It's been nearly over 27 years since Jeep launched their first pickup truck, the Comanche. After years of anticipation and speculation, Jeep launched the all-new 2020 Gladiator, picking up where the brand's last model left off in the early 90's. The new Jeep Gladiator may just look like a Wrangler with a pick up bed attached but it's quite a bit more than that and represents a unique entry among mid-size pickup trucks.
Which One To Buy?
With a rugged exterior and removable body panels the all new Gladiator is extremely stylish and versatile. There are seven different models to choose from which are;
- Sport: $35,040
- Sport S: $38,240
- Altitude: $41,835
- Overland: $41,890
- Rubicon: $45,370
- Mojave: $45,370
- North Edition: $47,410
The Gladiator Sport S offers numerous desirable options that are otherwise unavailable on the base model as well as the automatic transmission.
To conquer parts unknown the Gladiator comes equipped with some serious off-road gear including large off-road tires, sturdy suspension, numerous skid plates, rock-crawling axle ratios, generous ground clearance, approach/departure angles and standard four-wheel drive. To improve off-road ability the Gladiator can be upgraded with anti-spin rear differential which require the all-terrain tires along with the Max Trailer Tow package to maximize tow rating. The optional Cold Weather package adds a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. There is also an optional three-piece hardtop instead of the standard soft-top.
Performance
The rugged Gladiator is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft torque routed through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic. The Gladiator's automatic transmission moves from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Only a gasoline version of the Gladiator is currently available however, a diesel-powered V6 is planned to eventually make it's debut. The diesel-powered V6 will come with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft torque. Gladiator models equipped with the standard manual transmission are EPA rated at 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The automatic model is estimated at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
While it's cousin, the Wrangler can tow up to 3,500 pounds the Gladiator can tow an impressive 7,650 pounds when properly equipped. Looking to load up the cargo bed? The Gladiator's cargo bed can carry between 1,105 and 1,700 pounds of payload.
Interior
The dashboard of the Gladiator is similar to the Wrangler and supports user-friendly controls. As with the Jeep lineup, the Gladiator is built with durable details that include a waterproof push-button start and optional convenience features such as a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. As compared to the four door Wrangler, the truck's stretched wheelbase improves back seat legroom. The Gladiator also has body and roof panels that are easily removable to create that signature Jeep open-air cabin. While the Gladiator's five-foot cargo bed provides an ample amount of storage, the interior is also filled with storage options. The cabin has plenty of spots to stick your smartphone and there's also a hidden compartment under the backseat. The rear seats can also be stowed in multiple different ways and securely locked in place for some serious off-road adventures!
Safety
The Jeep Gladiator has yet to be fully crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Gladiator is available with a handful of driver-assistance technology. Some of these key safety features include;
- Available Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning
- Available Blind Spot Monitoring
- Available Rear Parking Sensors
Warranty and Maintenance
Jeep's warranty offered on the Gladiator is similar to the rest of Jeep's lineup which includes both competitive limited and powertrain coverage. The Gladiator also includes Jeep's wave ownership program. This provides owners with two complimentary oil changes and tire-rotation services from the dealer, per year for the first two years.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first two years