Gladiator Tires Review - Brand Guide

‍About Gladiator Tires

Gladiator is a U.S-based tire brand owned by American Pacific Industries (API). It manufactures tires for trailers, light trucks, ATVs and commercial vehicles, among others.

It outsources its tire production to China, which are then shipped to the U.S. And as much as its tires are mainly manufactured in china, they are of high quality. Also, they perform well in varying terrains and conditions.

Gladiator tires are specifically designed for those who enjoy spending their weekends off the beaten path or those drivers who make frequent trips on backcountry roads.

Design Features and Technologies

Gladiator is renowned for manufacturing highly capable tires designed to handle extreme conditions and terrains. To achieve these objectives, Gladiator outfits its tires with several features and technologies like:

Wide Rib Tread Pattern

While each Gladiator tire comes with a specific tread pattern, they all sport a wide rib tread design. This tread pattern allows the tire to deliver a top-notch steering response on wet and dry surfaces. Also, it helps to enhance the tire’s braking performance.

Three-Ply Polyester Casing

Gladiator outfits most of its tires with a three-ply polyester casing, resulting in a sturdy construction.

This robust construction helps the tire to resist punctures, cuts and other forms of damage, especially when you are driving on jagged rocks.

Sturdy Sidewalls

All Gladiator tires come with sturdy, reinforced sidewalls, which are resistant to chipping and bruising.

With this tire, you don’t have to worry about getting punctures, even when you encounter rugged terrains.

Stone Ejectors

Whenever you are driving on backcountry roads or off-road terrains, there’s a high chance you will come across rocks and other types of debris. And when these rocks get stuck within the tires’ tread grooves, stone drilling may occur, leading to punctures or premature wear and tear.

Fortunately, such problems are almost non-existent when it comes to Gladiator tires, thanks to the presence of stone ejectors. These stone ejectors get rid of stones, sticks and such types of debris, thus preventing premature wear and tear or punctures.

Best Selling Gladiator Tires

Gladiator sells tires for light trucks, ATVs and UTVs, commercial vehicles and trailers. Some of its best-selling tires include the QR900 MT, QR500 HT, QR700 and X Comp M/T. Let’s take a closer look at each of these tires.

Gladiator X Comp M/T

The X Comp M/T is one of Gladiator’s newest tires. It’s designed for a wide range of SUVs, light trucks and various types of 4x4 vehicles. This highway, off-road tire is built to deliver maximum grip and traction in challenging conditions.

Features

The X Comp M/T has been outfitted with several features and technologies to ensure it can deliver according to expectations.

First, there’s the chip-resistant and cut-resistant tread compound, which works together with its three-ply carcass construction to enable the tire to withstand damage in extreme terrains.

Second, Gladiator has also provisioned this tire with an aggressive tread compound. This tread compound enables the tire to deliver maximum wet and dry traction. And as its name suggests, this tire can also handle muddy conditions, thanks to this aggressive tread compound. Its tread also features large voids, which enable the tire to self-clean itself. So, whether you are driving on rocks, mud, snowy conditions or other harsh terrains, the high void areas will enable the tire to get rid of debris, resulting in excellent traction.

Third, the Gladiator X Comp M/T also comes with reinforced shoulders designed to enable the tire to deliver outstanding traction in different conditions. It also features body plies along its sidewalls, which help to minimize damage from abrasive surfaces.

Fourth, this tire also sports two heavy-duty steel belts, reinforced with nylon belts. Therefore, the center tread section is as reinforced as the sidewall. It’s also worth mentioning that the X Comp M/T is M+S-rated, meaning it can comfortably handle extreme snowy and muddy conditions.

