A lot of people wanted a Jeep Wrangler pickup truck for a long time, and now Jeep is granting them their wish. Although the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator carries a different name, you don't need to be a Jeep enthusiast to recognize that the Jeep Gladiator is effectively a Wrangler Unlimited with a pickup bed on the back. If you're going to be in the market for what could be the most off-road capable pickup truck there is out there soon, here's a look at what to expect from the new Jeep truck and its trim levels when it arrives.

 

 

Trim levels

While Jeep isn't averse to offering models like the Grand Cherokee in an almost bewildering array of different trim levels, the manufacturer is keeping it nice and simple to begin with here as the Gladiator will only be offered in three trims. The entry model will be the Sport S, the mid-range model will be the Overland, and the range-topper is the Rubicon.

 

Styling

We all know what a Wrangler looks like, don't we? Well, you know what to expect from the Gladiator, which is more of the same, but with a useful pickup back. The look of this iconic off-roader never gets old, and it probably never will. The signature cues of a seven-slot grille with round headlights either side, chunky fender flares that can be painted if you wish, and meaty tyres on most models are all classic Wrangler. A black cloth top comes standard, but a composite hardtop that can be black or body-coloured is still best removed to help the Gladiator look as cool as possible when the conditions allow.

 

Powertrain

It probably won't surprise anyone that the Gladiator also shares an engine with the Wrangler. No problem there then as it's the tried-and-tested 3.6-litre V-6 that puts out 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. In standard form, it comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission, but the vast majority are likely to come equipped with the optional eight-speed automatic that really does work best with this engine. And of course, there won't be any such thing as a two-wheel-drive Gladiator as every model will be standard four-wheel-drive.

 

Features and equipment

The Gladiator has a rough and ready for anything image to live up to, and it does, but the standard equipment is good and there are plenty of luxuries that can be added. Standard equipment in the Sport S is limited to the essentials, but there are plenty of opportunities to upgrade. Most buyers are likely to start with the mid-range Overland, which comes standard with power features, body-colour fender flares, 18-inch alloys, side steps, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Optional upgrades include the likes of leather upholstery, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, and a number of active safety features.

 

The Rubicon is the model for those wanting to do some serious off-roading. Its standard specification means a higher suspension paired on wider axles and massive 33-inch tyres, sway bars that can be disconnected with the press of a button, a unique transfer case featuring a more aggressive low range, diff locks, and a few other goodies designed to cope with the off-road environment.

 

For more information and to be at the front of the line for a test drive in the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator, get in touch with us today at Caledon Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, the number one choice Jeep dealership here in Bolton, ON.