.
Despite being rugged adventure companions, the Wrangler and Gladiator have modern infotainment systems, even in their base versions. Both have a standard 12.3-inch touch-screen interface, and smartphone integration is quick and easy through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
A Wide Variety of Available Trims
Although both base versions are well equipped, several additional trims enhance looks, comfort, and performance. The additional trims available for the 2024 Jeep Wrangler are as follows:
- Sport S: The Sport S builds on the base Sport trim by adding comfort-enhancing design features, including power windows and door locks, alloy wheels, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
- Willys: It celebrates Jeep's military roots by adding some unique styling features. It also boosts its off-road capability with features like rock rails and 33-inch tires.
- Sahara: This trim upgrades the Wrangler's style and comfort. Some added features include a body-colored grille, larger 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, and automatic climate control.
- Rubicon: It turns an already off-road-capable vehicle into an all-terrain beast. It includes 33-inch all-terrain tires, a 4:1 low-range gearing option to improve traction, an electronic locking front and rear differential to maximize horsepower on difficult surfaces, and an electronic disconnecting front stabilizer bar to make wheel articulation more effective on uneven trails.
- Rubicon X: The Rubicon X enhances comfort and off-road performance. The heated and power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, and navigation system all help boost interior comfort, while higher ground clearance and 35-inch tires make it more capable on rough terrains.
- Rubicon 392: This is the ultimate Wrangler trim and maximizes luxury and utility. It includes all features from previous trims and adds a few of its own, such as FOX shock absorbers and high-performance brakes.
The trims available for the 2024 Jeep Gladiator are as follows:
- Sport S: Builds on the basic trim by adding features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum wheels, and heated power side mirrors.
- Willys: It upgrades the base version's off-roading capability while also adding some advanced driver aids. Its features include a locking rear differential, LED headlights, a tow hitch, and 32-inch mud-terrain tires.
- Rubicon: Like the Wrangler, the Rubicon trim significantly boosts the Gladiator's all-terrain performance. It comes with FOX shock absorbers, rock rails, skid plates, locking differentials for the front and back wheels, 33-inch tires, and a 4:10 axle ratio that boosts both off-road capability and towing capacity.
- Mojave: As the name suggests, this top trim is specifically for desert adventures. Its front suspension gets a 1-inch lift, and there's a "Desert Rated" badge on the exterior instead of the classic "Trail Rated" one on other trims.
- Mojave X and Rubicon X: These extra trim levels enhance the basic Mojave and Rubicon trims by adding some extra features. They include an integrated off-road camera, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, and a rear steel bumper.
Specs and Performance
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler is available with multiple powertrain options. The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V-6 with up to 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivers slightly better performance, with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. If you want significantly more power, the 6.4-liter V-8 will deliver 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. There's also a hybrid version, with a gas-powered engine and electric motor generating 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The 6.4-liter engine will push the Wrangler from zero to 60 in just 4.5 seconds.
The 2024 Jeep Gladiator only comes with one engine option, which is identical to the Wrangler's standard 3.6-liter V-6. It should be enough for most drivers since the Gladiator is for those who want a vehicle that's both off-road capable and useful for various towing and hauling jobs. Its 7,700-pound tow rating and 1,725-pound hauling capacity are among the best in its class.
Test-Drive Your Next Jeep at All American CDJR
If you want to buy a dependable all-terrain vehicle like the Wrangler or Gladiator, consider visiting us at All American CDJR. We'll assist you every step of the way, including finding the best financing option for your purchase, test-driving your next vehicle, and servicing it. Visit our website to check out our offer and contact us for more information.