Sizes and Fitment

The X Comp M/T comes in several sizes, ranging between 15 inches and 22 inches. It’s also available in a 26-inch size, mainly for commercial trucks. Some of the vehicles that this tire is compatible with include:

•  Land Rover Range Rover
• Chevrolet Colorado, Tahoe, Avalanche, Blazer, Silverado and Suburban
• Toyota FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, 4Runner, Tacoma, Sequoia, and Tundra
• Honda Pilot and Ridgeline
• Dodge Dakota, Ram and Durango
• GMC Jimmy, Yukon, Canyon and Sierra
•  Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee
• Ford Expedition, F-250, F-150, Explorer and F-350

Price Range

The Gladiator X Comp M/T is currently retailing at around $235 to $550 per tire, minus installation costs. Therefore, if you opt to purchase a set of four tires, you will spend around $900 to $2000, depending on the size that you choose.

You can purchase this tire from Discount Tire, Priority Tire and various other outlets around the country. And as you may expect, each outlet prices its tires differently.

Should You Buy the X Comp M/T?

If your own a truck, SUV or 4x4 and you frequently find yourself driving on challenging terrains, then the X Comp M/T will please you.

Besides its rugged looks, this tire can comfortably tackle mud, loose sand, and snow-covered roads. Its on-road ride is equally decent, meaning you will not experience excessive road noise or vibrations. Overall, the X Comp M/T will be a great choice for everyone that loves an aggressive mud-terrain tire.

Gladiator QR900 MT

The QR900 MT is an all-season mud-terrain tire built for drivers looking for a tire that can deliver outstanding off-road performance without sacrificing on-road ride quality.

Design Features

Designed for SUVs, light-duty trucks, 4x4s and Jeeps, the QR900 MT is more of a hybrid between a standard all-terrain tire and a specialized mud terrain tire.

And as noted earlier, it’s built to deliver a solid on-road performance combined with decent on-road manners. To accomplish these goals, the manufacturer has provisioned with a couple of great features like an aggressive tread pattern, special tread compound, a high void ratio and sturdy internal construction.

Its rugged tread compound works together with the special tire compound. These two features work together to deliver reliable outstanding road-gripping capabilities, regardless of the conditions or the terrain. Also, they enable the tire to provide a safe driving experience even in snowy conditions or muddy terrains.

As for the high-void ratio in the tire’s tread, it plays a key role in helping the tire to disperse slush, water, mud and other elements, which may limit its traction in wet and slippery conditions. Also, it helps the tire to get rid of snow, which may block its contact with the surface, thus increasing its driving safety in these conditions.

Like other Gladiator tires, the QR900 MT comes with a robust internal structure featuring two steel belts. This sturdy internal construction helps the tire to maintain a stable ride, especially high-speed driving or cornering. It also enhances the tire’s steering responsiveness.

Sizes and Fitment

Gladiator manufactures this tire in various sizes, ranging between 15 inches and 22 inches. It can fit a wide range of SUVs, light-duty trucks and 4x4s like:

• Toyota Tundra, Tacoma and FJ Cruiser
• Dodge Dakota, Nitro, Ram and Durango
• Isuzu Rodeo
• Land Rover Defender
• Chevrolet C2500, Silverado, Tahoe and Blazer
• Nissan Frontier, Xterra, Titan and Pathfinder
• GMC Jimmy, Yukon and Sierra
• Ford F-350, F-150, F-250 and Excursion
• Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee and Liberty
• Suzuki Equator

Price Range

The QR900 MT is currently going for around $170 to $300 in different tire shops across the country. The actual price will depend on the size you choose as well as where you choose to buy your set of tires.

Should You Buy the Gladiator QR900 MT?

While the QR900 MT may be renowned for its rugged looks, its off-road performance is equally outstanding. Its off-road traction and handling are excellent, meaning it can handle mud, gravel, sand and dirt. Also, it’s a great performer when it comes to snow conditions.

Road noise and vibrations are not excessive, which means you will enjoy a comfortable highway ride. Overall, the QR900 MT comes across as a highly reliable all-terrain. So, if you frequently find yourself shifting between paved roads and backcountry roads, then the QR900 MT will be a great choice for your vehicle. And as you can see, it’s also affordably priced, meaning it will not cost you too much to purchase a set.

