3.6 Pentastar?

Kitty and I are possibly looking to get a new vehicle maybe by the end of this year. Kinda lookin at the Gladiator, since I had an 08 Wrangler Unlimited. We liked it, but the 3.8 converted minivan motor was a total POS. Went out at 18K miles. Dealer covered it with a new engine but it was never the same so I sent it down the road. What about the Gladiator and the 3.6? Are they any good? Any of yall have one? Likes and dislikes?
Honest question for you sir.
You are one of the most prolific experienced automechanics on this forum.
You could build a slant 6 or 318 Mopar A body for less than a new car; why chose a new Mopar with a 3.6? Is it because financing is a faster path toward your goal? I know you could build anything, am not trying to be sarcastic or mean either. thanks