Since its introduction last year, the Jeep Gladiator has won over fans with its rugged styling, timeless design and unmatched versatility. The midsize pickup truck stands alone in a segment as the only model to offer a convertible folding soft top, removable aluminum roof panels and removable front and rear doors.
These key features have certainly made the Gladiator a hit with adventure seekers, as there is no better way to enjoy nature’s trails than with the wind blowing through your hair and the sun shining down on you. Its exterior and interior design cues mimic the iconic Wrangler—leaving no doubt that the Gladiator is no ordinary pavement-ridden pickup.
Off-Road Equipment
While the truck is certainly mild-mannered on asphalt, off-road is where the Gladiator truly soars above its competition. The 2021 Jeep Gladiator comes standard with 4x4 featuring a best-in-class 1700-pound payload. All models are equipped with heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, skid plates and tow hooks to ensure that you’re always prepared for adventure when the paved road comes to an end.
All Gladiator models wear Jeep’s Trail Rated badge, which means they’ve passed a series of tests that measure the vehicle’s ground clearance, articulation, maneuverability, traction and water fording capabilities. With up to 11.1 inches of ground clearance and up to 30-inches of water fording capability, there isn’t any obstacle that stands in the Gladiator’s path.
Gladiator Trim Levels
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is available in eight trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Willys, Overland, 80th Anniversary, Rubicon, Mojave and High Altitude. Like the Wrangler, the Rubicon is the model most suited for off-road tomfoolery. It features front and rear electronic locking differentials, rock rails, electronic front sway bar disconnect and Fox aluminum-bodied shocks with race-proven damping control. The Gladiator Rubicon also features a Rock-Trac 4:1 transfer case with an 84:1 crawl ratio for optimum control when terracing steep terrains.
Powertrain Options
When the Gladiator was first launched, it was available only with Jeep’s proven 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. Featuring dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing and electronic throttle control, the 3.6L V6 is rated at 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It can be paired to either a standard six-speed manual or optional eight-speed automatic transmission.
While this engine delivers adequate power, it left a little to be desired in terms of efficiency with a 17-mpg city and 22-mpg highway fuel-economy rating. Much to the delight of enthusiasts, a new available powertrain option will join the 3.6L V6 for the 2021 model year.
New Efficient EcoDiesel V6
Rated at 260 horsepower and a best-in-class 442 lb-ft of torque, Jeep’s new 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel engine will be a welcome addition to the Gladiator lineup. Paired exclusively to the eight-speed automatic transmission, the EcoDiesel allows the Gladiator to achieve unrivaled efficiency with a 22-mpg city and 28-mpg highway fuel-economy rating.
Despite the uptick in efficiency, the Gladiator doesn’t lose much in terms of capability. The 3.0L EcoDiesel’s max towing capacity of 6,500 pounds only slightly trails the 3.6L V6’s 7,650-pound rating. With a potential highway fuel range of over 500 miles, that’s certainly worth the trade off for many buyers who do a lot of long-distance traveling.
Gladiator Pricing
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator starts at $35,040 in base Sport trim and $45,370 for the Rubicon. The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine is offered as a $4000 option on all trim levels except for the Mojave desert-runner.
Interested in learning more about what exciting things Jeep has to offer? Check out the Jeep Gladiator Farout Concept.
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