Gladiator QR 500 HT

Gladiator is renowned for manufacturing high-quality, durable and reliable tires sold at affordable prices. And the QR 500 HT is no exception. It’s built for drivers of commercial vans, SUVs and pickups, looking for a tire that can deliver reliable performance combined with long-lasting treadlife.

Design Features and Technologies

The QR 500 HT is a highway-terrain all-season tire designed to deliver reliable traction and grip on all types of surfaces and weather conditions. According to the manufacturer, this tire is also built to provide a comfortable and quiet highway ride.

To achieve these goals, Gladiator has outfitted it with a couple of great features and technologies, such as an all-season tread compound, five-rib asymmetric tread pattern, four circumferential grooves, and an optimized tread design.

Its all-season tread compound has been molded into a five-rib symmetric tread pattern, which helps to boost its dry traction, steering response and handling. Furthermore, these two features also help to enhance the tire’s braking and acceleration on dry surfaces. According to drivers who have used this tire, its braking and acceleration are much better compared to other highway terrain tires in its price range.

As noted above, the Gladiator QR 500 HT also comes with four wide longitudinal grooves, which help channel water from beneath the tire, resulting in top-notch aquaplaning resistance.

The QR 500 HT also comes with added sipes throughout its tread, which supply additional grip and traction in wet conditions, slippery surfaces, snow-covered roads and hard-packed surfaces. And as much as the QR 500 HT is not a dedicated snow or winter tire, its performance in these conditions is excellent.

Gladiator has also outfitted the QR 500 HT with an optimized tread design, which helps to reduce road noise, resulting in a quiet, comfortable ride. If you are going on a road trip with this tire, you are assured of a smooth and enjoyable ride all along.

Sizes and Fitment

When it comes to sizes, you have plenty of available options to choose from, ranging between 16 inches and 17 inches. It can fit a wide range of SUVs and light-duty trucks like:

•  Isuzu Trooper and Rodeo
• Dodge Nitro, Ram 2500, Ram 3500 and Ram 2500
• Toyota 4Runner, FJ Cruiser and Tacoma
• GMC Yukon, Canyon, Sierra 3500, Sierra 1500, Suburban and Safari
• Nissan Titan, Frontier, Xterra and Pathfinder
• Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 3500, Express 2500, Blazer, Avalanche, Suburban, C20, Tahoe and K20
• Land Rover Discovery
• Suzuki Equator
• Hummer H3
• Mitsubishi Montero
• Ford Expedition, Econoline, Excursion, Ranger, F-350, F-250, and F-150

Price Range

If you decide to outfit your vehicle with this tire, you are going to spend approximately $140 to $210 per tire. For a set of four, it will cost you around $560 to $840. As you may expect, the actual price will vary from one size to the next, as well as where you decide to buy your tires.

Should You Buy the Gladiator QR 500 HT?

When it comes to buying highway tires for your vehicle, you have plenty of available options at your disposal. However, if you are in the market for a budget-friendly but reliable tire that can perform well in a wide range of terrains, then you should go for the QR 500 HT.

While it may not perform as well as the premium all-terrain tires on the market, its grip, traction, handling and steering response are more than adequate.

Gladiator QR700 SUV

As its name suggests, the QR700 SUV is an all-season tire specifically built for SUV drivers. However, it can also fit a couple of light-duty pickups. According to the manufacturer, this tire is built for the budget-conscious SUV driver looking for a reliable tire that won’t cost too much.

Design Features and Technologies

Gladiator equips its tires with plenty of great features and technologies. And the QR700 SUV is no exception. Some of its standout features include an all-season tread compound, large outside shoulder blocks, a zigzag continuous center rib and four wide circumferential grooves.

Its all-season tread compound has been formed into a symmetric tread design. These two features combine to deliver excellent dry traction and grip. At the same time, the large outside shoulder blocks help to enhance the tire’s cornering stability, while the zigzag continuous center rib boosts the tire’s steering response while enhancing its braking performance.

