Like the Jeep Wrangler (JL) on which it shares a platform, all Gladiator models come standard with four wheel drive. All powertrain options are derived from the Jeep Wrangler (JL), however, unlike the Wrangler JL, the Gladiator does not offer the turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine as an option. Diesel-powered Gladiators offer only the 8HP75 automatic version of the ZF 8HP transmission.
#Jeep truck manual
Gasoline-powered Gladiators offer the option of either the six-speed manual Chrysler NSG370 transmission, or the Chrysler-manufactured version of the ZF 8HP transmission automatic transmission. The EcoDiesel engine is available on all trim levels of the Gladiator with the exception of the Mojave trim. However, starting with the 2021 model year, the 3.0L EcoDiesel Turbocharged diesel V6 engine became available as an option, producing 260 horsepower, and 442 lb. When equipped with leather upholstery, the Overland receives a stitched soft-touch dashboard surface and hand-stitched dashboard, similar to that of the Wrangler Sahara.Īt launch, the sole engine on the Jeep Gladiator was the 3.6L Pentastar gasoline V6 engine with Variable Valve Timing, producing 285 horsepower, and 260 lb. The luxury Wrangler is named "Sahara", while the luxury trim on the Gladiator is known as the "Overland" model. The Gladiator is available in base Sport, mid-level Sport S, luxurious Overland, desert racing ready Mojave, and off-road ready Rubicon (a limited-edition Rubicon Launch Edition model, limited to 4,190 units, is also available.) The Gladiator and Wrangler JL diverge when it comes to their luxury trim levels.
#Jeep truck driver
The "Off Road Pages" application, displayed in the instrument cluster, allows a Gladiator driver to view approach and departure angles, steering angles, and more. Ī front-facing trail cam, mounted in one of the front grille slots, is also available that displays an image on the touchscreen of what is directly in front of the vehicle (this feature requires one of the two larger U Connect touchscreen displays), and will assist in off-road maneuverability, such as water fording, as well as climbing over objects like logs and rocks. The Gladiator is unique in that it is the only truck available with a convertible folding soft top. The truck has front and rear doors that can be fully removed, as well as a windshield that can be lowered (like the Wrangler JL, Jeep includes a tool kit with the tools necessary to remove the doors and lower the windshield).
A full-sized spare tire, normally mounted on the Wrangler's rear tailgate, is mounted underneath the cargo bed of the Gladiator.įour different roof options are available, similar to those on the Wrangler JL, including a black vinyl Sun-Rider soft top and a premium black fabric Sun-Rider soft top (both of which can be fully retracted), a black Freedom-Top three-piece hard top, and a color-keyed Freedom-Top three-piece hard top, both of which have removable aluminum roof panels. Because a truck is frequently used for both hauling and towing, the front grille slots were enlarged to allow for increased airflow and heavier-duty engine cooling. Taylor Langhals was the lead exterior designer on Gladiator. The four-door, five-passenger mid-size Gladiator features exterior and interior styling cues from the Wrangler JL. The Gladiator concept featured a green-on-gray color scheme for both the exterior and interior. It featured functional rear mini-doors, and rear seating. The Gladiator concept was powered by a 3.0 L Common-Rail Diesel (CRD) engine produced by VM Motori (similar to the one used in some models of the Jeep Grand Cherokee), mated to a manual transmission, and four-wheel-drive. It also previewed the design of the upcoming Jeep Wrangler (JK). The 2005 Gladiator Concept did not feature a removable roof, but had removable doors and a pickup bed. In late-2004 the Jeep Gladiator concept was introduced. Ī two-door version of a Jeep Scrambler pickup based on a lengthened Wrangler was shown in 2003 at the National Automobile Dealers Association meeting.
Jeep considered reviving the Gladiator name alongside Comanche and most commonly Scrambler, as well as simply using a new name, before deciding on Gladiator, feeling it fits the truck the best. The vehicle's name harkens back to the original Jeep Gladiator, made from 1962 through 1988 and known as the J-Series after 1971.