Unveiled: 2020 Jeep Gladiator – Welcome Back, Jeep Pickup!


Unveiled: 2020 Jeep Gladiator – Welcome Back, Jeep Pickup!

The last Jeep J-series, was built in 1987, the last Jeep truck, the Comanche, ended in 1992, and the last “jeep”-based truck-style unit, the CJ-8 Scrambler, ended production in 1985. Ever since those those points in time, it’s been the traditional tub-bodied go-everywhere, do everything throwback off-roader and a slew of SUVs that range from really decent (Grand Wagoneer, Grand Cherokee, XJ Cherokee) to the flat awful (Liberty, Patriot, and Commander…ring bells?) That means that for over thirty years, the strongest name in American off-roading has not made a pickup truck. That comes to an end, as FCA has finally unveiled the 2020 Jeep Gladiator pick-up, the variation of the JL Wrangler with a bed that many have been waiting for.

What’s so different from the Gladiator from the Wrangler? The slots in the grille have been widened to aid in cooling the engine, for starters. Speaking of the engine, the Gladiator will see the 3.0L diesel V6 make a return, bringing 260 horsepower and 442 ft/lbs. of torque to the table, and will be butted up to an eight-speed automatic.  The 3.6L V6 gas engine is still available, and you can still get the six-speed manual transmission as well, if your heart desires. A selectable part-time transfer case is still present and ready to work. The full-frame is 31 inches longer than the Wrangler Unlimited and the wheelbase is 19.4 inches longer. Dana 44 axles front and rear are still present in two track widths (standard and Rubicon) but the rear five-link coil suspension design is meant to be a bit better for overall ride quality. 

So what does the Gladiator offer in the way of pickup trucks? Maximum towing capacity is 7,650 pounds, which trumps the Ford Ranger 150 pounds. Max payload capacity is 1,600 pounds, which splits the difference between the Ranger and the Colorado/Canyon. The bed offers up five feet of space and is steel, with an aluminum tailgate, and in Rubicon form, you get the standard Rubicon goodies like 33″ tires, Fox monotube shocks, and fender flares that can accommodate 35″ tires, but you also get a stouter rear bumper and steel rocker gaurds that run from the back of the rear wheelwells to the end of the bed.

Pricing hasn’t been announced as of yet, but expect the Gladiator to be a bit higher in price compared to a similar trim Wrangler. Sales will start in the second quarter of 2019. How do you think this new Jeep (which is sporting the JT code) will fare in the marketplace?


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5 thoughts on “Unveiled: 2020 Jeep Gladiator – Welcome Back, Jeep Pickup!

  1. A guy

    Would it kill them to offer a standard/extended cab with a longer bed? You know, for doing truck stuff. Like hauling things in the bed.

  2. RK - no relation

    The Commander was awful? I never had one but it being a full size proper Jeep with V8 engine, I thought it would be pretty good. At least its not one of the crappy little Fiat Jeeps

  3. BeaverMartin

    I can’t wait to get one, though for the likely $60 large they’ll be charging for a diesel rubi I would have prefered a 2500 Power Wagon based M715 inspired fill size with a 6BT and D60s.

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