Off-Road in Moab with the Jeep Gladiator at the Easter Jeep Safari

Dan Edmunds visits the Easter Jeep Safari, an annual off-road gathering of Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts that happens in Moab, Utah. We drop by the town and then venture out onto one of the trails in the new 2020 Jeep Gladiator pickup to do a little exploring and see how it performs. Along the way, we check out the Jeep Gladiator Wayout and talk with a Jeep designer about the other concept vehicles the automaker brought. Dan also chats with one of the event's expert trail leaders about the Easter Jeep Safari and how the event has grown over the years.

About the Easter Jeep Safari:

The Easter Jeep Safari started in 1967 as a single-day trail run hosted by local Jeep enthusiasts eager to share the amazing old mining trails and incredible slickrock vistas that surround the town. The idea proved to be extremely popular, and it expanded to the point that it now spans a full nine days, each of which includes several guided trail runs to choose from.

But today's Easter Jeep Safari is more than a collection of trail runs. It's now a bucket-list item for Jeep owners and enthusiasts, drawing in adventurous off-roaders from all over the globe. For this reason, Jeep designers and engineers routinely participate so they can gather suggestions from dedicated fans and share future concept vehicles to see if they strike the right chord and make sense to produce.

About the 2020 Jeep Gladiator:

The new Gladiator may just be the perfect vehicle for those who want a Jeep but need a truck. It benefits from the Wrangler's well-sorted V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission combination, and it has the same impressive-to-look-at and easy-to-use interior as the newest Wrangler. And its pickup credentials are real: The Sport S can tow 7,650 pounds and has a 1,600-pound payload, but even the Rubicon can tow 7,000 pounds.

Yes, the driving experience does suffer a bit from the very Jeepy solid front axle, but a smooth-riding coil-spring rear suspension offsets that. And the Gladiator's wheelbase is indeed a bit long compared to other crew-cab pickups. That's a mixed bag because it smooths out the ride and tracks it straighter on the road, but it also reduces breakover clearance and makes it more likely to drag its belly off-road. This aspect is meaningful if you compare it to a Wrangler, but it's less significant when compared to other midsize trucks.

Read our Jeep Gladiator review: https://www.edmunds.com/jeep/wrangler/2019/

Watch our 2020 Jeep Gladiator Off-Road Truck Comparison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YShvfvW-qbg

About the 2019 Jeep Wrangler:

The redesigned Wrangler model boasts improved cabin materials, modern tech features and a (relatively) more comfortable ride. Newly available advanced safety features set the bar even higher for the 2019 Jeep Wrangler.

Though Jeep has improved the Wrangler's on-road manners for this generation, the rough-and-tumble truck is still decidedly old-school. The axles remain solid for better off-road performance, and the base Sport model doesn't offer newfangled fripperies such as air conditioning, alloy wheels or power accessories. Every model also features a fold-down windshield, removable doors and a soft top for a truly outdoor feel. There's also the Rubicon with its big knobby tires and specialized traction-enhancing hardware.

If you prefer a Jeep Wrangler that isn't a bare-bones truck or a hardcore rock crawler, the middle trims offer a little more polish. Leather upholstery, a large touchscreen, navigation, and an upgraded audio system are all on the options list. You can even specify advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and rear parking sensors.

As long as you don't prioritize a supremely quiet cabin or cushy ride, the 2019 Jeep Wrangler offers something for everyone. The Wrangler deserves a spot on your shopping list, whether you want a supremely capable off-road bruiser or a rugged-looking boulevard cruiser.

Read our Jeep Wrangler review: https://www.edmunds.com/jeep/wrangler/2019/

Watch our Jeep Wrangler vs. 2020 Jeep Gladiator Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtOTMVWKfz4

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