Street to Trail: 2020 Jeep JL and Gladiator Exhaust Systems

So, you landed a new JL or Gladiator and you’ve decided it’s time to throw some aftermarket love its way. Maybe that JK of yours rocked the stock exhaust its whole life, but now you have a new baby—and you’re ready to shake things up a bit. And as SEMA 2019 proved—there is NO shortage of exciting product available for these two models. Here are a few of our top picks for Jeep JL and Jeep Gladiator exhaust systems.

Why Should I Upgrade My Jeep Exhaust?

First of all, it goes without saying that you’re guaranteed to get a great sound out of your Jeep. That may seem superficial, but any modification you make to your rig should be something that puts a smile on your face. Of course, expect to get a bump in performance as well. Aftermarket exhaust systems help air flow through the engine better, thereby improving power output and even economy to a degree. And, with the right system, you’ll gain better torque, too—making those off-road adventures a little easier to tackle.

It’s also worth noting that an aftermarket exhaust comprised of the right materials will have a longer lifespan than factory equipment. This ultimately works to reduce maintenance over time.

The thing is, not every aftermarket exhaust is the same. And I don’t say that just because of who’s making them. I mean that some are meant to perform on the street, while others are designed to tear up the trails. Where does your JL or Gladiator fit in?

Daily Driver With Weekend Wheeling

Does your Jeep spend most of its time on the street, with a little bit of off-roading thrown into the mix? Then these JL and Gladiator exhaust systems should fit the bill. Designed to perform well both on your daily commute and off the beaten path, these systems generally offer better breathing power, a little more clearance, and a nicer exhaust note.

Gibson

Launched in the early ‘90s, Gibson is a company known and loved by the Jeep and truck community. These are the guys who put Metal Mulisha exhaust styling on the market. And as the industry’s #1 leading manufacturer of street legal, high-performance exhaust systems, they’re a brand you should lean on for quality upgrades.

Gibson has several offerings available for both Jeep JL and Jeep Gladiator applications, including a new dual split rear exhaust featuring 2.5-inch mandrel bent tubing to bring extra low-end power and torque, as well as a cat-back single side exit exhaust system featuring 3-inch tubing. Working with factory bumpers, both systems offer a hassle-free, bolt-on installation that’s great for drivers looking to make mild upgrades to their daily driver.

What we’re really excited for though are the gray ceramic-coated tips for the Jeep JL, debuted at SEMA 2019, as well as the full axle-back gray-coated system set to arrive sometime this year. This gives drivers another finishing option outside of polished steel and black powder coating, bumping up the customization.

Pypes Performance

For those JL and JT owners who come from the muscle end of the spectrum, you’ll likely recognize this brand for its dedicated all-American power. But Pypes is building a following in the Jeep and truck market as well, for a variety of makes and models—the 2018-2020 Jeep JL Wrangler among them.

Swap out the stock muffler assembly for a mandrel-bent 409 Stainless Steel axle-back replacement exhaust system from Pypes and enjoy better horsepower, better torque, better ground clearance, and an aggressive tone.

Click here for a refresher on axle-back exhaust systems and why they are an awesome upgrade.

While axle-backs are killer bang-for-your-buck upgrades, some of you will be after full exhaust systems. You can turn to Gibson and Pypes for this as well since both brands offer a full range of systems for these rigs.

Flowmaster

We can’t talk exhaust systems and leave out Flowmaster, especially not if American Thunder is on the table. Specially designed for 2020 Jeep Gladiator trucks with the 3.6L engine, this cat-back exhaust system serves up a moderately aggressive exhaust note, compliments of a large 3-inch inlet tube flowing into a Super 44™ Series muffler.

2.5-inch mandrel-bent dual tailpipes, finished with a pair of 3.5-inch polished 304 stainless steel tips embossed with the Flowmaster logo, exit behind the rear wheels conveniently clearing the factory spare tire and making towing easier.

Any of these street-friendly designs make for a super clean and custom look to your JL or Gladiator. While they aren’t the top choice for hard trail use, they still have plenty to offer in terms of power, performance and sound quality.

