The Ultimate Guide to the Jeep Gladiator: Specs, Features and More

Jeep Gladiator Overview

The Jeep Gladiator is a mid-size ute that combines the off-road ability of the Jeep Wrangler with the practicality of a dual cab ute. Designed for adventure and everyday use, the Gladiator is the only open-air four door ute on the market with removable doors, a three-piece hard top and a pickup bed. The Lifestyle Adventure Package enhances its utility and convenience with features like a roll-up tonneau cover, a spray-in bedliner, and a Bluetooth speaker.

Whether you’re taming rough trails, hauling gear for a weekend away or navigating city streets, the Gladiator models can handle it all. With its unmatched off-road capability, four-wheel drive system and premium features, the Jeep Gladiator is for adventure seekers and ute enthusiasts.

Jeep Gladiator Trim Levels: Including Jeep Gladiator Rubicon

The Jeep Gladiator is available in several trims:

• Sport: The base model with a 3.6L V6 engine, manual transmission and standard safety features.

• Sport S: Upgraded from the base Sport, with power windows and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

• Overland: A daily driver trim with a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.

• Willys: An off-road focussed trim with all-terrain tyres, a steel front bumper and rock rails.

• Jeep Gladiator Rubicon: The most off-road capable Gladiator with front and rear locking differentials, sway bar disconnect, all-terrain tyres and Rock-Trac four-wheel drive.

• Mojave: Built for high-speed desert running with FOX shocks, reinforced frame and 33-inch all-terrain tyres.

• Jeep Gladiator Night Eagle: A special edition with black accents, premium paint and unique badging.

Each Gladiator model offers a different balance of off-road readiness, comfort and utility so there’s one for every Jeep fan. Certain models equipped with enhancements like towing packages or advanced safety features cater to specific needs and preferences.

Engine and Performance

The Jeep Gladiator has two engine options:* 3.6L Pentastar V6 (285 hp, 260 lb-ft torque) – Standard on all trims, solid power and reliability.

• 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (260 hp, 442 lb-ft torque) – Available on select trims, great towing and fuel economy.

For transmission you can choose:

• 6-speed manual transmission – Standard on lower trims for traditional Jeepers.

• 8-speed automatic transmission – Optional across the range for smooth shifting and efficiency.

Towing Capacity and Payload

One of the big benefits of the Jeep Gladiator is its towing capacity. With a towing package it can tow up to 7,650 lbs, more than many competitors.

Payload varies by trim:

• Sport S trim: Up to 1,000 lbs.

• Gladiator Rubicon model: Up to 1,700 lbs.

With its pickup bed the Gladiator is perfect for hauling gear, camping equipment and tools, it’s a true adventure truck.

Interior and Comfort

The Jeep Gladiator isn’t just about performance it’s also got a comfortable and techy interior. Features include:

• Heated front seats and heated steering wheel for extra comfort.

• Leather-trimmed seats on premium trims.

• 12.3-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

• Portable wireless speaker for outdoor entertainment.

• Gear selector and control layout inspired by the Wrangler.

Safety and Security: Blind Spot Monitoring

Safety is a priority in the Jeep Gladiator which comes with standard safety features:

• Adaptive cruise control for highway driving.

• Blind spot monitoring to keep you aware.

• Forward collision warning to prevent accidents.

All models come with a full suite of airbags including front airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags.

Off-Road Capability: Removable Doors

The Jeep Gladiator is built for unmatched offroad capability, designed to tackle rough terrain with models featuring:

• Four-wheel drive with multiple drive modes.

• Sway bar disconnect for more wheel articulation.

• Front facing camera (on Rubicon and Mojave trims) to see obstacles.

• Water fording up to 30 inches.

• Skid plates to protect the underbody.

With these features, you can go where no one else will, on rocky paths or crossing streams.

Technology and Features

The Gladiator has all the modern tech to make driving easy. Some highlights:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen with Uconnect infotainment.

• Navigation system for off-road and city driving.

• Multiple USB ports and power outlets to charge devices.

• Remote start system and keyless entry for convenience.

It’s rugged and well equipped for daily driving.

Fuel Economy

The Jeep Gladiator has decent fuel efficiency for a four-wheel-drive truck:

• 3.6L V6: 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway.

• 3.0L EcoDiesel: 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway.

Compared to the competition the Gladiator’s fuel economy is good, especially for a vehicle with off-road capability.

Customization Options

The Jeep Gladiator offers a plethora of customization options, allowing you to tailor the vehicle to your unique tastes and needs. Whether you prefer the sleek look of Billet Silver Metallic or the bold statement of Firecracker Red, there’s an exterior color to match your style. Wheel designs also vary, from the rugged 17-inch Mid-Gloss Black Aluminum wheels to the more refined 20-inch options.

