The RMT Overland Jeep Gladiator reviewed by New Atlas was a dealership-prepared, 2021-era Sport configured to be ready for camping and trail use in one purchase. Aaron Turpen found it more at home off pavement than on the highway. Its appeal was convenience and a substantial adventure-oriented build; its trade-offs included a busy highway ride, model-specific towing limits, and a price that New Atlas put at roughly $61,000–$65,000 in 2021.
What was on the Gladiator New Atlas drove?
The February 2021 New Atlas review describes a Jeep Gladiator Sport equipped with a towing kit, Mopar rockers, steel bumpers, tow pins, a winch, and front LED lights. The vehicle had a 3.5-inch lift with FOX Performance Elite 2.5 shocks, BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM3 tires, and bead-lock-ready wheels. A functional snorkel was also fitted. These are the reviewed vehicle’s details, not a definitive specification for every RMT Overland Gladiator.
Its bed carried an aluminum rack with a fold-out rooftop tent and modular mounting points for gear such as traction boards, fuel, and water containers. The rack could be rearranged, and removing the tent left room to use the bed for other equipment. The modular layout is a practical advantage for owners whose cargo needs change between trips.
A separate package description is not the same build
A December 2022 MoparInsiders report described a different RMT Overland package configuration: a 3-inch BDS lift and FOX 2.0 shocks as standard, with a 3.5-inch JKS lift and FOX PE 2.5 shocks as an option. That report also listed a winch, rack, tent, 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 tires, and a three-year/36,000-mile warranty. Treat those as reported package details from 2022, not as the equipment or warranty for the 2021 vehicle New Atlas drove—or as confirmed terms for a current build. Ask the selling dealer to itemize the parts and warranty for the specific truck.
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- Authentic Jeep JT Gladiator Body: Detailed polycarbonate body replicates the iconic Jeep JT Gladiator design with realistic styling and durability
- Smooth Suspension System: Oil-filled shocks provide superior dampening and smooth performance over rough terrain and obstacles
- Robust Construction: Durable metal chassis with strong, realistic steel frame rails ensures long-lasting performance and structural integrity
- Advanced Radio Control: Spektrum SLT2 2.4GHz radio system delivers reliable, interference-free control for precise maneuvering
- Complete Power Solution: Spektrum 350mAh LiPo battery and 0.5A USB charger included for convenient charging and extended run time
How did it drive on pavement and off-road?
Aaron Turpen’s road impression was that the Gladiator behaved like a Jeep on the highway: wind and road ruts called for attention, rather than giving the relaxed ride of a road-focused SUV. Off pavement, he reported that the tires gripped well and the truck felt confident over the terrain encountered on the outing. Those are qualitative impressions from one reported drive, not a controlled comparison or a guarantee for every trail, driver, or load.
The configuration makes a clear trade: equipment aimed at rougher routes and carrying camp gear comes with a less settled highway experience. Buyers who expect long stretches of highway should test-drive the exact truck, especially with its lift, tires, and other fitted components, before deciding that the turnkey setup suits their use.
Rank #2
- 🚙 Authentic Replica: Faithful 1:27 scale (approx.) reproduction of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon — a favorite among off-road pickup fans.
- 🔩 Durable Die-Cast Construction: Made from high-quality die-cast metal with carefully detailed plastic components for a realistic look and feel.
- Functional Details: Opening front doors, free-rolling rubber tires, and finely sculpted exterior details make this model as engaging to interact with as it is to display.
- Distinctive Finish: Eye-catching Gobi Sand Beige paint gives this Gladiator a rugged desert-ready aesthetic that stands out in any collection.
- Perfect Size: Compact yet detailed, this collectible is ideal for desktop display, shelving, or showcasing alongside other die-cast vehicles.
What does the Sport-based build give up versus a Rubicon?
New Atlas’s 2021 comparison said the Sport-based build had a maximum tow rating 1,000 pounds lower than the Rubicon, while the cargo rating in that comparison was 1,100 pounds. Those are figures reported for the review’s model-year context, not universal specifications for all Gladiators. Tow ratings and payload depend on the particular vehicle’s configuration; verify the ratings on the truck’s documentation and in the applicable official vehicle materials before towing or loading it.
Do not treat a lift, rack, tent, or other modification as proof that the vehicle can carry a particular load. The sources do not establish the modified truck’s exact payload, rack limit, or rooftop-tent limit. Confirm the limits for the individual vehicle and each component with the builder and manufacturers.
Rank #3
- 4WD Remote Control Jeep – Rugged RC truck with 4-wheel drive and all-terrain tires for off-road fun indoors or outdoors.
