“Get the auto transmission version. The clutch position and seat adjustment sucks.”
Jeep Gladiator: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Jeep Gladiator is a midsize pickup known for combining Wrangler-style off-road ability and open-air driving with a five-seat cab and a five-foot cargo bed. Every 2026 version has four-wheel drive.
Since arriving for 2020, the Gladiator has followed one clear idea: give Jeep buyers a real pickup without losing the brand’s trail-focused, open-air character. Its removable body pieces, upright design, solid axles, and standard four-wheel drive set it apart from more road-focused midsize trucks. Updates have improved its technology, safety equipment, and ease of use, but the basic formula has stayed consistent.
Strengths
- Its removable doors and open-air design create an outdoor driving experience that is unusual among midsize pickups.
- Standard four-wheel drive and durable solid axles give it genuine hardware for difficult trails.
- The five-foot bed adds useful hauling space without giving up a five-seat crew cab.
- Properly equipped 2026 models can tow up to 7,700 pounds.
- Models from the 2024 refresh onward have a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Who it's for
The Gladiator fits an outdoors-focused buyer who wants one vehicle for trails, recreation, everyday errands, and occasional truck work. It makes the most sense for someone who will genuinely use its four-wheel drive, cargo bed, removable doors, or towing ability rather than simply wanting the smoothest road-going midsize pickup.
Jeep Gladiator lineup
Sport is the straightforward starting point, while Sport S is the step up for shoppers who want more everyday convenience; since the 2024 refresh, Sport S and higher trims also include added driver-assistance features. Willys adds a stronger off-road focus without moving to the most specialized models. Rubicon is aimed at difficult trails, while Mojave has been the choice for faster off-road driving since its 2020 debut. Sahara joined the range in 2026 with a comfort-focused identity, and the newer Rubicon X and Mojave X sit at the top of their respective off-road branches.
Jeep Gladiator generations
From 2020 to 2026, the Gladiator spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation — JT arrived for 2020.
1st Generation — JT (2020–Present)
The JT Gladiator launched as a five-passenger midsize pickup with a 5-foot bed, standard 4WD, open-air body design, and a 3.6-liter V6. A major 2024 update refreshed the front end and dashboard and made a 12.3-inch touchscreen standard.
352 In Stock
2026Trim changes
Sahara, Willys '41, 85th Anniversary Edition, and Shadow Ops join the lineup. Revised door hinges also make the doors quicker and easier to remove.
2025Trim changes
The Big Bear special edition joins the lineup in California. Every Gladiator also moves to an eight-speed automatic, power windows, and power locks.
2024Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling, a cleaner dashboard, and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen arrive. Side-curtain airbags become standard, and Mojave X and Rubicon X join the lineup.
2023Trim changes
The Freedom special edition joins the lineup, and the limited Rubicon FarOut marks the end of the diesel engine.
2022Trim changes
Texas Trail and Altitude join the lineup, while Freedom and 80th Anniversary leave. Lower trims also gain a standard 7-inch touchscreen.
2021Trim changes
Willys, Willys Sport, High Altitude, and several special editions expand the lineup. A 3.0-liter diesel V6 also arrives on many automatic models.
2020New generation
The all-new Gladiator debuts with a five-passenger cab, 5-foot bed, standard 4WD, and a 3.6-liter V6.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Jeep Gladiator.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of vehicle is the Jeep Gladiator?
The Jeep Gladiator is a four-door midsize pickup with five seats, a five-foot bed, standard 4WD, and removable-body features. It blends pickup utility with the upright shape and trail-focused design associated with the Wrangler.
Do the Jeep Gladiator's roof and doors come off?
Yes. The Gladiator is designed for open-air driving with removable doors, a removable roof, and a fold-down windshield. The exact roof design and removal process vary by model year and equipment.
Does the Jeep Gladiator come as a hybrid?
No hybrid Gladiator appears in this generation. Most used examples have a 3.6-liter gas V6. A 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 was offered on many automatic trims beginning in 2021, with diesel production ending after 2023.
Is every Jeep Gladiator four-wheel drive?
Yes. Every Gladiator in this generation has 4WD. Most use a part-time system with a low range for slow, difficult terrain, while specialized trims add differentials that lock the left and right wheels together for more traction.
How many people can the Jeep Gladiator carry?
The Gladiator seats five in a four-door crew cab. It has 38.3 inches of rear legroom in the latest specification, so it works for passengers as well as carrying gear in its separate five-foot bed.
How many generations of the Jeep Gladiator are there?
There is one modern Gladiator generation, introduced for the 2020 model year. It received a major refresh for 2024 with a redesigned dashboard, a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, added side-curtain airbags, and a revised grille.
Jeep Gladiator Reviews
What owners are saying about the Jeep Gladiator.
4.4
Jeep Gladiator
(1,189 reviews)
“Love: Wrangler features like taking the doors and top off. Truck bed capacity. 8 speed auto transmission is smooth. Modern tech like big screen on dash, LED lights, backup cam. Hate: everything is digital and the dash layout is not intuitive.”
“It's a Jeep, if you want cheap buy a Chevy/GM, you want reliability buy a Tacoma, you want Fun and customizations buy a JEEP!!”
“You either love Jeeps or you hate them. We love them and have had several. The Gladiator towed what we needed and had the utility we required.”
“We have owned many Jeeps. They just keep getting better and better. Don't expect it to feel like a car, it is not a car, it does not and SHOULD not feel like or drive like a car.”
“I love my car and the versatility having the bed. The interior is awesome and except for a few things, the exterior is amazing.”
Sources
- jeep.com — 2026 / Gladiator / Capability
- jeep.com — 2026 / Gladiator / Specs.Mojave X
- jeep.com — 2026 / Gladiator / Specs.Rubicon X
- jeep.com — 2025 / Gladiator
- jeep.com — 2025 / Gladiator / Specs.Texas Trail
- blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com — 09 / 13 / Jeep Brand Introduces New 2024 Gladiator The Worlds Most Off Road Capable Midsize Truck
- blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com — 07 / 16 / Making Waves 2024 Jeep Gladiator High Tide Edition Debuts Exclusively For The Sunshine State
- blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com — 02 / 28 / Jeep Brand Hits The Sand With Limited Run 2024 Wrangler And First Ever Gladiator Jeep Beach Models
- blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com — 04 / 08 / Total Eclipse 2024 Jeep Gladiator Adds New Black Nighthawk Package
- blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com — 03 / 04 / 2024 Jeep Gladiator Texas Trail Celebrates The Lone Star State
- blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com — 08 / 14 / 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Farout Exclusive Limited Edition Gladiator Marks Final Ecodiesel Production
- jeep.com — Limited Editions / 2023 / Freedom Combined