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Auto Blog
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
How Bad Are Jeep Gladiator Sales and Why?
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The Gladiator's fame has dropped When Jeep introduced its Gladiator pickup truck in 2020, it was the hottest thing around. The nameplate from the '80s with styling reminiscent of the Wrangler-based CJ-8 Scrambler, the Gladiator was the pickup truck Jeep lovers had been waiting for. The Gladiator promised Wrangler ruggedness but with more cargo space and a smoother ride. Finally, there was a Jeep-based pickup truck entrant that could appeal to more customers than standard pickup truck offerings on the market. Sales skyrocketed in 2022 to almost 90,000 units sold. The Gladiator was a sales success nearly overnight, but things changed quickly. In 2024, sales dropped to less than half of their peak, and 2025 isn't looking much better. So, what happened to this once-hailed Jeep pickup? 0:04 / 0:09 What is the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Backcountry? Watch More Details about the Jeep Gladiator Source: Stellantis Every Gladiator has four doors, unlike the two-door CJ-8 Scrambler, whose spirit carries over to the new Jeep truck. The Gladiator is based on the Wrangler Unlimited, but the Gladiator has a longer wheelbase. They share the same front suspension, dashboard, and front doors, but the Gladiator's frame and rear suspension are unique to accommodate the 5.5-foot truck bed and towing capacity. The Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 pounds compared to the Wrangler Unlimited's 5,000-pound maximum. Every Jeep Gladiator is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, as the 6-speed manual is no longer offered. The engine produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Every Gladiator comes standard with four-wheel drive. The Gladiator comes in nine trim levels: Sport, Nighthawk, Sport S, High Tide, Mojave, Rubicon, Rubicon X, and Mojave X. Prices range from $38,695 up to $61,100. The base Gladiator Sport comes standard with features like 17-inch wheels, removable doors, a fold-down windshield, tow hooks, three skid plates, heavy duty Dana 44 front and rear axles, pushbutton start, remote keyless entry, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, tire pressure monitor, roll mitigation, and hill-start assist. Ever-declining sales Source: Jeep Annual sales of the Gladiator have almost consistently dropped, except for 2025. 2021 sales figures were 89,712 units. That dropped to 77,855 in 2022, 55,188 in 2023, and 42,125 in 2024. So far this year, sales are up by 8 percent, but the year-end figure won't even come anywhere near the ballpark of its best years. Robust sales incentives haven't helped matters much, either. A couple of years ago, Jeep and Jeep dealerships were collaborating to offer as much as $20,000 off the Gladiator in hopes of turning the painful sales slump around. Unfortunately, that also points to how desperate they were to get customers in the door. Of course, price was a factor, as well as other issues that have plagued the Gladiator. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. First of all, the Gladiator isn't cheap. A top trim Gladiator Rubicon or Mojave crests $60,000, while a powerful and off-road capable Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 costs a whopping ten grand less, and a more powerful Ford Ranger Raptor costs $56,000. The high price tag for the more off-road capable Gladiator versions puts it out of reach for many customers. Jeep positioned the Gladiator as a lifestyle truck, but there's a strong selection of less-expensive midsize competitors. The bed also isn't as tall as some competitors, which compromises its utility for hauling. Source: Jeep The Gladiator has some glaring weaknesses, too. It has been exposed for having a rough ride on pavement, along with vague steering and mushy handling. Its longer wheelbase doesn't seem to help matters. More traditional pickup truck competitors tend to fare better on-road than the Gladiator, which makes them easier to live with day-to-day. A top trim Gladiator can tow about 6,000 pounds, whereas the Colorado Z71 can tow 7,700 pounds, costs about $15,000 less than the Gladiator Mojave X, and drives better on pavement while managing off-road duties almost as well. The Gladiator's single powertrain option isn't especially compelling now that it dropped its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 option after the 2023 model year. The anticipated Gladiator 4xe (plug-in hybrid) is supposed to arrive sometime this year, but Jeep hasn't been specific about a release date. It's questionable as to whether or not this will move the Gladiator's sales needle much. The Wrangler 4xe has been a huge hit, so there could be some light at the end of the tunnel. Final thoughts The Gladiator's steep sales slide isn't common in a strong pickup truck market. The bump in sales in 2025 shows some promise but still falls short of a turnaround. The Gladiator is now going on its sixth year pretty much unchanged, and it could be due for a refresh. Will Jeep give it a taller bed or improved on-pavement manners? Perhaps the arrival of the 4xe will help it enough to keep the Gladiator around for a little while longer. With Stellantis's recent struggles, Jeep may have to reconsider whether or not a Jeep truck is worth keeping alive. About the Author Amos Kwon View Profile
