It’s about that time. The 2020 Jeeps are driving up towards the dealerships. The new Jeep Gladiator, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Compass, Renegade and the Cherokee are all primed for action. Highlighting some of the nitty-gritty details on the new Gladiator offers a sneak peek on what to expect from the next generation of Jeep. It looks like we will see a new redesigned Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer within a few years as well.
The 2020 Gladiator is a Force to be Reckoned With
The new Jeep Gladiator is “built from the ground up to be a true pickup truck.” Based on the popular architecture of the Wrangler (using Dana 44 solid axles) the Gladiator is an impressive 31 inches longer than it’s SUV sister vehicle. It’s a work of art from the inside out, with lots of great high tech features and truly impressive power.
So far, the 2020 Gladiator has proven itself to be an award-winning and highly anticipated vehicle. At the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s 25th Annual Mudfest, the Gladiator was awarded for its rugged off-road capability. The Gladiator Rubicon also won Best Truck at the “Topless in Miami” Convertible Competition. Its ability to blend Jeep’s classic attributes with a traditional pickup truck proved its value to judges at the show. The Gladiator is dependable, yet adaptable, with Jeep’s signature soft and hard removable roof, doors and folding windshield. The Gladiator also won Best Family Pickup Truck at the annual Family Car Challenge, hosted by the Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association. From the Northwest, down to Florida, the new Gladiator has already made its claim to fame.
Making a Grande Entrance
Not only is it rough and rugged, but the new Gladiator is also pretty good-looking. Wards gave the Gladiator recognition for rating it as having one of its Top 10 Best Interiors. Choose from black or heritage tan cloth in the basic model with leather trim available as an upgrade. All-weather slush can be added for a minimal fee, along with deep tint sunscreen windows.
For the exterior, there are ten colors to choose from. Along with six different shades of black and grey, you can opt for a pop of color with Firecracker Red or Punk ‘N Metallic (orange). Bright White and Hydro Blue Pearl are also available. When using the back of the pickup to carry your stuff, opt for the available tonneau bed cover. The cover locks into place for a clean and secure look that keeps everything dry under all weather conditions. To keep your truck bed looking new, Jeep offers a durable spray-in bed liner that will protect the surface no matter how dirty or rough the items that you transport are.
The Power and Strength to Back up the Hype
If you have a lot of weight to haul, the new Jeep Gladiator is Best in its class for utility. It can tow up to 7,650 pounds with a payload of 1,700 pounds also available. Jeep offers multiple ways to keep your tow secure, including a 3-position tailgate. Attach an all-steel 5ft long aluminum cargo bed to carry your equipment, cleverly designed to be both lightweight and sturdy. The Gladiator comes with four integrated and adjustable tie-down loops with maximum strength. When you’re not using them, conveniently fold them down flush into the wheel wells to provide optimum cargo room. Jeep also offers its Trail Rail System, which mounts on the front wall and both sides of the bed to tie down cargo and keep it secure.
To power the Gladiator, the base engine is a 3.6 liter V6, to be paired with either a standard six-speed manual or upgrade to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This will give you 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of rotational force for standard towing. High-flow intake and exhaust ports, Electronic Throttle Control, Variable Valve Timing, dual overhead camshafts, and Engine Stop/Start Technology provide the mechanical support for this strong engine.
To help manage the drive with a large load, Jeep backs up its massive construction with the largest brakes in its class and a new coil rear suspension. An integrated Trailer Brake controller lets drivers adjust the electric brakes as needed. The Gladiator’s heavy-duty steel frame and axles make this new Jeep a real beast on wheels. Jeep knows that making sure the trailer is properly lined-up is the first step to having a safe tow. The ParkView Rear Backup Camera provides a 4x trailer hitch zoom with precise wheel and hitch guidelines for perfect alignment every time.
Four Impressive Models
The 2020 Gladiator is available in four different models that can be customized for your needs and budget. The Sport, Sport S, Overland and Rubicon offer a little something for everyone. The least expensive model is the Sport, but it still includes the ParkView Rear Back-up Camera, 4×4 capability, three-position tailgate with a durable steel bed. Auxiliary switches are programmable if you choose and the rear seat storage has the option to be locked up. The top and doors are removable so that you can enjoy as much, or as little, of the outdoors as you want on your ride.
Next comes the Sport S, with a few fun upgrades for a minor price difference (starting at $3,000 more than the Sport). Remote keyless entry, power windows, heated mirrors with locking doors, and tailgate help to justify spending a little bit extra for this model. Tech features include an available 115-volt power outlet in the truck bed, industry-exclusive removable Bluetooth speaker and Apple Carplay Support or Android Auto Integration via the 7-inch Uconnect 4 Touchscreen. You also get shiny 17-inch Tech Silver Aluminum Wheels.
If you don’t mind pushing into the $40,000 range, you can opt for the Overland model. Wheels are a little bit bigger on this one, 18-inch made of Granite Crystal Aluminum. The Uconnect touchscreen is also a little bigger, with added capabilities. This 8.4-inch version adds Navigation to go along with the Android and Apple support. Some additional safety features are noted in this model, including Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking. Design elements are refined with leather-trimmed seats, beautiful interior details, LED headlamps and taillamps, side steps, and body-color fender flares.
The highest model available on the 2020 Gladiator is the top-notch Rubicon. Along with all the features of the previous models, this version steps it up with 33-inch off-road tires and high clearance fender flares. The Roc-Track 4×4 System has an 84:1 crawl ratio. An electronic sway bar disconnect, locking front and rear differentials and FOX shocks, vented Rubicon hood, steel off-road rock rails for the cab and bed set this model apart from anything else on the market. You also get an industry-exclusive TrailCam for your off-roading adventures.
Conclusion
The quality that you get with Jeep has given this brand a proven track record of excellent resale value. If you want a new truck with impressive power and design, Jeep is a solid choice. The Sport and Sport S models are especially affordable when compared to other trucks of similar size and strength. Whichever model you land on, it’s pretty clear that you can’t go wrong with Jeep’s 2020 Gladiator.
