Jeep Finally Announces All-New 2020 Gladiator Pickup in L.A.

After what seemed like a decade long wait, Jeep has finally unveiled the all-new 2020 Gladiator which they are calling the most capable midsize truck ever. The truck will feature best-in-class towing and 4×4 payload capacity, legendary off-road performance and composed on-road driving dynamics. The new Gladiator will be offered in four different trim configurations: Sport, Sport S, Overland and Rubicon and looks pretty much like you’d expect it too which is essentially a Wrangler with a truck bed. The classic seven-slot grille is still of course featured in the front while the rear carries a new, distinctive look with traditional square LED taillights and a wide tailgate opening which itself is damped and capable of stopping in three positions and is power lockable. A premium Sunrider soft- top provides an easy open-air option and allows for access to partial and full open top positions while the Overland and Rubicon models offer an available three-piece body-colour hardtop option provides even more options for open-air driving. Additionally, a black three-piece hardtop is available on all models and two Freedom panels and quick-release latches enable a fast removal and installation of the hardtop.

The interior of the Gladiator is also very Wrangler-like and offers either a 3.5- or 7-in. thin-film transistor (TFT) information LED display while a 5-, 7- or 8.4-in. touchscreen controls the fourth –generation UConnect system. Additionally, as an exclusive to the Gladiator Rubicon models, a forward facing off-road camera allows obstructions on the trail to be easily seen and sits behind the middle slot of the truck’s seven-slot grille and can be accessed through the Off-Road Pages.

At launch, the Gladiator will be offered with the tried and true 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine that provides 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque, paired to either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional 8-speed automatic. Beginning in 2020, the Gladiator will be offered with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine that produces 260 horsepower and a whopping 442 lb-ft. of torque with a standard 8-speed auto.

The Gladiator will of course feature legendary off-road capability courtesy of two advanced 4×4 systems including the Command-Trac 4×4 system which is standard on the Sport and Overland models and boasts a two-speed transfer case with 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, and heavy-duty third generation Dana 44 front and rear axles with a 3.73 rear axle ration. On the Gladiator Rubicon, a Rock-Trac 4c4 system features heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles with a 4LO ratio of 4:1. A 4.10 front and rear axle ratio is standard as are Tru-Lok locking differentials. The Rubicon models also offer total suspension travel with help from the electronic sway-bar disconnect while also allowing up to 30-in. of water fording.

Production on the new Gladiator is expected to begin in the first half of 2019.