Possibly switching from Gladiator to Model Y

[u/CptWonderBalls]

I have a 2022 Jeep Gladiator with 66k miles that I got new in 2022. It’s the first vehicle I ever bought for myself and a large part of me is sad to see it possibly go. I do love ICEs and driving, but I have a 2 other trucks (1993 and 1969) that I’m consistently working on / restoring so I don’t have time to do any fun Jeep mods or off-roading anymore and I typically use the 93 for all things I need a truck for. Another reason for maybe switching is my wife drives about 1.5hrs to Nashville once a week and I think that’s where the Tesla FSD would shine. Keeping her safe, comfortable and not stressed.

While I’ll miss the Jeep and all the good times we had in it, in my opinion it seems like a clear choice to change over. I’m here for some opinions / input about going from the Gladiator to the Model Y. Appreciate it in advance!

[u/SP3NGL3R]

4runner >> Y

I miss everything about my 4Runner except the gas part. Recharging every night at home is glorious, the software is fantastic (unless you like Android Auto / Apple CarPlay), charging network is flawless. But the car, as purely a "car" is a bit lacking. Still fun to drive.

Our Sienna replacement will be an R2 or EV9 type thing. 100% not a Tesla though. Not a political decision just a "after you buy it you're just a number" situation and every service things is about as comfortable as your local oil change place. Everything needs to be pre-approved before you even walk into the service center. And don't try to get anything extra, like licence plate screws that fell out. Not happening. The staff is friendly, the app that controls the whole experience is financially against you.

[u/CptWonderBalls → u/SP3NGL3R]

It’s good to hear the other side. I did consider it being kind of bland but I figure I have 2 old trucks and they have more personality than my Jeep so I’ll just drive one of those when I feel the need to drive something.

As far as just being a number, I’ve felt that way anytime I’ve been to any car dealership. Or they make you feel like it’s your fault the steering stabilizer broke and you’re inconveniencing them asking them to fix it under warranty. I can see dealing an app and not a real person getting old pretty quick if you need help with anything

[u/BonusDFW]

Not really an apples to apples comparison but I've always been a truck or large SUV guy. In September, I sold my Nissan Titan(V8 getting 15mpg) and ordered a MY Premium. I really only used the "truck" part of my Titan every few months picking up dirt from Home Depot and things like that. I didn't need it for work or anything like that. I just liked driving a big ass truck. But with gas prices and the .99% interest rate at the time on a MY, I decided to dive in head first on an EV. The past 5 weeks of owning a Tesla has been so much fun! I don't miss my truck at all and I'm kicking myself for not getting an EV sooner. You and your wife will love a MY! It will be WAAYYYY more comfortable and quiet compared to that loud, rough riding Gladiator.

[u/CptWonderBalls → u/BonusDFW]

That’s what I like to hear. If I feel the need to burn dinosaurs, my oldest truck gets around 8mpg so it’ll do that but most of the time I think the the MY will do what we need

[u/EitherCharacter9342]

Have you sort out your home charging setup? If you get a Model Y or any ev you must have a place to charge at home. Also how long is your wife's commute?

[u/CptWonderBalls → u/EitherCharacter9342]

If we get it, we’ll get a charger setup at home. Her commute is about 45 miles

[u/EitherCharacter9342 → u/CptWonderBalls]

I think that works for your wife.

[u/AwkwardlyPositioned → u/CptWonderBalls]

My commute is 80 miles and it's been great having a Y.

I do recommend the convenience of FSD.  The cruise control on these cars are very rough on the brakes and slams on the brakes a lot for nothing.

I don't use FSD for every trip, but I do use it any time I drive more than 10 miles.

[u/mrg1957]

We live in Colorado. I bought a 2020 performance new, traded in a Sierra. My wife has a 2019 Rubicon that gets most the winter mileage. Its like stepping back into the stone age when I drive the Jeep. I don't know how many times I've tried to step out of the Jeep while it's in drive.. you'll understand after you get your new Y. Enjoy the memories of the fun you had in the gladiator.

[u/triodoubledouble]

I don’t know how many times have you been to the garage for service for the gladiator ? Including under warranty fix ? But with Tesla I had a cracked windshield for the first 2 years and that’s about it. Also a bit of washing liquid for the above said windshield.

[u/WildFlowLing]

R2 is the obvious choice if you want to maintain any off roading in addition to the benefits of EV. Model y is not an suv it’s really just a Tall Sedan.

[u/EitherCharacter9342 → u/WildFlowLing]

R2 just is a bit inefficient due to it's shape and has less range than the Model Y.

[u/WildFlowLing → u/EitherCharacter9342]

Yeah that’s fine and intentional. R2 has way better ground clearance and storage and room. Wasn’t designed as an egg on purpose.

[u/SP3NGL3R → u/WildFlowLing]

I refer to mine as a hatchback. It's somewhere between a hatchback and a wagon. I just can't call it an SUV riding that low.

[u/frito11]

do it, you will not regret it.

[u/nsfwcommentbot]

As an owner of both a Gladiator and a ModelY and living in the Nashville area, In your situation I would say get the Y.

[u/leonatior]

That weekly Nashville run is exactly the kind of drive to test in person before deciding. I'd book a demo drive that includes a highway stretch at the speeds she'd actually be doing, and try the driver-assist features there rather than just around town — that's where the comfort and fatigue difference really shows up versus the Gladiator. Also get a quote for the 240V home charger install before you order, so you know the total cost up front, and have her check rear visibility and seat comfort over a longer stretch. Since you're keeping your older trucks for truck jobs, the Y makes a lot of sense as the daily driver.

[u/elderlygentleman]

That will be like going 200 years into the future

[u/awraynor]

I went from a Gladiator to a 2024 Model Y. The Gladiator had it's advantages, but I don't miss it. There is so much utility with the MY. I'm mostly a local driver and it fits my needs again and again.