Adventure-Ready 2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport S Review: A Rugged Truck with a Bold Spirit
If you’re in the market for a vehicle that mixes off-road capability with a mid-size truck’s versatility the 2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport S might just be your new best friend. This Jeep is not just another truck on the block. It’s designed to take you on thrilling adventures with its open-top driving and rugged off-road DNA straight from the iconic Wrangler. But how does it perform in daily life and is it practical enough to justify the price tag? Let’s explore every angle of this exciting pickup to give you a full picture.
Overview of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport S
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport S combines Jeep’s legendary off-road performance with practical truck utility. Built on the same chassis as the Wrangler it offers a body-on-frame construction with solid front and rear axles — perfect for adventurers who need something strong and durable. It comes with a 5-foot cargo bed, making it useful not only for hitting the trails but also for hauling gear, tools, or camping equipment.
Key Specifications
- Engine: 3.6L V6
- Horsepower: 285 hp
- Torque: 260 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or optional 8-speed automatic
- Payload Capacity: Up to 1600 lbs
- Towing Capacity: Up to 7650 lbs (with Max Tow Package)
- Drivetrain: 4x4
Design and Exterior Appeal
The Gladiator Sport S looks like a Wrangler that went to boot camp and got tougher. With its square-jawed front end featuring the classic seven-slot grille it’s instantly recognizable. The removable roof and doors give it the ability to convert into a fully open vehicle making the driving experience feel closer to an ATV than a traditional truck.
Color Options
- Bright White
- Firecracker Red
- Sarge Green
- Hydro Blue Pearl
- Granite Crystal Metallic
While most mid-size trucks blend into the crowd the Gladiator Sport S shouts adventure even when parked. But with its rugged looks comes some compromises. "The high stance and boxy design mean there’s going to be wind noise on highways" says Alex Collantes an off-roading enthusiast who’s driven various Jeep models for years.
Interior Comfort and Features
Inside the Gladiator Sport S you’ll find a spartan but functional interior. The materials lean more towards durability than luxury. While the dashboard shares many components with the Wrangler it’s laid out intuitively and offers easy access to key features.
Technology and Infotainment
- 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Optional 8.4-inch screen with premium audio upgrade
- Push-button start
- Bluetooth connectivity
- USB ports for charging
The interior is built for function over form. There’s plenty of storage with under-seat compartments and a lockable center console. But keep in mind the seats are firm and more focused on supporting you off-road than providing cloud-like comfort on long commutes. Some drivers may find the cabin feels cramped for a truck of its size especially for rear passengers on extended trips.
Driving Experience: On-Road and Off-Road
The Gladiator Sport S feels alive on the road. Thanks to its 3.6L V6 engine it delivers 285 horsepower which is more than enough to merge confidently onto highways or carry a load of camping gear up a mountain pass. The available manual transmission makes it an engaging ride for those who love the thrill of shifting gears. However most buyers opt for the 8-speed automatic which is smoother and better suited for urban driving.
Off-Road Capability
This is where the Jeep Gladiator Sport S truly shines. With standard 4x4 capabilities and high ground clearance it’s a beast on rugged trails. Jeep’s signature Command-Trac 4x4 system allows you to switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive on the fly.
Key Off-Road Features
- Skid plates to protect the undercarriage
- Rock-crawling mode for challenging terrains
- 11.1 inches of ground clearance
- Water-fording ability up to 30 inches
But off-road capability comes at a cost. "It’s definitely bouncy on pavement" warns Collantes. "The Gladiator feels more at home in the wild than on smooth highways." Additionally the truck’s longer wheelbase compared to the Wrangler can make tight trails more challenging.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
For a truck with such robust off-road potential fuel economy isn’t the Gladiator’s strong suit. The 3.6L V6 returns an estimated 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. With the optional diesel engine the mileage improves slightly to 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.
- Fuel Economy (Gasoline): 16/23 MPG
- Fuel Economy (Diesel): 22/28 MPG
Maintenance costs might also be a bit higher than other trucks in this class especially if you plan on using it for serious off-roading. Jeep enthusiasts are no strangers to repairing components after tough trail runs.
Towing and Hauling Capability
If you need a truck that can haul more than just weekend camping gear the Jeep Gladiator Sport S has you covered. With the right setup it can tow up to 7650 pounds which is impressive for a mid-size truck. The 5-foot bed may not be as large as what full-size trucks offer but it’s practical enough for most tasks.
Towing Highlights
- Max Tow Package adds stronger axles and a 4.10 rear axle ratio
- Integrated trailer sway control
- Available hitch receiver and trailer wiring
However one drawback is that the Gladiator’s bed space feels limited compared to rivals like the Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger. "It’s not the truck for hauling drywall or a ton of construction materials" notes Collantes.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport S offers essential safety features but advanced driver assistance technologies are mostly optional. You can equip it with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection but you won’t find as many high-tech aids as you’d get with some competitors.
Safety Features
- Backup camera (standard)
- Blind-spot monitoring (optional)
- Adaptive cruise control (optional)
- Front and rear parking sensors
While the Jeep’s focus is more on rugged performance than safety technology it still provides basic security features to give drivers peace of mind.
Pricing and Value
The starting MSRP for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport S is $36,480. Adding popular options like the Cold Weather Group or Max Tow Package can quickly push the price above $40,000.
- Base Price: $36,480
- Fully Loaded Price: Around $45,000
Despite the higher price point compared to some competitors buyers are paying for Jeep’s iconic off-road capability and the novelty of driving the only open-air truck in the segment. However resale value is another strength as Jeeps tend to hold their value well over time.
Pros and Cons of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport S
Pros
- Iconic Jeep styling with removable doors and roof
- Excellent off-road performance
- Strong towing capacity for its class
- Good resale value
Cons
- Stiff ride and bumpy on highways
- Fuel economy lags behind competitors
- Limited bed space for large items
- Optional features add up quickly
Final Thoughts
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport S offers a unique combination of rugged adventure and utility. If you love hitting the trails but need the practicality of a pickup truck it might be the perfect fit. But it’s not without flaws. Daily driving may feel harsh compared to more refined trucks and fuel economy isn’t its strong point.
Alex Collantes sums it up nicely: "If you want a truck that’s built for adventure and don’t mind giving up a little comfort for off-road capability the Gladiator is perfect. Just don’t expect it to be your average grocery getter."
This truck stands in a class of its own blending Jeep’s signature spirit with real truck functionality. While it’s not for everyone it will undoubtedly appeal to those who crave freedom and adventure on four wheels.