The 2021 Jeep Gladiator made jaws drop when it was released in 2019. Now that Jeep has had some time to refine this awesome pickup truck and listen to Jeep lovers, it’s gotten even better. It’s the first truck Jeep has released in over a decade, but it’s got half a century of Jeep legacy behind it. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Jeep Gladiator such an iconic pickup.
A Closer Look at the 2021 Jeep Gladiator
The Wrangler Redesigned
At a glance, you might just think this is a Wrangler with part of the roof lopped off. But that would be a major oversimplification. While the Gladiator is built on the JL Wrangler platform, the same one used for the 4-door Wrangler, it’s very much its own machine. Although it shares parts like the V6 engine or those thick Dana 44 axles on the Rubicon, it’s got a few tricks up its sleeve.
The longer wheelbase on the Gladiator helps it stay steady on the road and off it. The diesel engine option adds even more torque for those hefty towing jobs. Speaking of which, you can tow up to 7,650 pounds, meaning you could haul another Gladiator behind you and still have capacity to spare. With up to 1,700 pounds in the bed alone, you might not even need to tow anything.
Pickup Truck Power
The standard V6 produces 285 horsepower and can be mated to a manual transmission or Jeep’s ever-reliable 8-speed automatic. It’s a much more efficient engine compared to the Jeeps of a decade ago. You can get around 25mpg combined city and highway, which is impressive for such a sturdy pickup.
The diesel option gives you slightly less horsepower at a solid 260. But the torque is nearly double at 442 pounds. It’s also a quieter engine, and since you’re going to be spending plenty of time with the top down, you might appreciate that when you’re crawling through the wilderness.
Gladiator Exclusives
Of course, the most notable feature of the Gladiator is its truck bed. It’s got an AC socket in the back so you can power small tools, camping lights, or maybe fire up the TV for a movie night under the stars.
If it starts raining and you need to cover up the bed, or you just want to keep your gear safe from prying eyes, you can use the tonneau cover that comes standard. It’s a rollout cover, so you can decide exactly how far you want to cover the bed, which makes it great for awkward objects or when you’ve got some lumber sticking out the back.
Specialized Trim Models
There’s a Gladiator for everyone! The Mojave can tear up sand dunes while the Rubicon can cross just about any terrain you can imagine. Check out the High Altitude model if you want a luxurious adventure. Even the base Sport model is sure to be a good time.
To get behind the wheel, visit Ed Martin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to take the Gladiator for a test drive in Anderson, IN.
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