Inside, the Gladiator can be just as personalized. Choose from a range of interior colors and materials, including luxurious leather-trimmed seating surfaces. For added comfort, opt for heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, perfect for those chilly mornings. Technology upgrades are also available, such as a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a premium amplified audio system, ensuring your Gladiator is as tech-savvy as it is tough.

Historical Background

The Jeep Gladiator has a storied history that dates back to the 1960s. Originally introduced in 1962 as a pickup truck version of the Jeep Wagoneer, the Gladiator quickly gained a reputation for its ruggedness, reliability, and unmatched off-road capability. Over the decades, it evolved through various design and engineering changes, yet it remained a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and workers who needed a versatile and capable vehicle.

Fast forward to 2018, Jeep reintroduced the Gladiator as a mid-size pickup truck, built on the same platform as the Wrangler JL. This modern iteration was designed to offer the same rugged off-road capability while incorporating a spacious interior and advanced technology features. Since its relaunch, the Gladiator has garnered numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its place as a top choice for pickup truck enthusiasts.

User Reviews and Testimonials

The Jeep Gladiator has garnered rave reviews from both owners and critics, who praise its off-road prowess and versatile design. One Gladiator Rubicon owner shared, “I’ve owned several pickup trucks in the past, but the Gladiator is by far the most capable and comfortable. The removable doors and top make it perfect for off-road adventures, and the interior is spacious and well-appointed.”

Another owner, who opted for the Gladiator Sport S, was equally impressed. “I was blown away by the Gladiator’s towing capacity and payload capacity. I’ve used it to haul heavy trailers and equipment, and it’s performed flawlessly. The adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring features have also been a game-changer for me.”

These testimonials highlight the Gladiator’s ability to blend rugged off-road capability with everyday practicality, making it a favorite among a diverse range of drivers.

Environmental Impact

The Jeep Gladiator, with its robust 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivers impressive power but also has a notable environmental footprint. The engine produces 209kW of power and 347Nm of torque, but it also emits 288g/km of CO2. The fuel economy is estimated to be around 12.4L/100km in combined driving, which is typical for a vehicle of its size and capability.

However, Jeep is committed to reducing the Gladiator’s environmental impact. The vehicle is constructed using recyclable materials, and Jeep has implemented sustainable manufacturing practices at its production facilities. Additionally, eco-friendly accessories like a solar-powered roof and a fuel-efficient tire package are available, helping to mitigate the environmental footprint of this adventure-ready vehicle.

Resale Value

The Jeep Gladiator boasts a strong resale value, thanks to its popularity, durability, and off-road capability. Studies show that the Gladiator retains around 60% of its original price after three years of ownership, a figure that outperforms many other pickup trucks in its class.

The resale value is particularly strong for the Rubicon model, known for its unmatched off-road capability and advanced technology features. Factors such as trim level, engine options, and overall condition also play a significant role in determining resale value. Owners who maintain their Gladiator well and keep it in good condition can expect to fetch a higher resale price.

In summary, the Jeep Gladiator is not just a capable and reliable pickup truck; it’s also a solid investment. Its strong resale value, combined with its off-road prowess and advanced features, make it a popular choice among both outdoor enthusiasts and professionals.

Warranty and Maintenance

The Jeep Gladiator has a competitive warranty package:

• 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

• 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty.

• Complimentary maintenance plans through dealerships.

So you can have peace of mind when you take your Gladiator on an adventure.

Cost of Ownership

The Jeep Gladiator pricing varies by trim:

• Sport (base model): Starts at $33,000.

• Gladiator Rubicon: Starts at $43,000.

• Night Eagle and Mojave editions: Priced higher.

Consider fuel, maintenance and insurance costs when budgeting for this adventure ready ute Jeep.

Compared to the Competition

The Jeep Gladiator goes up against mid-size trucks like:

• Toyota Tacoma – Reliable but no open-air features.* Ford Ranger – Tows well but no removable doors and sway bar disconnect.

• Chevrolet Colorado – Off-road capable but not as versatile.

What sets the Gladiator apart is its Jeep DNA, dual-purpose design and can go from a off-road beast to a family life ute.

Summary

The Jeep Gladiator is more than just a ute Jeep – it’s a lifestyle vehicle that combines off-road adventure with daily practicality. Whether you choose the Rubicon for rock crawling or the Night Eagle for urban styling, every Gladiator is a one off driving experience.

For a mid-size truck with unmatched off-road capability, a pickup bed and an open-air driving experience the Jeep Gladiator is the only choice.