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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $36,427–$44,753 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is a truck that earns a Carivo score of 6.9/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.0/10, while Safety at 6.6/10 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. Reliability stands out at 9.0/10. The Gladiator nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety is a notable gap at 6.6/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Few rivals match it for performance: 9.0/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining trucks to actually drive. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $36,427–$44,753, 16 MPG, seating 5, the Jeep Gladiator sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. At 7.5/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: The 2021 Jeep Gladiator sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology and safety scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
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 →
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator ranks #457 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 11% of the segment. Its 6.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $36,427 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $35,138.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →
Across the Gladiator model years we've scored, the 2021 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.0/10 | $41,230 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.0/10 | $41,230 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.0/10 | $40,030 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 6.9/10 | $38,829 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 6.8/10 | $37,628 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 6.9/10 | $36,427 | |
| 2020 | 6.8/10 | $35,226 | Read review → |
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 by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| 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. |
|---|---|
| Back over prevention / Display function 25/08/2022 · 22V638000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal… |
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump 13/10/2022 · 22V767000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall. |
| Power train / Clutch assembly 23/02/2023 · 23V116000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture. |
| Fuel system, diesel / Delivery / Fuel pump 13/04/2023 · 23V263000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and 2022-2023 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail. |
Showing 5 of 8 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Explore the full lineup of Jeep models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.