Jeep has long been known for producing some of the most adventurous vehicles on the market.

The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator seeks to satisfy the drivers who desire a pickup truck. Although the Gladiator uses the Wrangler’s same platform, a five-foot bed makes it even more versatile. According to sources, you can expect prices to start at just over $31,000. With the demand for the new Gladiator being so high, dealer mark-ups are very likely.

Performance Specs

With Jeep’s popular Pentastar V6 engine as the standard power source, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator promises to deliver a competitive level of performance. Anticipate a total output of 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, which should be enough muscle for most drivers. Plus, ample low-end torque will promote easy driving around town. While an eight-speed automatic transmission will be optional, driving enthusiasts will especially appreciate the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Anticipate a 260-horsepower EcoDiesel engine to be offered later in the model year. Best-in-class towing capabilities make the 2020 Jeep Gladiator even more rewarding. You’ll be able to confidently tow up to 7,650 pounds. A 1,600-pound payload capacity gives you another reason to love the new Gladiator.

Expect the 2020 Jeep Gladiator to drive similar to the Jeep Wrangler SUV. However, Jeep did tweak the Gladiator’s suspension to offer better ride comfort on the street. This is good news for the folks who’ll be using their new Gladiator as a daily driver. However, don’t underestimate the Gladiator’s toughness. A high-strength steel frame enables this robust pickup truck to handle nature’s most challenging obstacles. Even the base Gladiator Sport is properly prepped for a journey through the backcountry. As such, a low-range 4×4 system and heavy-duty Dana axles come standard.

For drivers who plan to take an extreme off-road adventure, Jeep offers the Gladiator Rubicon. It comes equipped with rugged upgrades like specially tuned FOX shocks and an electronic sway-bar disconnect. A set of 33-inch all-terrain tires also help the Rubicon model to domineer trails. With the ability to forge up to 30 inches of water, the Gladiator Rubicon is ready to take on virtually any environment.

Fuel Efficiency

Jeep has yet to reveal the new Gladiator’s official fuel economy estimates. However, models equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission should deliver the best gas mileage. Furthermore, you’ll be able to safely fill the tank with regular unleaded fuel.

By comparison, Wrangler models equipped with a Pentastar V6 engine can return a combined 20 mpg.

Safety and Entertainment Features

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is far from an old-school pickup truck. It comes loaded with a lot of modern technology. Hands-free Bluetooth, a 5.0-inch touchscreen, and a ParkView camera with dynamic guidelines all come standard. If you desire more goodies, step up to the higher trim levels. Jeep’s excellent Uconnect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is bound to be a popular upgrade. In particular, pinch-and-zoom capabilities helps put Uconnect among today’s most user-friendly interfaces. Off-Road Pages enable you to view information such as approach angle and terrain management data. While the 7.0-inch touchscreen works well, you can step up to an 8.4-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation.

Adventure seekers will especially enjoy the Gladiator’s available TrailCam, which helps you to better maneuver around off-road obstacles. Meanwhile, a portable wireless speaker makes tailgating and camping trips more rewarding. Available Wi-Fi enables everyone to stay connected to the outside world. Satellite radio with real-time traffic updates is also offered.

Fortunately, some important advanced safety technologies are available for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. While blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert helps you to detect unseen vehicles, forward collision warning alerts you to step on the brakes. Adaptive cruise control is available as well.

How It Stacks up against the Competition

Some of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator’s primary competitors include the Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and new Ford Ranger. In terms of off-road prowess, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator has the potential to be the most skilled truck in the class. Although all three of these rivals can travel off the beaten path, they will have trouble keeping up with the ultra-rugged Gladiator Rubicon. A standard V6 engine also gives the Gladiator a key advantage over the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado. No other truck in the segment has a higher towing capacity.

Legendary styling further separates the 2020 Jeep Gladiator from the competition. A signature seven-slot grille and round headlights help this pickup truck to make a bold statement. Like the Wrangler SUV, the Gladiator boasts class-exclusive features like a removable roof and detachable doors. When driving the new Gladiator, you’ll be able to truly become one with nature. Don’t forget about the Gladiator’s ability to comfortably haul around your family. An estimated 38.3 inches of rear legroom gives it a key advantage over the competition.

Pros and Cons

There are several upsides to the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. First, it’s a fantastic alternative to the four-door Jeep Wrangler. Whether you’re cruising to the beach or taking a trip to the mountains for the weekend, look forward to having a lot of fun. You won’t find another midsize pickup that comes equipped with a convertible roof. When it’s time to work hard, the Gladiator also has the ability to get the job done. Class-leading towing and payload capabilities enable you to confidently haul a load.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is designed to offer everyday comfort. A roomy interior makes the Gladiator a more than deserving family vehicle. A plethora of modern features are available, including Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone integration. While the standard V6 engine should be efficient enough for most drivers, Jeep’s upcoming EcoDiesel engine should save you even more money at the pump.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who has a passion for adventure, the new 2020 Jeep Gladiator promises to leave you impressed. Every model is rugged enough to take you on a serious drive through the wilderness. Even the most daunting terrain won’t stop the beefed-up Rubicon model.

The availability of advanced safety technologies further highlights the Jeep Gladiator’s practicality. Driver-assist features, like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, help ensure a safe commute.

Although the 2020 Jeep Gladiator excels in several key categories, there are just a couple of cons to consider. The biggest concern is the Gladiator’s unknown impact protection. While the mechanically similar Wrangler has yet to be crash tested by the NHTSA or the IIHS, it received a less than favorable one-star safety rating from the Euro NCAP agency.

Autoversed

This article was worked on by a variety of people from the Autoversed team, including freelancers, editors, and/or other full-time employees.