In 2023, chances are you’re driving a midsize car with power windows. In fact, if you were born after a certain year, you might not even know that there was a time when car windows didn’t roll down on their own. The driver and passenger were responsible for using a crank to manually operate the windows. And there you can buy with this dinosaur feature; 2023 Jeep Gladiator.
When did cars get electric windows?
They were introduced in the year 1940. The 1941 Series Packard 180 is actually the first car to be introduced by them. With hydraulic window lifts, this technology represents a major advance in how people can open up the interior of their car.
The Gladiator, at least in its most basic forms, still came with manual windows. And if you’re anything like me, I’m honestly surprised to see that.
2023 Jeep Gladiator features manual windows
The Gladiator Sport and Willys Sport both come standard with swing-arm windows. This means that in 2023, you’ll need to pay extra if you want a base with power windows. Some people may see this as a benefit. No power windows means one less thing can go wrong.
At the same time, is it worth it to have to reach into the passenger seat to roll down the window if you’re driving alone? It might have been easy to do in something like the Toyota Echo, but a mid-size truck like the Gladiator will likely make it more difficult.
Simply put, I see that most people choose to outfit their Jeep with power windows. Sure, having to do things manually in the car can be fun. The 2023 Gladiator is one of the few trucks you can get with a manual transmission. But beyond nostalgia for a simpler time, weird windows are just the problem.
Is Gladiator 2023 worth it?
The Sport has a starting MSRP of around $40,000. And as a mid-size truck, there really isn’t anything else like it on the market. Essentially, you get a Wrangler with the benefits of a pickup truck bed, even if it means losing some off-road capability due to the length.
The Gladiator Sport and Gladiator Willys Sport certainly lack some of the features that the higher trims provide. According to , the Sport S might be the better choice. But it’s not like other basic trims are completely devoid of modern conveniences.
It really comes down to which version of this pickup fits your lifestyle and budget. Even if it means having to get something like hand crank windows instead of power switches.
