2023 Jeep Gladiator

For 2023, Jeep added a limited-run Freedom edition to the Gladiator's lineup. It honors our U.S. military with an Oscar Mike badge and an American flag decal, but the choices don't stop there. There are eight more trim levels: the range-topping High Altitude, Mojave, Rubicon, Overland, Willys, Sport S, Willys Sport, and the base Sport.

The new Gladiator offers all the eye-catching style of its Wrangler SUV sibling with a 5-foot bed. You can get it with a standard soft top or an optional hard top, depending on the look you want. Like every Jeep, it leads with its iconic seven-slot grille.

Jeep offers the 2023 Gladiator with two powertrain options, including the 3.6-liter V-6. This gas engine is good for 285 horsepower, while the 3-liter turbodiesel V-6 puts out 260 horsepower. The diesel is the more refined of the pair, with 442 pound-feet of torque for snappier acceleration and improved towing prowess. Both setups mate with an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth and prompt shifts or get a six-speed manual gearbox with the stock engine.

One of the best things about this Jeep is it's easy to remove and install either roof style. You can also fold down the windshield and pop off the doors for a genuine open-air experience like the Wrangler, with the added practicality of a pickup bed. It can do just about anything, too, from towing 7,700 pounds and hauling a 1,710-pound payload to driving the kids to school.

The Gladiator is head and shoulders above its competition when cruising the trails. Its articulating suspension flexes nicely over rough terrain. This truck's 11 inches of maximum ground clearance climbs over rocks and through ruts without hesitation. Multiple skid plates come standard, and available upgrades include winch-ready steel bumpers, locking differentials, and rock sliders.

Jeep did an excellent job with the 2023 Gladiator's interior. There's a lot to like inside the cabin, including a durable blend of hard- and soft-touch plastics, the upright dashboard, and chunky grab handles. This four-door pickup seats up to five passengers on cloth upholstery. Opt for available luxuries and make the ride even posher, like heated leather seats and a heated steering wheel.

The new Gladiator comes packed with the latest technology, including a 7- or available 8.4-inch touch screen that runs the Uconnect infotainment software. You'll also appreciate Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and three USB ports. There's a satellite radio and an eight-speaker stereo for music lovers, too.

The 2023 Gladiator comes standard with a rear-view camera. From there, you can pile on Jeep's available safety features. Choose from a lengthy list of driver assists, like forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.