The Jeep Gladiator is a midsize pickup truck that combines the rugged off-road capability and iconic design of the Jeep Wrangler with the utility and practicality of a pickup. Introduced in 2019 as a 2020 model, the Gladiator marks Jeep's return to the pickup truck segment, offering a unique blend of adventure and versatility that few other vehicles can match.
1. Overview
Class: Midsize Pickup Truck.
Body Style: Crew Cab (4-door).
Platform: Shares much of its architecture with the Jeep Wrangler JL, but with a longer wheelbase to accommodate the truck bed.
Key Feature: The only convertible pickup truck in the market, with removable doors, roof, and windshield, allowing for an open-air driving experience.
2. Engine and Performance
Engine Options:
3.6-liter Pentastar V6:
Power: 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: Available with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission.
3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6:
Power: 260 horsepower and a substantial 442 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth power delivery and better fuel economy.
Performance:
Towing Capacity: When properly equipped, the Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 lbs, making it one of the strongest towing trucks in its class.
Payload Capacity: Up to 1,700 lbs, making it capable of carrying a wide variety of loads in its 5-foot truck bed.
Four-Wheel Drive:
Like all Jeep vehicles, the Gladiator comes standard with four-wheel drive (4WD), offering excellent off-road capability. It also features the Command-Trac 4x4 system in lower trims and the more advanced Rock-Trac 4x4 system in the Rubicon model for extreme off-roading.
3. Off-Road Capability
The Jeep Gladiator is built to handle tough terrain and extreme conditions. Its off-road prowess is largely derived from its Wrangler DNA.
Ground Clearance:
The Gladiator offers up to 11.1 inches of ground clearance, allowing it to tackle rocky trails and rough roads with ease.
Off-Road Systems:
Trail Rated®: Every Gladiator carries Jeep’s Trail Rated® badge, meaning it has passed stringent tests for traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation, and ground clearance.
Rubicon Model: The Gladiator Rubicon is the most off-road-capable version, equipped with Dana 44 axles, front and rear locking differentials, sway bar disconnect, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and the Rock-Trac transfer case for extreme off-roading. It also features steel skid plates for added underbody protection.
Water Fording:
The Gladiator can safely drive through water up to 30 inches deep, making it suitable for river crossings or muddy trails.
4. Exterior Design
Iconic Jeep Look:
The Gladiator shares the Wrangler’s signature styling, including the seven-slot grille, round headlights, and boxy design. However, the Gladiator's grille slots are slightly wider for better engine cooling when towing or carrying heavy loads.
The bed adds versatility and utility, making it ideal for hauling cargo, camping gear, or outdoor equipment. The bed includes available cargo tie-downs, an in-bed power outlet, and a three-position tailgate for added functionality.
Roof and Door Removal:
Like the Wrangler, the Gladiator offers removable doors, a removable roof (hard or soft top), and a fold-down windshield for a unique open-air driving experience that no other truck provides.
Wheel Options:
The Gladiator comes with a variety of wheel and tire combinations, ranging from 17-inch to 18-inch wheels with off-road tires for different levels of terrain capability.
5. Interior
Rugged and Functional:
The interior of the Gladiator is similar to the Wrangler, offering a combination of rugged materials and modern technology. It features durable surfaces that can handle dirt and mud, while optional leather upholstery adds a touch of luxury.
Seating:
The crew cab layout means it has room for up to five passengers, with ample legroom in both the front and rear seats.
Rear seats can be folded down or flipped up to provide extra storage space inside the cab.
Infotainment:
The Gladiator comes with Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment system, which is available with a 7.0-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen. The system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available navigation.
There’s an optional removable Bluetooth speaker that charges while docked in the truck and can be used outside for activities like camping or tailgating.
Utility Features:
Plenty of small storage compartments, including lockable storage under the rear seats, and available 120-volt outlets in the cabin and truck bed.
6. Safety and Technology
Driver Assistance Features:
The Gladiator offers a variety of available safety features, including:
Adaptive Cruise Control
Blind Spot Monitoring
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
Rear Parking Sensors
Automatic Emergency Braking
Off-Road Technology:
Off-Road Pages: The Gladiator's infotainment system includes Off-Road Pages, which display critical information for off-road driving, such as pitch and roll angles, axle status, and steering angle.
Front-Facing Camera: Available in the Rubicon trim, this camera helps the driver see obstacles on the trail in front of the vehicle.
7. Variants and Trims
The Jeep Gladiator is available in several trims, each offering different levels of equipment and off-road capability:
Sport: The base model, offering essential off-road features with a no-frills approach.
Sport S: Adds more convenience features, such as power windows and locks.
Overland: Focuses on comfort, with more premium interior features and tech.
Rubicon: The most off-road-capable model, with features like locking differentials, rock rails, and 33-inch tires.
Mojave: This is a desert-rated version of the Gladiator, designed for high-speed off-road performance, with reinforced suspension components and a unique focus on sand and dunes.
