FindItMore | The Jeep Gladiator picks up where the brand’s last truck-like model—the Comanche—left off in the 1990s. Based on legendary Wrangler, the Gladiator pairs a 4 door cab with a five-foot bed and large off-road tires, a sturdy suspension, and advanced all-wheel-drive system. Our local Jeep dealer, Browning Jeep (Norco, CA) informed us that while a diesel-powered V-6 will arrive eventually, only a gasoline version will be available in 2020.
Engines
The 2020 Gladiator will be offered with a 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque routed through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic. The Gladiator will eventually add a diesel 3.0-liter V-6 that reportedly develops 260 HP and a mighty 442 lb-ft of twist. Choose the Max Towing package and it can tow up to 7650 pounds and carry 1600 in the cargo bed.
Ride
Compared with the standard Wrangler, the Gladiator is 31 inches longer overall and has an extra 19.4 inches between the front and rear wheels. Not only does this increase interior passenger space, but it also improves the ride and handling when carrying cargo. Most enthusiasts care about the truck’s off-road equipment which includes everything from skid plates to rock-crawling axle ratios. Generous ground clearance & approach angle further help the Gladiator conquer off-roading.
Interior
Inside, the Gladiator has an upright dashboard that imitates the Wrangler’s and supports user-friendly controls. Durable details include a waterproof push-button start, and there are optional convenience features such as a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. The truck’s stretched wheelbase improves back-seat legroom versus the four-door Wrangler. The Gladiator also has body and roof panels that can be easily removed to create an open-air cabin.
Infotainment
The 2020 Gladiators come with a standard touchscreen, but only the larger 7.0- and 8.4-inch displays come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The stereo system can also be upgraded with an optional subwoofer and portable wireless speaker behind the back seat. Front-seat passengers will be treaded to two USBs, a USB-C port, and a 115-volt outlet.
Cargo
Along with its five-foot cargo bed, the Gladiator is filled with ingenious interior storage options. Its cabin has a handful of handy compartments hidden under the back seat. The seats themselves can be stowed in multiple ways and then securely locked in place for when the trail turns treacherous.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Gladiator will be available with a handful of driver-assistance features. The Rubicon model has a useful front-facing camera that will come in handy when blazing trails or crawling over rocks. Key safety features include:
Adaptive cruise control
Rear cross-traffic alert
Blind-spot monitor
Jeep Gladiator Pricing
Sport: $35,040
Sport S: $38,240
Overland: $41,890
Rubicon: $45,040
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Gladiator will share a warranty that is similar to the rest of the Jeep lineup:
The limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
Two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered include the company’s Wave ownership program that provides two complimentary oil-change and tire-rotation services from the dealer per year for the first two years.