Car and Driver
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Chevrolet Colorado Review, Pricing, and Specs
Specs See all specs EPA MPG 17–20 Combined Seating 5 Seats Powertrain Gas Drivetrain Rear-Wheel Drive, Four-Wheel Drive Limited Warranty 3 Years/36,000 Miles Overview Available exclusively in crew-cab form with a five-foot bed and a 310-hp turbo four, the 2026 Chevy Colorado isn't as endlessly configurable as its full-size Silverado brother, but the trim-level lineup is still broad and varied. Shoppers can get everything from a true workhorse with rear-wheel drive and a class-leading 7700-pound tow rating to a go-anywhere, do-anything off-roader with hydraulic bump stops and over a foot of ground clearance. The modernized yet classically styled interior is bound to impress, and it's comfortable for long-distance highway travel as well as weekend romps through the backcountry. The Colorado's medium-sized body also makes it easier to park in tight spaces and more wieldy in urban driving scenarios than the larger Silverado. Expert Tip: Like the Colorado, the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma have received some development dollars in the past few years and used them to great effect. All three mid-sizers are worth a look. What's New for 2026? For 2026, Chevy revises the Colorado's wheel and paint offerings slightly. Otherwise, the pickup truck carries over to the new year unchanged. Pricing and Which One to Buy We're fans of the Trail Boss, as it delivers almost as much mud-flinging fun as the high-riding ZR2 but for less. It comes with 32-inch all-terrain tires and fender flares that make it look tough, and it offers more suspension travel than lesser trims. You won't get the ZR2's sweet Multimatic spool-valve dampers and lockable front and rear differentials, but there's a limited-slip diff in back. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Engine: 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder Transmission: 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic Drivetrains: rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive With its 310-hp turbo 2.7-liter four-cylinder, the Colorado is more powerful than many rivals, including the Jeep Gladiator, the Honda Ridgeline, and the nonhybrid Toyota Tacoma. Several trims come standard with four-wheel drive, though that driveline costs extra on the entry-level Work Truck and step-up LT. The ZR2 has upgraded Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers up front, with the rear units now mounted to the outside of the frame. Work Truck and LT models use an open rear differential, while the Trail Boss and Z71 get a limited-slip setup. Only the off-road-optimized ZR2 comes with power-locking front and rear diffs. The ZR2 Bison is the toughest off-road Colorado, with 12.2 inches of ground clearance and better break-over and departure angles than other trims. It also rides on mondo 35-inch tires—the largest in the mid-size pickup segment—and has hydraulic front and rear bump stops to soften the landing from jumps. 0–60-MPH Times C/D 60-mph Test: 6.8 seconds (ZR2) In Comparison: The last Colorado ZR2 we tested raced to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and cleared the quarter-mile in 15.5 seconds at 88 mph. Those times are nearly identical to those produced by the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road. View Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Towing and Payload Capacity The Colorado offers the highest towing capacity in the mid-size pickup segment, with a max rating of 7700 pounds. However, the ZR2 can't tow as much: Its limit is 6000 pounds. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG EPA City Ratings : 16-19 mpg 16-19 mpg EPA Highway Ratings: 16-23 mpg The EPA hasn't released fuel-economy information for the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado yet, but the ratings shouldn't change. The 2025 rear-wheel-drive model earns estimates of 19 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Those with four-wheel drive see, at best, 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. The ZR2 gets 17 mpg across the board, while the ZR2 Bison returns straight 16s. When we have the chance to test a Colorado on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route—part of our extensive testing regimen—we will update this report with the result. For more information about the Colorado's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: The Colorado's interior is functional, contemporary, and less busy than competitors' cabins. The driver's seat is comfortable, too, offering good support and firm cushions. Second Row: The Colorado has one of the most livable back seats in the class, but it's still a tight fit for tall individuals. Cargo Capacity: Taking