According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator is based on the Wrangler, with the addition of a five-foot truck bed. The rear suspension was modeled after the Ram 1500, and four-wheel drive is now available on all trim levels.
As with most Jeeps, the standard soft top can be replaced with a hardtop and a headliner option to reduce noise. The interior has an 8-inch infotainment screen that’s easy to use. The truck offers a towing capacity of up to 7,650 pounds.
The 80th Anniversary Edition is also new and comes with special interior and exterior trim as well as an 8.4-inch touchscreen.
The Gladiator has a few inconvenient buttons like the power window controls under the screen. Unfortunately, this is necessary for the removable doors. The Sport S brings more of the amenities from luxury vehicles into the basic Jeep, including power windows, locks, and automatic headlights.
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Consumer Reports compared different trim levels and found that the Sport S has the best suite of features.
While the exterior for the Sport S maintains most of the Wrangler attributes, it has a wide variety of colors available to choose from. With a 3.6-liter V6, it has power and great towing capacity. The Sport S is also available in a diesel version.
Remote keyless entry and a locking tailgate add extra security to the Sport S. Safety features like blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors, and emergency braking systems can be added to make the Sport S even better.
The Gladiator Sport S is a more affordable option
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The Jeep Gladiator Sport S starts at $38,225. The price climbs to $52,270 with the High Altitude edition. If you want the trim level with the best value, Consumer Reports recommends the Sport S.
The review site said that all trim levels offer decent off-roading capabilities, but the Gladiator might not be the best compared to its rivals. It’s a good idea to do more research into the models you’re interested in to see which one suits your needs best.
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