Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2020 Jeep Gladiator
Our scoring places the 2020 Jeep Gladiator at 6.8/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.9/10, while Reliability at 7.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.1/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.9/10. The Jeep Gladiator delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.7/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $35,226–$41,444, 15 MPG, seating 5, the Jeep Gladiator sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.0/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is a passable truck but not a standout one. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Trucks
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator ranks #469 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 9% of the segment. Its 6.8/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $35,226 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $35,138.
$0 — 7 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Gladiator Year Should You Buy?
Across the Gladiator model years we've scored, the 2020 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Fuel economy at 15 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2020 Jeep Gladiator (7 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Power train / Driveline / Driveshaft 29/08/2019 · 19V636000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The rear driveshafts may have been incorrectly assembled without grease in the monoblock joint.
Seat belts 24/09/2020 · 20V580000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking.
Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 10/09/2020 · 20V191000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger…
Power train / Clutch assembly 28/01/2021 · 21V028000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Power train / Clutch assembly 03/03/2020 · 20V124000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Showing 5 of 7 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2020 Jeep Gladiator that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2020 Jeep Gladiator
Is the 2020 Jeep Gladiator reliable?
We rate the 2020 Jeep Gladiator's reliability 7.1/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2020 Jeep Gladiator have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2020 Jeep Gladiator worth buying?
It scores 6.8/10 overall, ranking #469 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 9% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2020 Jeep Gladiator cost?
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator starts at $35,226 and ranges up to $41,444 across trims (MSRP when new). At 15 MPG, expect roughly $3,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Gladiator years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 7 Gladiator model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.0/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2020 Jeep Gladiator have?
The documented issues for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Power train, Seat belts, Back over prevention, Electrical system (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Jeep Gladiator
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