a page from the Ridgeline's book, the Colorado offers a shallow lockable storage box in the tailgate. View Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 11.3-inch touchscreen 11.3-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Audio Systems: 6-speaker stereo (standard), 7-speaker Bose stereo (optional) In front of the driver sits an 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster, while an 11.3-inch touchscreen tops the center stack. The latter has Google Built-In tech and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The Colorado receives a decent amount of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, front and rear automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The backup camera also has a handy hitch view, so you can line up the hitch with a trailer by yourself. Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist Optional Safety Features: adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system For information about the Colorado's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Chevrolet provides competitive limited and powertrain warranties for the Colorado and covers the first service visit. Limited Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: one visit C/D Test Results and Specs We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it. Specifications Specifications 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup PRICE Base/As Tested: $48,295/$53,280 Options: Technology package (adaptive cruise control, rear pedestrian alert, surround-view cameras), $950; ZR2 Convenience package (perforated and ventilated leather front seats, driver's-seat memory settings, heated steering wheel, wireless charging, rear center armrest), $1490; power sliding-glass sunroof, $1000; Bose 7-speaker stereo system, $500; underbody cameras, $500; removable assist step, $495; yellow seatbelts, $50 ENGINE Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection Displacement: 166 in3, 2727 cm3 Power: 310 hp @ 5600 rpm Torque: 430 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: control arms/rigid axle Brakes, F/R: 13.4-in vented disc/13.3-in vented disc Tires: Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT 285/70R-17 116/113Q TPC Spec 2808 POR DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 131.4 in Length: 212.7 in Width: 76.3 in Height: 73.8 in Curb Weight: 4926 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 7.1 sec 1/4-Mile: 15.5 sec @ 88 mph 100 mph: 23.3 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 8.3 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.0 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.1 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 100 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 187 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.73 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 16 mpg EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 16/16/16 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
BBC News
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Delays on A27 at Sompting after truck hits central reservation
Long queues of traffic formed on one of West Sussex's main roads after a pick-up truck hit a central reservation on Thursday Police said it was called to the A27 at Sompting, near Lancing, at 06:19 other vehicles were involved and there were no eastbound lane of the carriageway was closed while repairs were carried out.
Auto Blog
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Dealer replaces Ford F-150 of man who ran over alleged church shooter
Driver Says Pickup Truck Was A Substitute Weapon Of Self Defense A Michigan dealership has replaced the 2018 Ford F-150 of Richard Pryor, who ran over a man he saw firing a rifle and handgun outside a suburban Detroit church, reports Automotive News. Pryor, a deacon at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, was arriving late for June 22 services when he saw the shooter, clad in a tactical vest. 'I'm just realizing there's no time,' Pryor told Automotive News and other media July 10, saying the man, later identified as Brian Browning, who had attended the church occasionally with his mother. 'I didn't have a weapon on me, in the truck or anything, so what are your options?' Pryor ran over Browning, who reports say began firing at the truck. Browning was killed by two other church staff members armed with their own guns. Police told ABC News that the actions of the three church staff 'prevented a large-scale mass shooting.' But while this use of a vehicle as a weapon appears to have done some good, others, such as the 2017 attack on protestors in Charlottesville, Virginia, with a Dodge Challenger, show that like any other weapon, a car can be dangerous in the wrong hands. F-150 Reward The truck was Pryor's only vehicle, and was left out of commission after the incident. Jack Demmer Ford reportedly gave Pryor a free two-year lease on a new F-150, worth about $70,000. Full-size pickups can get much more expensive than that, of course, given the tendency of Ford and other brands to devise lineups top-heavy with high-end models. The F-Series—encompassing the half-ton F-150 and the heavy-duty Super Duty trucks—has been the bestselling vehicle line in the United States for decades, and that trend continued with Ford's recently-reported second-quarter sales results. The automaker reported an 11.5% increase in F-Series sales to 222,459—the best quarter for the truck line since 2019. However, Ford also issued 89 recalls in the first six months of 2025, surpassing a record for annual recalls set by General Motors in 2014. The F-150 is included in some of them, including one recall of over a million vehicles to address a software issue that prevents rearview cameras from displaying a proper live feed. About the Author Stephen Edelstein View Profile
