Model tested: 2025 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon X 4×4
Engine: 3.6-liter V-6
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Horsepower: 285
Torque: 260 lb.-ft.
EPA ratings: 17/city, 22/highway, 19/combined
Base price: $51,100
As tested: $68,470
Overview: The 2025 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon X is a unique, multipurpose vehicle that’s both practical and fun, with fun being the overriding characteristic. It’s a five-passenger daily driver, a weekend adventure vehicle and a pickup truck. It’s a closed-roof, foul-weather cocoon for rainy days, and an open-air topless and doorless machine for summer fun. The Gladiator is essentially a four-door Jeep Wrangler with a 5-foot pickup bed, which makes it similar to many short-bed pickups except for the Gladiator’s superior versatility. The Rubicon X is the top trim level.
Walkaround: The 2025 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is easily identified as a Jeep. Stylistically, it has a retro look, but underneath, it’s a modern vehicle. Tall, 33-inch LT285/70R17 tires mounted on optional 17-by-7.5-inch wheels boost both ride height and style points. Removable doors and roof panels are fine in the woods but noisy in traffic. Our test Gladiator was Firecracker Red — a perfect personality match.
Interior: Interior space is generous. Power-adjustable, nappa leather seats are part of the Rubicon X package, as are heated front seats and a heated, leather steering wheel. Back-seat room is ample for 6-foot-plus passengers. Substantial “A” and “B” pillar grab bars are reassuring when off-roading. The rear seats split and fold up for cargo versatility, with locking bins underneath. Large overhead speakers keep the tunes cranking even when the roof panels are removed.
Behind the wheel: The Jeep Gladiator drives and rides like the rugged 4-by-4 truck that it is, but it’s more civilized than its retro looks might imply. Road and wind noise is present, but it’s not objectionable. A whisper-quiet ride isn’t what anyone expects for such a ruggedly off-road-capable vehicle. The fun factor overrides most annoyances. Impressive off-road features exceed what most owners will ever utilize. The V-6 engine can sound busy when pushed hard, but overall power is sufficient. Fuel consumption is a bit thirsty, with our best result being 19.2 mpg on the highway.
Bottom line: We smiled a lot in the 2025 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon X because the fun factor was so great. It’s not the most luxurious city traffic warrior, but its tall ride height is a plus, and more importantly, this convertible pickup off-roader has just made us happy. The pickup bed was very functional, and the interior room and versatility were welcomed for both people and cargo. In a crowded world of boring commuter cars, the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is a great way to make any day or road fun.
