2024 Jeep Gladiator Review
Today I have a not-your-average-mom-car! The 2024 Jeep Gladiator is nothing if not versatile! It’s a Jeep, it’s a truck, it’s family friendly, it’s off-roading friendly! Did you get whiplash from that introduction? I can’t wait to tell you about everything the Gladiator has to offer as an (unexpected) option for a small family.
If you’re new here - welcome! I’m Kelly the Car Mom and as a mom of almost four (if you missed the life update click here), CPST, and a huge car fan, I can’t wait to walk you through all the features of the 2024 Jeep Gladiator to help see if it’s right for your family.
Before you dive in and start car shopping, make sure you’re fully prepared to tackle today’s market with confidence. To learn everything from dealership prep to a complete negotiations strategy, check out my Car Buying Course!
2024 Jeep Gladiator Overview
The Gladiator was refreshed for 2024 with some minor changes. The grille was rounded out, a nod to the Wrangler’s earlier refresh, and a standard (huge!) 12.3 inch infotainment center was added, and there’s 7 all-new wheel designs. The gas 3.6-liter V6 is now the only engine option for 2024 - no more diesel.
The Gladiator’s base trim, Sport, starts at $39,790. The Sport S trim begins at about $43,000 while the Mojave X and Rubicon X trims start at $64,890. That entry price has a bit of sticker shock for a five passenger vehicle, but the Gladiator isn’t designed to only carry passengers. It can tow up to 7,700 pounds and is the most off-road capable, mid-sized truck!
2024 Jeep Gladiator Safety Features
In addition to the pretensioners and load-limiters in the second row outboard (and front) seats, new for ‘24 is structural improvements to the frame to improve performance in side impact collisions. Side curtain airbags have also been added standard to both the front and second row.
Forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control is available on the Sport S+ trim and above. Unfortunately blind spot monitoring and cross-path detection (as well as rear park assist) are only standard on the highest trim, but it is an option for all trims.
2024 Jeep Gladiator First Row and Infotainment
Climbing up into the Gladiator I first notice the new 12.3” touchscreen infotainment system. This new standard equipment offers wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto, Trails off-road software (a map for off-roading if you will) and the UConnect 5 System. You can add up to five user profiles to customize music, app, seating position, mirrors and climate preferences. Another fun feature is the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth simultaneously. Up front there’s dual USB-c ports and a standard 12 V accessory outlet, but a 115 volt AC outlet, like an outlet in your home, is available.
Jeep also thoughtfully pulled the climate control out of the touchscreen so you have easy, physical control of your heat/AC without fumbling through the infotainment center.
2024 Jeep Gladiator Second Row
I am so excited to talk about the safety updates made to the second row! Can you guess what I’m about to say? Pretensioners and load-limiters! The outboard seats of the second row come standard with these important safety features. This technology is standard in the front row of vehicles not by mandate, but because manufacturer’s know their vehicles won’t perform as well in crash tests without them. For passengers (out of car seats) in the second row, these safety features drastically reduce injury in a crash. I’m so excited to see this change in 2024!
Second Row Car Seat Setup
There’s three seating positions in the back seat, with two sets of very visible and easily accessible lower anchors in the outboard seats. There are 3 tether anchors as well. Now tether access/use in trucks can be complicated, so here’s a brief overview of tethering in the Gladiator. There is one tether anchor located directly behind the vehicle seat on the back wall. To access this, you’ll have to fold the seat back forward by pulling the release strap. Attach the tether using the most direct path (if possible, raise the head restraint and route under it.) Attach the tether to the labeled tether anchor point. Next put the seatback in its upright position and ensure the seat locks. Then continue with your car seat installation using either the seat belt or lower anchors.
Just a note: the head restraints are adjustable, but not removable. Although unlike earlier Gladiator models, they are much more flush to the seat for 2024.
The center seat is smaller and this would not be my first choice for three-across. The two outboard seats are generously sized and can accommodate a wide variety of car seats. I was pleasantly surprised installing my Graco SlimFit3LX (the narrow one) rear-facing behind the driver’s seat. There was a surprising amount of room with the front seat set for me, at about 6’ tall.
Typically in Jeep’s lineup of vehicles front passenger legroom does not shine with a rear facing car seat behind it. While I wouldn’t opt for a large rear facing car seat, it does give more options for car seats besides the most-compact options. If you do want to really maximize legroom, check out this blog post here about the most compact rear-facing car seats.
2024 Jeep Gladiator Truck Bed
Being a truck, you can fit the biggest of stroller wagons in here with no problem. It’s also worth noting that the Gladiator offers best-in-class payload with a maximum of 1,725 pounds, so you are guaranteed to haul anything with no problem.
2024 Jeep Gladiator Wrap Up
Overall if you’re looking for a unique family vehicle that’s off-roading capable for smaller families, this vehicle is worth the test drive. The new infotainment center is a great addition and the second row standard safety features are impressive.
What do you think of the 2024 Jeep Gladiator? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest family cars on the market, check out my recent reviews:
