“Love the look of the gladiator gives me everything of the wrangler while it being a pick up, its durability and ability for off roading that's worry free. Highly suggest the gladiator to everyone”
2021 Jeep Gladiator: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator is the addition of the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 to several automatic-transmission trims. This is a lineup-expansion year rather than a redesign, with added special editions and revised trim names.
About the 2021 Jeep Gladiator
JT generation, second model year after the 2020 launch; major lineup-expansion year.
Jeep positions the Gladiator as the only open-air midsize pickup: a truck that mixes real cargo-bed usefulness with Wrangler-style removable doors, a fold-down windshield and serious 4x4 hardware. The core appeal is not polished on-road comfort like a typical midsize truck; it is freedom, trail capability, towing and a lifestyle-focused design that no Tacoma, Colorado or Ranger matched in the same way at the time.
The 2021 Gladiator lineup stretches from the straightforward Sport to the rock-focused Rubicon and desert-running Mojave. High Altitude emphasizes leather, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio, and body-color trim, while Willys models add trail-oriented equipment without going as far as Rubicon.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 joined automatic versions of the Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon. The Mojave remained gas-only.
Styling
California Edition, Freedom Edition, Texas Trail Edition, Willys, and Willys Sport joined the lineup. Altitude became High Altitude, North Edition became 80th Edition, and the one-year Launch Edition was dropped.
Tech
Remote start changed from standard to optional on Sport S, Overland, Rubicon, and Mojave.
2021 Jeep Gladiator specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Gas | Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Gas / Diesel | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas |
| MPG City | 17–22 mpg | 16 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 17–21 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 17–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22–28 mpg | 23 mpg | 22–28 mpg | 22–27 mpg | 22–28 mpg | 22–28 mpg | 22–28 mpg | 22–28 mpg | 22–28 mpg | 22–28 mpg | 22–28 mpg | 22–28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 260–285 hp | 285 hp | 260–285 hp | 260–285 hp | 260–285 hp | 260–285 hp | 260–285 hp | 260–285 hp | 260–285 hp | 260–285 hp | 260–285 hp | 260–285 hp |
| Torque | 260–442 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260–442 lb-ft | 260–442 lb-ft | 260–442 lb-ft | 260–442 lb-ft | 260–442 lb-ft | 260–442 lb-ft | 260–442 lb-ft | 260–442 lb-ft | 260–442 lb-ft | 260–442 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4000 lb | 4500 lb | 4000 lb | 4500 lb | 4000 lb | 4000 lb | 4500 lb | 4000 lb | 6000 lb | 4000 lb | 4000 lb | 4000 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 38.3 in | 38.3 in | 38.3 in | 38.3 in | 38.3 in | 38.3 in | 38.3 in | 38.3 in | 38.3 in | 38.3 in | 38.3 in | 38.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||||||
| Top View Camera | ||||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||||||
| Power Locks | ||||||||||||
| Power Windows | ||||||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
The biggest change is the addition of the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6. It joined automatic versions of the Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon, adding a torque-focused alternative to the gas engine.
Which 2021 Jeep Gladiator trims have the EcoDiesel engine?
The EcoDiesel engine is found in 2021 Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon models equipped with an automatic transmission. The Mojave remained gas-only.
Was the 2021 Jeep Gladiator redesigned?
No, the 2021 Gladiator was not redesigned. It remained part of the JT generation introduced for 2020, with most changes centered on the engine range, trims, and special editions.
Which trims joined or changed names for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
California Edition, Freedom Edition, Texas Trail Edition, Willys, and Willys Sport joined for 2021. Altitude was renamed High Altitude, North Edition was renamed 80th Edition, and Launch Edition was dropped.
Did any standard equipment change on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
Yes. Remote start moved from standard to optional on the Sport S, Overland, Rubicon, and Mojave. No new safety or infotainment feature became standard across the entire lineup.
2021 Jeep Gladiator Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Jeep Gladiator.
4.4
2021 Jeep Gladiator
(377 reviews)
“Do not opt for the leather seats, because they are awful. So is the stop start feature...yuck!”
“Don't expect great gas mileage, but you will always enjoy driving your Gladiator anywhere your heart desires.”