- Rechargeable Power System – Includes a 7.4V lithium rechargeable battery pack and USB charger, plus 2×AA controller batteries.
- Working Lights & Winch – Functional front lights and real working winch for interactive, realistic play.
- Roof Tent & Removable Tools – Pop-up camping tent and detachable accessories for creative adventure play.
Is the turnkey package worth the historical price?
New Atlas put the tested package at about US$61,000–US$65,000 in 2021, depending on dealer markup and equipment. The review compared that with about US$46,000 for a 2021 Rubicon before modifications, and said customers often paid closer to US$55,000 before accessories. It also cited an estimated US$2,000–US$5,000 installed lift, about US$250 per tire, and roughly US$2,000 for a comparable aftermarket rack before installation or accessories. These are historical figures from the 2021 review, not current quotes or a present-day cost comparison.
The decision is less about whether a package is automatically cheaper than building a truck yourself and more about how much you value having the components selected and installed through a dealership. The review’s author summed up that convenience as “For a one package, one payment, turnkey option, it’s easy to see the appeal.” That is an assessment of the purchase experience, not evidence that the package is the least expensive route.
Rank #4
- 【Realistic Control】Featuring a detailed and realistic scale appearance, the C8809 RC crawler offers proportional throttle and steering controls, offering smooth acceleration and accurate turning response. Whether you're navigating tight corners or tackling technical lines, the remote control truck gives you realistic, hobby-grade handling in a ready-to-run crawler platform.
- 【High-Torque Motor 4WD】Equipped with a 370 brushed motor, the 1/18 RC Crawler provides high low-end torque essential for rock crawling and trail conquering. The full-time four-wheel-drive system ensures power is evenly delivered to all wheels, giving it better traction and climbing ability across sand, gravel, rocks, and even steep slopes.
- 【Upgraded Chassis】The newly reinforced chassis offers extra durability and increased ground clearance, allowing the RC jeep to easily pass over rough terrain and obstacles. With three adjustable speed settings, you can seamlessly switch between low-speed technical crawling, medium-speed trail cruising, and higher-speed exploration to match your driving style and terrain.
- 【Off-road RC truck】The independent suspension system is built with upgraded components that absorb shocks, reduce chassis bounce, and improve articulation. It is suitable for off-road adventures, including climbing over rocks, navigating through mud, and tackling rough surfaces. With a 2.4GHz transmitter, there is no signal interference for multiple plays.
- 【Decent RC Gift】This 1/18-scale remote control jeep is a decent holiday gift for adults aged 16 or older. The manual will come with the package. To start the rock crawler, press the front and rear buckle to remove the cover, connect the battery cable, and press the red button to power on the truck, power on the remote, turn left and right to synchronize frequency.
- Consider the turnkey route if you want an assembled vehicle and a single dealership purchase rather than sourcing and arranging installation for several components.
- Compare a self-built truck if you want control over brands, specifications, installation timing, and where the money goes. Compare the complete installed cost, not just parts prices.
- Prioritize the right base vehicle if towing, cargo capacity, or highway use is central. Check the specific truck’s ratings and equipment before paying for accessories.
- Get current terms in writing because the cited package price and warranty information are dated, and current availability, pricing, and warranty coverage have not been established here.
What should buyers verify before signing?
RMT Overland’s setup is best evaluated as a particular vehicle with a particular set of installed parts, not as a fixed package name that guarantees identical equipment. Ask the dealer for the build sheet and resolve these points before purchase:
- Exact lift, shock, tire, wheel, bumper, winch, rack, and tent make and model.
- Vehicle-specific towing and payload ratings, plus the limits for the rack, tent, and any mounted cargo.
- What the warranty covers, who provides it, and whether modifications affect the original vehicle coverage.
- Installed price, dealer markup, and any additional charges for accessories or installation.
- Whether the truck’s highway ride and handling suit the routes you expect to drive.
A snorkel is not enough information to establish a safe water-fording depth. The reviewed sources give no fording limit for this truck, so do not infer one from the presence of the snorkel; consult the vehicle and component documentation for the exact build.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Brand new box. Real rubber tires. Has opening front doors. Detailed interior, exterior. Officially licensed product. Made of diecast with some plastic parts. Dimensions approximately L-8, W-3, H-2.75 inches.
Sources
- New Atlas, Aaron Turpen, “Review: Off-road with the ready-to-roll RMT Overland Jeep Gladiator,” February 21, 2021
- MoparInsiders, Robert S. Miller, “OVERLAND READY: RMT Overland Jeep® Gladiator!”, December 17, 2022
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
