[Malchango]

Hola,

Contemplating trading in my T4R for a Jeep Gladiator. Was wondering if I could get some input from the crowd if anyone has ever owned or currently owns one. Negatives/positives, or problems with they’ve ran into. Thanks in advance.

[Captain Spalding]

My niece has a 2021 Wrangler. It has been plagued with electrical problems.

[Buba1]

The Gladiator looks appealing with having a truck like bed, which could be useful. I considered and looked at Jeeps before settling on the 4R, but reading everywhere else how Jeeps are not so reliable, and coming from Toyota previously, I never had any issues, I had to get the 4R and I'm glad I did to this day.
Also depends if it's going to be your main daily driver or just a toy? If it's just a toy go to out and have fun with then go for the Jeep, otherwise Toyota as they are bulletproof, mechanically and electrically.

[Gamma Ray]

You'll be selling no to minimal problems for decades and in exchange buying problems out the wazoo practically immediately. You will regret it.

[Something_Awesome]

My co-worker got a wrangler last year. She's now trying to sell it. This is probably not the place to get encouraging feedback on a Jeep product. While these two vehicles compete with each other in many aspects, many of us tend to view Jeeps as crap.

[DirtyMarcus]

Ive never owned a Jeep but i have several friends that have and based on their experiences, i wouldnt take a jeep product if it was given to me. Aside from all their models always seeming to be having issues, the dealer service you get wont hold a candle to toyotas. Id recommend almost any other brand over Jeep if you want a different vehicle.

[Something_Awesome]

Originally Posted by DirtyMarcus

Ive never owned a Jeep but i have several friends that have and based on their experiences, i wouldnt take a jeep product if it was given to me. Aside from all their models always seeming to be having issues, the dealer service you get wont hold a candle to toyotas. Id recommend almost any other brand over Jeep if you want a different vehicle.

An alternative is the Ford Bronco. But those also suck. I've heard they've had major quality control issues. I think if you're bored of the 5th Gen (it's been around for a while), wait for the 6th Gen 4Runner. It's not that far off. It won't have the reliability of the 5th Gen, but it will definitely be more reliable than any of Jeep's or Ford's offerings.

I am 100% certain the new 4Runner is going to look AMAZING. I've heard they really want to outdo the Bronco, which looks real good.

[DAW89446]

Based on my experience, magazine tests and experiences of friends who are die hard Jeep guys, I’d say keep your 4Runner.

For day to day living, the Wrangler isn’t as comfortable, quiet or have the quality and solid feel of a 4Runner. Reliability isn’t standard equipment built into Jeep products. I think the Gladiator is a good looking truck, and glad that Jeep finally got around to building it after a couple decades playing around with the concept.

If you want/need a pickup, in my opinion I’d say get a Tacoma.

[osugsxr]

Friend bought a new gladiator and two days later transmission failed, took 3 weeks to replace it.

[cumminsdieselfreak]

Nope.

[TexasTJ]

You’re going to get Toyota biased answers on this forum. Go visit Jeepgladiatorforum to see what they love and hate about it. Many bad mouth Jeep having never had one, but fail to mention the rusty frames, steering wheel shimmy, peeling white paint, nose dive while braking, and terrible headlights of Toyota, yet we still love them. Be forewarned, Jeeps are having issues with paint bubbling as the aluminum of the doors react to the steel of the hinges. They repaint under warranty, but seems to only be a temporary solution (I did not have the issue). If you’re looking for a small truck, go visit TacomaWorld and view the complaints of poor seating position, transmission issues and under powered engine (not same engine as 4R), plus rear drum brakes??

I actually owned both a 2017 TRD Pro and a 2020 Gladiator Rubicon at the same time. We’ve had the 4R for over 5 years and 100k miles, I sold the JT after 11 months and 21k miles. You won’t hear me bad mouth the Gladiator (JT), but ultimately I felt having both was a bit redundant and we had no plans on getting rid of the 4R. I was able to sell it to a dealer for more than I paid thanks to COVID, plus I had the chance to buy back an old car I regretted selling. I’ve also had a Wrangler and a Tacoma (RIP).

The JT is hands down the better off-roader, no question. I did have a lift, 37s, full skids, etc, but even still. I’ve taken them both to Moab, Ouray, and the JT to Sedona. The JT does have a worse break over angle than the 4R, but I didn’t find the departure to be as big of a deal/ I wasn’t concerned of ripping of a plastic bumper. Interior is definitely smaller, but materials feel higher quality. It is going to be louder than the 4R, that’s the nature of the beast with a plastic roof. The ride quality is light years ahead of the JK Wranglers. The bed is small, but if you just want to toss a few messy things back there instead of inside the 4R it’s better. I had the gas V6, there is a diesel option that people seem to love, but I don’t personally trust. I’d recommend LED lighting group, and AUX switches from the factory. I’d skip the safety groups (one thing I love about the 4R is the lack of electronics). The black, unpainted fender flares tend to fade after a few years, but body color can scratch. Mounting the RTT on the bed was so much easier to install, and use at camp then on top of the 4R. Long story short, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one again.

Sign up for Tread Lightly for 1% below invoice, and I know of a few dealers that sell below invoice as well.

[Chrisw023]

Gladiator's are pretty cool and ride surprisingly well compared to older wranglers. They look funny in stock form imo though and no matter what you can't escape their long wheel base. The two people that I know with them have had no issues that weren't user error and I have been considering adding one to my stable as well.

[patkelly4370]

Closest I had was a 1972 J4000. Solid truck. Occasional mechanical issues, but never left me stranded. Somewhat like the Plymouth Fury in the book/movie "Christine".
Truck was named "Robert".

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Pedro367]

I'm probably one of the few that would support Jeep on this forum, regardless of the worse reliability than Toyota. If Toyota didn't have reliability, durability, and resale value these 4runners really wouldn't have much of leg to stand on.

I've owned multiple newer Jeeps and none of them had issues. 2 grand Cherokees and JKU Wrangler. I have multiple friends with Jeeps and other FCA products and for the most part are fairly trouble free. The biggest difference that I found with the 4Runner (outside of the obvious reliability) is the practicality and size. It's much bigger inside for the kids in car seats and the trunk is huge. Even the GCs were fairly small, but it drove way better than my 4R. If I didn't have kids I'd probably be in a JLU or JT myself. The Jeeps have much better interiors and tech, the doors/top come off, it actually has a good transmission and can get out of it's own way, is more efficient, and it's no contest which is better offroad. To me, the 3.6 Pentastar and 8spd ZF are a great combo and I wouldn't bother with any other powertrain Jeep offers (except a 392). Throw a bed on it like the JT has and it's got everything I'd need.

You get a warranty with it. If it has issues it will be fixed. If you want to go back after 3 years it'll be worth almost as much as you bought it for. If you're itching to try something new, let her rip. I think you'll love it.

[RavenTRD03]

It all depends on what your intended purpose is. If its because your bored, then don't. Unless you really want to take the doors and top off and enjoy the summer. I have owned a number of Jeep vehicles and luckily i have never had any issues with mine. I still currently own my 2012 JKUR that is heavily modified but it is considered a toy for rock crawling at this point. Some will say its the worst year due to the new motor intro but i haven't had any issues. I recently traded my 14' Grand Cherokee in towards a new 4 runner TRD Premium w/ kdss and would never look back at the Grand Cherokee. I owned it since new off the lot but being (8) years old it just started to feel different with its age. The 4 runner doesn't feel that way and the more i read on this forum i don't believe that it will either. I wanted to move to something that had the proven reliability and track record despite me not having issues with my jeep products.