Off-Road Rig With Crawling Capabilities

Does your JL or Gladiator see some serious off-road usage? Then you’ll need an exhaust system better-suited to trail obstacles and dusty, dirty environments. Keep in mind that a standard/full-length system can literally have some hang-ups in crawling situations, catching on rocks or other trail debris.

If this happens, you’re in for a bad day, as performance, sound quality, and even the working condition of your engine can be compromised. Steep inclines are also a threat, as rear-exit systems can pinch between the bumper and the ground.

Manufacturers recognize these threats and work to develop special off-road/crawler systems. Designed to tuck up tightly for extra ground clearance, they are also shorter to eliminate the possibility of the rear bumper clamping down on them.

Pypes Performance

Bonus points if you already knew Pypes would make it onto this part of the list, too. These guys have an impressive lineup of JL/JT systems including a High-Clearance Cat-Back system. They’ve also plugged their new products list full of Stubby Systems, so you have quite a bit to choose from if your Jeep sees hard trail use.

Magnaflow

While it might not be a “brand new” offering for 2020, Magnaflow’s Crawler Series Cat-Back system is a short, tight, and sweet option for those JL and JT owners who need a high-performance exhaust on the rocks.

A high-clearance design makes off-road adventures easier, while a loud, aggressive exhaust note makes them noticeably more fun. This system guarantees the kind of premium construction you expect from Magnaflow, as well as a surprisingly simple bolt-on installation you can DIY in under an hour.

The Show-Stopper

Listen, your Jeep may have dirt in its veins but that doesn’t mean it can’t wear a big-name, high-tier exhaust system. You know, one that is finely tuned to maximize power output and give it an absolutely bonkers exhaust note.

Corsa

Corsa’s claim to fame is maximizing power and cleverly controlling sound waves as they exit the vehicle. Known as “RSC” or “Reflective Sound Cancellation,” Corsa exhaust systems actually divert unwanted low-frequency sound waves through special channels in the muffler. This causes them to “reflect” into one another, effectively cancelling each other out and eliminating drone.

Essentially, you drop a Corsa on anything and everyone gets to enjoy the perfect sound note without any discomfort in the cabin. For Jeep JL owners, the brand has an axle-back system, sporting either 3.5-inch rolled or turn down tips and growly exhaust. For 2020 Gladiator owners, Corsa has a cat-back exhaust system coming soon. Available with a single 4-inch or turn down tip, it comes with either a slightly-louder-than-stock Touring note or a high-performance, high-rumble Sport note that promises an aggressive sound through the gears.

Borla

Borla is the brand you turn to for the aggressive, tuned note you can only get from, well, Borla. These guys also promise options—they have a full line of Jeep JL and Gladiator Exhaust Systems for both street and trail use.

For the Jeep JL, axle-back systems are available in Touring, S-Type, and ATAK® sound levels. (That last one promises to wake the neighbors.) Those looking for something more trail-oriented can check out the brand’s Climber system in the S-Type sound level.

For the Gladiator, Borla has cat-back exhaust systems in multiple configurations and all three sound levels, as well. Built from premium T-304 series stainless steel, the systems are available in a natural or black finish and promise uncompromising performance and durability. Like the JL, one of the cat-back configurations will be the high-clearance Climber system. Designed for those who take the road-less-traveled, Borla’s Climber exhausts feature a turn-down exit that is tucked up high beneath the Jeep for extra clearance when rock crawling and desert bashing.

Give the video below a listen to hear Borla’s Climber, Dual Side, and Dual Split Side exhausts in each of the three sound levels, as they compare to the stock Gladiator exhaust.

Regardless of what Borla style exhaust (or sound level) makes you tick, you can rest assured you’re getting a top-notch product that prioritizes power, driving experience, better fuel economy, and a distinct sound. Plus, the company backs all its systems with a Million Mile Warranty—that’s 20,000 miles/year for 50 years.

What do you think of these Jeep JL and Gladiator exhaust systems? Are you running any on your current ride or considering an upgrade in the future? Let us know in the comments.