2020 Jeep Gladiator: A Closer Look

The Vehicle

For years, the public relations folks were teasing us in the press and national auto shows with prototype Jeep trucks based on the Wrangler SUV. They looked great, and when the hand-built test models showed up at Moab, Utah off-road meets, the onlooker cameras started snapping, the photos circulated on the web, and everybody wanted one even more. Now it is finally in production form under the Gladiator name and was definitely worth the wait.  

Text and photos by Chad Haire

Vehicle Side

For the uninitiated, the Gladiator looks like a four-door Wrangler that’s had a truck bed bolted on. However, this isn't the case at all. Yes, the basic shape looks the same, and they share many front end parts. Otherwise, this is a different vehicle. There is a new 5-link rear suspension under there, and all brake/fuel lines and driveshaft had to be stretched for wheelbase that is 19 inches longer than before. The specs tell the story. The tow rating for the Wrangler is about 2K pounds (which can vary), while the Gladiator maxes out at 7,650. 

Text and photos by Chad Haire

>>Join the conversation about the details of the 2020 Gladiator right here in JK-Forum.

Engine

At the moment, the only engine available in the Gladiator is the popular 3.6 liter V-6. It is rated at 285 horsepower, and 260 lb./ft. of torque. Fuel economy is listed at 17 mpg in the city, and 22 on the highway with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission. It will set you back $2,000 over the 6-speed manual gearbox, which is standard and gets 16/23mpg. The optional 2.0-liter turbo motor available in the Wrangler will not be offered in the Gladiator. On the positive side, a diesel is in the works, with a claimed 260 horsepower, and whopping 440 lb./ft. of torque. The selling point is the increased fuel economy, but the real advantage will be massive amounts of pulling power at low speeds (hill climbers rejoice), and the ability to tow heavy loads without strain. 

Text and photos by Chad Haire

>>Join the conversation about the details of the 2020 Gladiator right here in JK-Forum.

Equipment

So how can you make it better? By doing the same thing we do to make the Wrangler better, by ordering the rugged Rubicon version of course! It starts with the excellent heavy-duty Fox shocks seen in the photo. Then add front and rear locking differentials, 4:1 ratio low range transfer case, electronic disconnect sway bars, skid plates, side rock rails to protect the bodywork, larger wheels/tires, and a front-mounted trail camera so the driver doesn't run off a cliff. The only disadvantage is going Rubicon drops the tow rating from 7,650 to 7,000 pounds according to the factory spec sheet, but few owners are likely to care. 

Text and photos by Chad Haire

>>Join the conversation about the details of the 2020 Gladiator right here in JK-Forum.

Wheels

The Rubicon comes with 17-inch wheels and 33-inch off-road tires. For those who want to upgrade to larger rubber, the spare tire carrier can accommodate a 35-inch unit. Even with these huge gumballs, the ride quality of the Rubicon is very smooth, not only on the street but on rough trails. The longer wheelbase certainly contributes to this positive trait. 

Text and photos by Chad Haire

>>Join the conversation about the details of the 2020 Gladiator right here in JK-Forum.

Performance

Off-roading has never been easier with the Rubicon. Just flick this switch and you get a locking rear differential or click again to lock both front and rear. Another control releases the sway bars electronically for better performance on the trail. All of this costs extra coin but is worth it when driving in the desolate territory. It certainly beats getting stuck in the middle of nowhere! 

Text and photos by Chad Haire

>>Join the conversation about the details of the 2020 Gladiator right here in JK-Forum.

Cargo

Some Wrangler die-hard owners question the need for a Jeep truck with a rear open bed. Having experienced both, it can be said that owners who take serious camping trips will find the Gladiator more useful. This will be obvious when hauling dirty spider-infested firewood for the campfire, or large smelly gas cans for extended range. These are NOT items you want inside a Wrangler cabin! With the Gladiator, just toss all these nasty items in the bed and drive to your destination hassle-free. Since this 5-foot long bed can hold 1,600 pounds of gear, that’s a lot of wood and gas cans! 

Text and photos by Chad Haire

>>Join the conversation about the details of the 2020 Gladiator right here in JK-Forum.

Price

The Gladiator starts at a reasonable base price of $33K. The Rubicon version here started at $43,545. Spending an extra $2K for the automatic transmission is a good investment. But other items have more to do with luxury than performance and can jack the price up in a hurry. In this case, a tidy $56,385 is the tab. It is interesting the forward-facing trail cam camera is $595 extra on this price sheet but was advertised as being standard on the Rubicon in earlier press. Check with your Jeep dealer for the latest options and prices.

Text and photos by Chad Haire

>>Join the conversation about the details of the 2020 Gladiator right here in JK-Forum.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section right here in the forum.