For 2021 the Jeep Gladiator comes with two engine options. A 3.6L V6 making 285 horsepower and 260 torque is standard fare. The new 3.0L V6 turbocharged diesel develops 260 horsepower and a mighty 442 torque. Transmission options include a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional 8-speed automatic for the 3.6L and the 8-speed exclusively for the diesel engine. Properly equipped, Jeep claims the Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 lbs. Those looking to load up the cargo bed can carry up to 1,700lbs. of payload. Power is sent first to a transfer case and then to the rear or all-four wheels depending on what mode the Gladiator is in. The Gladiator is one of the most capable off-roaders in the North American market.
The Gladiator comes in four trims including Sport, Overland, Rubicon and Mojave. Standard features on the base Sport trim include 17-inch wheels, fog lamps, a body colored grille, a fabric convertible top, a fold-down front windshield, 5-inch touchscreen display, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, and an 8-speaker sound system. LED lights are now optional.
The Overland trim gets bigger 18-inch wheels, body colored exterior fenders, automatic headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen in the center console with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, and a leather steering wheel.
The Rubicon trim provides more off-road capability. It features bigger 33-inch tires, a more robust 4x4 system with extra low gearing for rock-crawling, an electronically disconnecting front sway bar, locking front and rear differentials, rock sliders on the side of the vehicle and FOX branded shock absorbers. Options on the Rubicon include a forward-facing camera and wider Dana 44 axles.
The Mojave trim removes the Rubicon's locking front differential and disconnecting stabilizer bar to focus more on higher-speed off-roading prowess. It offers a reinforced frame, a tuned transfer case, uprated FOX shock absorbers, a 1-inch front suspension lift, and a desert rated badge in place of the trail rated version.
The Gladiator is highly customizable with either soft or hard tops, a spray-in bedliner with tonneau cover, tow hitch, LED headlights, a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen display, leather seats, and a premium Alpine sound system. Available driver safety aids include blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision mitigation.
The Sport S sub-trim package adds improved 17-inch aluminum wheels, power windows and door locks, heated mirrors and remote keyless access. A retro inspired Willys trim level joins the range based on the Sport trim. Additions include mud terrain tires, rock rails, rear differential, black exterior accents, black wheels, body-colored fender flares and Willys stickers. An 80th Anniversary special edition is also new with 18-inch wheels, all terrain tires, the 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Alpine audio system, navigation, remote start, grey exterior accents, Berber floor mats, and commemorative 80th Anniversary badging throughout.
The High Altitude luxurious sub trim adds a body-colored hard top, full LED exterior lighting, auto high beams, 20-inch wheels, body-color exterior accents, and a leather-lined cabin with Nappa leather seats. The auxiliary switch group offers an uprated alternator, battery, and 4 interior programmable switches for add-ons such as exterior light bars.
Unmistakable Jeep Styling
Pickup Truck Utility
Off-roading Ability
Athletic Engine Options
The Jeep Gladiator carries over into 2021 with one key change being the diesel engine option, which will be found in Sport, Overland and Rubicon models. The Altitude and North editions have been discontinued for fresh new trims including the Willys, 80th Anniversary, and High Altitude.
The Gladiator combines the styling and off-roading prowess of the Jeep Wrangler with a pickup truck bed. The result is a mid-sized pickup truck with a ton of practicality and unparalleled off-roading ability. The Gladiator remains mechanically very similar to the Wrangler it is based on; however, the longer wheelbase makes for a more stable vehicle on the highway, which in turn allows the Gladiator to work extremely well when towing. The main rivals include the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado. What gives the Gladiator a competitive advantage is the extreme versatility it offers with two engines, many unique trim options, doorless and roofless configurations, impressive hauling and towing prowess, and an off-road ready demeanor along with modern interior comfort and technology.
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