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
4 Things You Should Know About The Ford Ranger PHEV
Ford Ranger PHEV Ford Ranger PHEV: Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) are taking the world by storm and are a perfect in-between for those not quite ready to dip their toes in electrified waters. As time and technology march on, many manufacturers introduce new PHEV variants of existing fossil-fuelled cars. In many cases, this can mean increased power and torque, enhanced efficiency, and a quieter drive. However, limited electric range, higher outright costs, and the need for regular charging are caveats. Plug-in hybrid pick-up trucks are scarce, but Ford has recently introduced its Ranger PHEV to the European market, and here are five things you should know before parting with your cash. 1. The Ford Ranger PHEV Is Capable But so is the diesel, you say. Most Ford Rangers, if not all, are immensely capable off-road and excel at towing. The PHEV is no different, but you do a little more oomph. The Ford Ranger PHEV features a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, paired with a 75kW EV motor, which Ford claims is integrated as part of the Modular Hybrid Transmission, meaning it'll perform all the functions of a diesel Ranger. And although the Ranger PHEV is Ford's second most powerful Ranger pick-up with 276 bhp, it has more torque (690 Nm) than any other Ranger. Likewise, it'll carry a 1,043kg payload and has a gross vehicle weight of 3,500kg, which is slightly more than a diesel Ranger's 3,350kg. Ford Ranger PHEV Towing isn't compromised either; the Ranger PHEV can tow up to 3,100kg. It also features a nifty Towing Assist function, meaning you can use the driving modes selector in the centre console to steer the trailer in reverse. Similarly, it'll wade through 800mm-deep river crossings and traverse steep mountains, thanks to its Terrain Management System, four all-wheel driving settings, locking rear diff and hill descent control. 2. The Ford Ranger PHEV Doesn't Have A Large Electric Range But that's okay. Many PHEV vehicles have a low range, and if having a large electric range is important, you'd be better off with an EV. The Ranger PHEV has an official 26-mile range, which was closer to 22 miles with me at the helm, but when the electric motor and engine work together, you should see north of 70mpg (official combined is 88-90mpg). Running the battery flat brings it closer to a more Ford Ranger-like 30mpg. Ford Ranger PHEV It has four EV modes: EV Auto, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge. EV Auto is the default mode. This automatically starts the petrol engine when the driver requires full performance. EV Now provides all-electric, emission-free driving, EV Later reserves battery power for later, and EV Charge sees the engine recharge the battery. 3. The Ford Ranger PHEV Has Clever Tech If you're a tradesperson and find yourself lugging a generator in your pick-up bed, you'll be pleased to hear that the Ranger PHEV features Ford's Pro Power Onboard system as standard. This system delivers 2.3 kW of exportable energy, directly from your pick-up bed, meaning you can power laptops, lights, power tools, and, well, anything with a plug. Ford Pro Power Ford claims you can continuously power a 2 kW table saw for over three hours, which will use up 10 percent of your battery, and to avoid range anxiety, Pro Power Onboard can be set to turn off at a 'remaining range', so the battery doesn't run flat. The Ford Ranger PHEV also features a trick moving sportsbar on the load bed, designed to solve the problem of carrying longer items. 4. The Ford Ranger PHEV Could Save You Money Yes, the Ford Ranger PHEV costs £4k more than the standard diesel, but there are benefits to be had, especially for UK buyers. As with everything electric, charging can be expensive. But pair the Ranger PHEV with a cheap electricity home tariff to keep its battery topped up, and you could see fuel savings when compared to the diesel. Ford Ranger PHEV Likewise, if you use your pick-up truck as a company car and pay BIK (Benefit In Kind), the Ranger PHEV is a financially prudent option. Of course, it will still cost more than it did before the latest April 2025 taxation rules, but the Ranger PHEV only emits 70g/km of c02 versus the diesel's 264g/km. Buying a Ford Ranger PHEV also means you'll be environmentally zen, and UK buyers will avoid any ULEZ charges.
