UPDATE: You can now read our first review of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator
- All-new Wrangler-based pickup with 5-foot bed
- 1,600-pound payload capacity, 7,650-pound towing capacity
- 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 now, 3.0-liter diesel available later
- Independent rear suspension
- Scheduled to go on sale in the second quarter of 2019
- Expect pricing to start slightly above the 4-door Wrangler’s $31,445
The much-anticipated 2020 Jeep Gladiator, a midsize pickup based on the Wrangler, will go on sale next year offering all the off-road capability that Jeep is known for with the added benefit of 1,600-pound payload capacity in its 5-foot long bed. Riding on a 137-inch wheelbase that’s 20 inches longer than the 4-door Wrangler’s, the Gladiator comes in four trim levels and one body style, a 4-door 5-passenger crew cab pickup.
The newest Jeep starts with a base Sport model, moves up to a Sport S and has a more luxury oriented Overland trim. Jeep will also offer the more extreme off-road Rubicon version, which has a higher ride height offering 11 inches of ground clearance. Initially, the Gladiator will be available with a 3.6-liter V6 engine making 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. In 2020, a 3.0-liter diesel 6-cylinder engine will be offered boasting 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Max towing on the Gladiator is 7,650 pounds. All models will be offered with a choice of either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission.
Rugged styling
There’s no mistaking the Jeep heritage in the Gladiator. The look is nearly identical to the Wrangler and the pickup shares removable roof panels and a fold-down windshield. The rear backlight that features a window with sliding access is also removable along with the doors for a full-open air experience.
The standard Sport, Sport S and Overland models have a ride height consistent with other midsize pickups in the segment even though all models are equipped with 4-wheel drive. The 2020 Jeep Gladiator benefits from a 5-link rear suspension as opposed to the live axle used front and rear on the Wrangler. This not only improves ride but also helps with load carrying capability. The box has numerous tie downs and a rear tailgate that can be secured in a half open position to accommodate long items, like sheets of plywood.
Flexible storage
The interior of the vehicle is similar in appearance to the Wrangler, using the same dashboard and center stack with a standard 5.0-inch screen or available 7.0- or 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment center touchscreen, the latter equipped with navigation. A 3.5-inch TFT driver information display in the instrument cluster is also standard with a larger 7.0-inch display optional. The folding rear bench seat features lockable storage behind the seatback as well as a lockable and waterproof bin below the seat bottom. An optional wireless speaker also stows behind the seatback in a charging dock.
The doors can be removed, and the front windshield folded down by using a wrench that comes with the vehicle. The rear bin has storage for the screws and tool. The roof panels can be easily lifted out and there’s an optional power fabric sunroof option for the vehicle.
Class of 2020: The New and Redesigned Cars, Trucks and SUVs
Off-road ready
All 2020 Jeep Gladiators are off-road ready and are equipped with a front sway bar that can be automatically disconnected with the push of a button. The Rubicon version, with its higher ground clearance is capable of fording water up to 30 inches deep. The 4-wheel drive system is also equipped with low, off-road rock crawl gearing as well as a new high speed, low friction mode for more spirited desert running.
The Gladiator Rubicon is also fitted with more aggressive tires and can be equipped with a new front-view camera that allows the driver to see up to two feet directly in front of the vehicle while driving off-road. Among the assists available on the Gladiator are adaptive cruise control, emergency braking and blind spot warning.
What does the 2020 Jeep Gladiator cost?
While pricing has yet to be announced, we expect the 2020 Jeep Gladiator to start in the low $30,000 range. For reference, the 4-door Wrangler starts at $31,445.
When does the 2020 Jeep Gladiator go on sale?
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is expected to go on sale sometime in the second quarter of the 2019.
Where is the 2020 Jeep Gladiator built?
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is built at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Toledo, Ohio, assembly plant, which is also the home of the Wrangler.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Interior and Exterior Photos