The QR700 SUV also comes with four wide and deep longitudinal grooves, which help in channeling water away from the tire’s tread, resulting in reduced hydroplaning and increased wet traction.

And as much as this is mainly an all-season tire for pickups and trucks, it performs well in light snowy conditions. But, it’s not advisable to use it for deep snow or ice-covered roads since it’s not equipped for such conditions.

Sizes and Fitment

The Gladiator QR700 SUV comes in several sizes, ranging between 16 inches and 18 inches. It can fit a wide range of SUVs and pickups like:

• Nissan Pathfinder, Armada and Frontier
• Honda Pilot and CR-V
• Ford Edge, Explorer and Expedition
• Toyota Highlander, Sequoia, RAV4, and 4Runner
•  Jeep Liberty, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler and Commander
• GMC Terrain, Acadia, Yukon and Envoy
• Chevrolet Suburban, K-Blazer, Tahoe and Trailblazer
• Acura MDX
• Infiniti QX4 SUV
• Buick Rendezvous and Enclave
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Volkswagen Touareg

Should You Buy the QR700 SUV?

The Gladiator QR700 SUV is a highly reliable tire for everyday driving. Its wet and dry traction is outstanding, the steering response is quick and precise, and the ride is quiet, smooth and comfortable, thanks to its optimized tread design.

Gladiator Tires Warranties and Guarantees

Gladiator tires come with a standard workmanship and materials warranty offered by American Pacific Industries. Also, American Pacific Industries (API) stands behind all Gladiator tires with a customer satisfaction guarantee.

Workmanship and Materials Warranty

All new Gladiator tires are backed by a materials and workmanship warranty throughout their treads’ usable life.

So, if your set of tires are removed from service due to workmanship or materials defects, the manufacturer will replace them with a comparable new set, free of charge.

However, the owner will be cover mounting and balancing costs, applicable state, local and federal taxes as well as other miscellaneous service costs.

Satisfaction Guarantee

All Gladiator new tires come with a 30-day customer satisfaction guarantee. Under this guarantee, the manufacturer gives you up to 30 days after purchasing a set of Gladiator tires to decide whether to keep them or not.

In case you are not fully satisfied with your set of new Gladiator tires, you are free to return them to the original place of purchase. You can decide to return a single tire or all of them, depending on your preferences.

Upon returning them, an authorized API tire dealer will swap the tires with another comparable new set. You will be required to pay all applicable taxes at the time of exchanging the tires.

Gladiator Tires Vs. Other Brands

So, why buy Gladiator tires instead of those sold by the other brands? First, Gladiator tires are sturdy and well built. They are mainly built for long-distance drivers, who haul heavy loads.

Also, its tires can comfortably handle extreme off-road terrains. So, if you are an off-roading enthusiast who enjoys venturing into rugged off-road terrains during your weekends, then Gladiator tires will also be a good choice for you.

Second, Gladiator tires are highly affordable. If you have purchased a set of truck and SUV tires, you can agree that they don’t come cheap. In fact, a full set can set you back by around $1000. And this is where Gladiator tires come in.

While they are well-built and durable, they don’t cost too much, which is usually the case with tires sold by other brands. With Gladiator tires, you are getting a tire that performs almost as those sold by mid-range tire brands, minus the high costs. When it comes to value for money, it’s almost impossible to go wrong with Gladiator tires.

Gladiator Tires Pros

• Sturdy, high-quality tires
• Affordably-priced truck and SUV tires
• solid workmanship and materials warranty
• A 30-day customer satisfaction guarantee

Gladiator Tires Cons

•   No treadlife warranty

Our Take

As much as Gladiator may not be a household tire brand for some drivers, its popularity is growing quite fast. The reason behind this is that it makes high-quality yet budget-friendly tires for trucks and SUVs. Also, its tires also deliver a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride on the highway. Overall, if you are a long-distance truck driver and you are in the market for a set of high-quality but budget-friendly tires for your vehicle, then you should check out Gladiator tires.