Vehicle Spotlight: 2020 Jeep Gladiator Freshens Up a Stale Segment

Highly-anticipated and long-awaited, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is a breath of fresh air. While it certainly borrows (heavily) from its Wrangler-sibling’s styling, there’s no denying that this ride stands out in a pack of midsize pickup trucks—and that deserves to be celebrated. (Whether or not you think it’s just a JL with a short bed.)

Why? Because at the end of the day, our vehicles are a reflection of ourselves. And, truly, when was the last time you saw something stock that really turned your head and revved you up? Chances are, whatever it was has already been replicated a hundred times over. Today, almost every production vehicle looks like its own cousin. And, what does that say about us?

But the 2020 Jeep Gladiator—much like the Wrangler—gives us something different. Something that makes us stop and stare.

So, go ahead, breathe it in. Deviation from norm is pretty refreshing, right?

Gimmie the Specs

Open up because here comes a healthy portion of meat and potatoes. MSRP for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator lands around $33,545, which isn’t bad considering the current demand for the badge. First model year run gets only one engine: the familiar 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, pumping out 285hp and 260lb.-ft. of torque. Although, FCA promises to eventually drop a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, making 260hp and 442 lb.-ft. of torque.

Behind that, consumers will have the option to run an 8-speed automatic. And yes, the keyword there is option. That’s because Jeep has not abandoned its old-school roots, making the 6-speed manual the standard transmission. You will also be running either a 3.73:1 or 4.10:1 final drive. This means no Gladiator will suffer from a lack of get-up-and-go. The new Jeep will also be equipped with a 5-link suspension system, so you can maintain absolute control on the trail, the street, and everywhere in between.

True, the new Jeep Gladiator looks a lot like the Wrangler.

But despite the sibling resemblance, Jeep’s first pickup since 1992 is definitively a pickup.

Towing capacity is on par with its GM midsize contenders (and way above its Tacoma rival) at 7,650 pounds. And a stronger frame allows for a payload of 1,650 pounds, which outpaces every competitor save for the new Ford Ranger.

With a crew cab configuration (the only one currently offered), the defining characteristic of any truck—the bed—is only 5-ft long on the new Gladiator. But before you sound off in disapproval, keep in mind that the immensely popular, 4-door Tacoma also sports a 5-ft bed and that doesn’t seem to hold it back from plenty of off-road and overlanding adventures. Granted, the MSRP is almost $10k less on the double-cab Taco… but regardless—cargo, work supplies, and toys should fit just fine.

Is it the perfect little work truck?

No. But let’s be honest: that’s not the market Jeep is after.

With solid axles in the front and rear, standard 4WD, a locking front differential, 33-inch Falken tires wrapped around unique cast aluminum wheels, great approach and departure angles, and the ability to blow off the roof, doors, and fold down the windshield, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is largely for Wrangler enthusiasts in search of a truck bed.

Pick A Trim

Appealing to current Jeep lovers doesn’t mean FCA is limited, though. Whether you aim to crawl rocks or mall parking lots, there will be a Gladiator for you. Choose from Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon trims.

While the Rubicon is obviously the “off-roadiest” of the lineup, it’s also the priciest—starting over $43k. And remember, that’s before you add any personal goodies. Similarly, the Overland trim (a new luxury addition that’s essentially a renamed Sahara) will also start over north of $40,000. Check out Car & Driver’s pretty convincing case for a smartly-spec’d Sport S, though. It might just surprise you.

Unique Styling, Rugged Capability

Whatever trim you choose will make you happy. And that’s because, again, this truck is built to stand out. It’s no secret that the American vehicle market is experiencing a rebirth of the midsize pickup. But even with restyled fan-favorites, the respected TRD package, and the return of the Ford Ranger, traditional styling permeates the segment.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator tackles the market with undoubtedly the most unique-looking production model, hearkening back to the good ol’ days when each and every brand had its own distinct flavor rather than a bland rehash of the same cookie-cutter recipe.

Besides, this truck is literally built like a Swiss Army knife!

Of course, there are the removable bits. But did you know it also comes with all the tools needed to remove those parts, along with dedicated storage compartments? There’s also a tire air pressure assist system for airing up and down on the trail, an Off-Road Plus driving mode allowing higher vehicle speeds with the rear locker engaged, and even sway bar disconnects and diff locks built into the Rubicon. The new Gladiator can also accommodate 35” tires without a lift, thanks to the wide flares.

Throw in recreational goodies like a removable Bluetooth speaker and power outlet built right into the truck bed, and you’ve got yourself what FCA rightly boasts as, “the ultimate vehicle for any outdoor adventure.”

And not like anyone buys a Jeep for interior comfort, but the Gladiator offers it nonetheless. Retro good looks and easy-grip controls remain on the dash, but a push-button start and decent-sized Uconnect infotainment system bring it into the new decade. Cloth or leather seats add comfort, folding flat in the rear for extra space and available with a heated option in the front for the cold-weather excursions. And lockable under-seat storage adds convenient cargo capacity.

Aftermarket Goodies

It goes without saying that the Jeep Gladiator will require a strong aftermarket following. Not because it can’t accomplish incredible things in stock form, but because customizing and personalizing a Jeep is fundamental to owning one.

Currently, aftermarket offerings are limited—which is no surprise since the wheels have just begun turning. However, Mopar has already developed over 200 accessories that will go on sale when the pickup becomes available in Q2 of this year. And heavy-duty, off-road brands like Rugged Ridge and Addictive Desert Designs are already advertising a new Barbarian Tailgate Protrusion and Front/Rear Bumpers respectively.

Clearly, we’re fans of the new Jeep Gladiator.

And not just for its boldness to be itself in a market that grows more homogeneous by the day, but also because it just seems like a solid, well-rounded midsizer.

Aside from a few mixed reviews, the heralded glory of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator seems widespread—and in our opinion, well-earned. It might be the badge’s first pickup in two decades, but it’s clear that Jeep is far from out of practice. Though it can be used practically, this rig has fun written all over it. And in a world of black and gray soul-sucking pickups, we need a little more of that.