Not all work fleets are created equal. While many may need a heavy duty 3500 dually to do their jobs, and others may need a diesel-powered work van, many fleets just need a work vehicle that can get them and their stuff from point A to point B.
However, some other fleets traverse the more off the beaten path or through rugged terrain. These companies may not have a ton of equipment to carry but need to go off-road to get to work sites. These can include energy, telecom, government agencies, municipal fleets, or even agriculture and mining. Most commonly they need their work vehicles to do inspections, maintenance, repairs, or patrol.
Enter the Jeep Gladiator. First introduced in 2019, as a 2020 model, the Gladiator is built at Stellantis’ Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio. Building on the legacy of the Jeep brand, which has been around for nearly 85 years, and its Wrangler cousin, the Gladiator is one of the most capable off-road pick-up trucks available.
While it is a completely separate model, it is a Jeep Wrangler for those who need a pick-up truck bed with their vehicle.
SPECIFICATIONS & CAPABILITIES
The Gladiator uses a 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine that offers 285 horsepower and 260 pounds/feet of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is 17/22/19 mpg (city/highway/combined). It is a 4×4 that can be used in 2WD High, 4WD High, or 4WD Low; with some models also offering an auto mode. It offers four 4×4 systems: Command-Trac, Rock-Trac (part-time and full-time), and Selec-Trac.
Although the Gladiator is considered to be a small pick-up truck, it is very capable. Max towing is rated at up to 7,700 lbs, with up to 1,720 lbs of payload available. It has a wheelbase of 137.3”, length of 218”, width of 73.8”, and height of 73.1” for the hard top (74.1” on Rubicon) or 75” on the soft top (76.1”). The rear box is 60.3” (just over five feet long).
Jeep is known for its off-road prowess, and in that vein, the Gladiator has a maximum crawl ratio up to 77:1, approach angle of 44.7 degrees, departure angle of 26 degrees, and breakover angles of 20.9 degrees, with 11.6” of ground clearance, and up to 31.5” of water fording capability.
NEW FOR 2026
Enhanced door hinge system makes door removal quicker and easier than ever to enjoy open-air freedom. Optional aggressive all-terrain tires for Sport S trim, and new limited-edition exterior colors, including Reign, Goldilocks (late availability), and more are also available.
FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY
One of the most unique features of the Gladiator is that it can be purchased as a convertible model, if you get it with the soft top roof. It is the only pick-up truck on the market that can be driven as a convertible (with the soft top open and folded over to the back of the vehicle). You can also get the hard top and have a fully open-air experience with removable roof panels, doors and more.
Gladiator comes with a standard 12.3” touchscreen display with Uconnect 5, as well as Jeep connect which can locate the vehicle, lock/unlock the vehicle remotely, send and go navigation, and vehicle health reports.
Safety does not take a back seat as over 85 standard and available safety and security features are part of the Gladiator package. Some of these include side curtain airbags, rear backup camera, forward collision warning with braking, adaptive cruise control with stop, blind spot monitoring, rear-cross path detection, and an available Park sense rear park assist system.
SPECIAL EDITIONS
Stellantis is known for developing special edition version of their top-selling models. Jeep is no exception, and the Gladiator will be offered in a Willys ‘41 buzz model, which pays tribute to the Kaiser Jeep M715 military truck with exclusive styling and content.
“The Willys ‘41 buzz model brings military-inspired design and proven Jeep capability together in a way that’s both timeless and trail-ready,” says Bob Broderdorf, CEO, Jeep brand.
Gladiator Wills ’41 model offers a special ’41 exterior colour, 17” Olive Drab painted wheels, Mojave hood with retro-inspired hood decal, tan seat inserts and mantis green cloth-wrapped mid-bolster, steel front and rear bumpers, Mopar triple hoop grille guard, and mud-terrain tires.
Harking back to the original Sahara nameplate from 1988, the Sahara trim offers body-color fender flares and body-color three-piece hardtop; 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-season (option to upgrade to all-terrain tires at no cost); McKinley leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, seven-inch driver cluster and 12.3” touchscreen; and LED headlamps and fog lamps, remote start and remote keyless entry, plus connectivity and control technology.
A limited edition Shadow Ops package is also available, which offers a factory-installed winch, HD steel front and rear bumpers, satin black grille, Shadow Ops hood and fender decals, tailgate decal and theme package, body-color Freedom Top three-piece hardtop, body-color fender flares, and all-weather slush mats.
“The Jeep Gladiator has always stood for freedom and capability, Shadow Ops elevates that legacy to a whole new level,” says Broderdorf. “This package is built for our most passionate off-road enthusiasts, combining rugged functionality with a bold, covert look. Shadow Ops gives adventurers not just the tools, but the confidence and attitude to dominate any trail.”
A Dark Sky package based on the Sport S trim is also available and comes with a performance hood, body-color fender flares, gloss black bumper inserts, and dark-colored badges and decals.
In all, five models are available for the Gladiator, Sport, Sport S, Willys ’41, Mojave, and Rubicon, in addition to the special edition models mentioned above.
AWARD WINNER
For the second time in three years the Gladiator was a winner in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), it placed first in the midsize pickup segment, and lead the segment average in seven out of 10 measured categories, including driving experience, infotainment, and interior.
“We’re building momentum and, more importantly, building trust,” says Yuri Rodrigues, senior vice president, quality, Stellantis North America. “These results show that we’re listening to our customers and putting them at the center of every decision we make. We are focused on setting the highest ambitions in quality, and the time is now to execute.”
about the author
Mario Cywinski is the editor of Modern Work Truck Solutions and has worked in the automotive industry for over 20 years, both as an automotive journalist and working for a local dealership. He is a member of the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada. He can be reached at mario@mwsmag.com.
