I Drove the Nissan Frontier and Jeep Gladiator Back to Back - Here's My Brutally Honest Review
I Drove the Nissan Frontier and Jeep Gladiator Back to Back - Here's My Brutally Honest Review originally appeared on Autoblog.
Very alike, yet so different
On paper, the Nissan Frontier and Jeep Gladiator have just a few things in common: they both have V6 powertrains, and they compete in the same segment. In this class, the Nissan is the value leader, while making a real case for V6 powertrains. It is a logical and practical choice that can appeal to those who seek a bit of adventure. The Gladiator is built for fun and adventure, and can appeal to those who seek a bit of practicality; it’s more of an emotional choice.
JeepView the 2 images of this gallery on the original article
In some ways, they both represent the old-school idea of what a midsize pickup truck once was while still competing against the turbocharged crowd from Ford, Toyota, and GM. I drove the Nissan Frontier Pro-4X and the Jeep Gladiator Mojave X and can attest that they are the most extreme versions of their models, both thriving off-road and still providing the ability to be a faithful daily driver. Let’s see how they compete.
Nissan Frontier$32,050 (base MSRP) / $41,770 (Pro-4X MSRP)
2025 Nissan FrontierNissanOut of the box, the Nissan Frontier delivers something that no other truck in its class does: a King Cab. That is a small cab allowing for two (small) passengers to sit behind the front seats. Otherwise, that cab section makes for a great storage area as the seats fold away. This option, which used to be popular on almost every pickup in the past, is no longer offered. It also means that you get the longer 6-foot bed as standard, rather than the 5-foot bed. With that being said, the King Cab configuration is not available for Pro-4X Frontiers.
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The Frontier Pro‑4X comes standard with a 3.8‑liter V6 that makes 310 horsepower and 281 lb‑ft of torque through a 9‑speed automatic transmission. It can tow up to 7,150 lbs and has a maximum payload of up to 1,620 lbs. Rear-wheel drive is standard, although 4WD is available if you need it where you're going. Inside, the Pro-4X gets an 8 or 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Nissan Safety Shield 360, as well as Zero Gravity front seats.
Underneath, Nissan gives you an electrically locking rear differential, off-road biased Bilstein shocks, skid plates, unique exterior and interior design, along with more aggressive 31.6‑inch all-terrain tires. These items also mean lower tow and payload numbers over the base model, which has to do with the weight of the upgrades and suspension settings.
Nissan Driving the Nissan Frontier Pro‑4X
Each time I’ve driven the Nissan Frontier Pro‑4X, either on or off-road, I am pleasantly surprised. No, it’s not the best at anything, but it’s great at just about everything. It handles like a small truck should: sure-footed, with great cornering ability and decent on-road comfort. At the same time, it can be seriously aggressive off-road, with excellent crawl characteristics. While it isn’t great for articulation, and the suspension is a bit basic compared to other trucks, it can handle just about every obstacle a truck costing thousands more can.
The interior is comfortable for the driver and front passenger. Seating comfort up front is excellent, thanks in part to the unique foam Nissan uses in its seats. Unfortunately, the back seats are somewhat cramped, and the seating position may be uncomfortable for some. Also, I am not a fan of the hard plastics on the upper door panel, and even the larger 9‑inch screen size is on the smaller side in this class.
The 2025 Nissan Frontier PRO‑4X is EPA‑rated at 16 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, which is lower than that of base models. Additionally, the IIHS gave it “Good” ratings for the original and updated moderate overlap front crash tests, but only an “Acceptable” rating for the updated side crash test. The NHTSA gave the Frontier Crew Cab an overall four-star safety rating, with four stars for frontal crash, five stars for side crash, and three stars for rollover.
Jeep Gladiator$38,695 (base MSRP) / $61,100 (Mojave X MSRP)
2025 Jeep Gladiator Mojave XJeepThe Jeep Gladiator has a few things no other midsize truck in the industry has: a convertible top, standard 4WD, and a solid front axle. It also has a secret: it is NOT simply a Wrangler with a bed added. The rear section of the frame is related to the previous-generation Ram 1500, meaning it’s beefy. That’s what helps it maintain excellent load capability. Despite its older powertrain, it is rated on the higher end of this class for load and towing. It comes standard as a crew cab with a 5‑foot bed.
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The Gladiator Mojave X comes standard with a 3.6‑liter V6 that makes 285 horsepower and 260 lb‑ft torque through an 8‑speed automatic transmission (the 6‑speed manual was just discontinued). Towing capacity maxes out at 7,700 lbs while its max payload is up to 1,725 lbs. Inside, you get a 12.3‑inch touchscreen display with Uconnect 5 NAV system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, removable doors, top and a collapsible front windshields.
The Mojave X is meant for challenging dunes and hitting the trail at high speeds. At the same time, it is still capable of bounding over tall obstacles. With the extremely upgraded suspension, armor, tires, and overall setup, its towing and payload capacity drop significantly. This trick suspension setup includes FOX 2.5‑inch internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs, FOX front hydraulic jounce bumpers, and a 1‑inch front suspension lift. The Mojave X also comes standard with 33‑inch all-terrain tires and a Tru‑Lok rear differential.
Driving the Jeep Gladiator Mojave X
Jeep Gladiators are not for everyone. They are louder (especially with the soft top) and have a tendency to handle primitively. Yet, they can be a total laugh when simply driving to work. They provide as much swagger as a Wrangler, in a much more usable (yet longer) package. It wallows a bit if pushed, but can be fairly pleasant to drive, once you get used to the unique seating position.
Few vehicles feel the same as a Gladiator to drive. That’s especially true for the Mojave X as it is a bit higher in the nose. You feel elevated and ready for anything. Off-road, it is almost unstoppable when desert running. Sure, it’s not as powerful as many competitors, but the V6 manages to be well-matched to the gearing. It crawls beautifully, but it’s especially happy when pushed hard over fast bumps, soft sand, and hard-packed dirt trails.
I must say that the seats are pretty comfy throughout, and back seat space is among the highest end in this class. I also appreciate the excellent horizontal screen location and size. It’s a breeze to use, and the sound quality is much better than before. I was pleased to find a soft-touch interior, using high-quality interior components. Still, some will take issue with the unusual door sizes and interior compromises.
The 2024 Jeep Gladiator Mojave X with the 3.6L V6 engine gets an EPA‑estimated 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a four-star rating for front crash testing, and a three-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) gave it a “Good” rating for roof strength, a “Marginal” rating for the small overlap front test, and a “Poor” rating for its standard front crash prevention system and headlight performance.
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Final thoughts
If you want an affordable daily truck that’s easy to live with, the Nissan Frontier Pro‑4X is the smart pick. It’s affordable, comfortable, and plenty capable for light off-roading or weekend projects. If you want a stretched Wrangler with a bed, the Jeep Gladiator is unlike anything else in the segment. It’s more expensive, less refined, but a lot more characterful—especially if you crave off-road fun and open-air driving. They’re both solid trucks, but they serve very different personalities.
I Drove the Nissan Frontier and Jeep Gladiator Back to Back - Here's My Brutally Honest Review first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 22, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
