2018 L.A. Auto Show: 2020 Jeep Gladiator

All-New Pickup
There has been a lot of rumors, speculation and general chatter brewing about a Jeep pickup truck, perhaps since Jeep discontinued the Comanche pickup more than 25 years ago. Now all rumors can be put to rest ? the Gladiator has finally arrived. This highly-anticipated addition to the Jeep lineup is based on the all-new Wrangler and will bring a strong competitor to the growing midsize truck market.

Not Unprecedented
The last time Jeep based a pickup truck on a Wrangler was in the mid-1980s when the company sold a small number of Scramblers. And for those wondering why this new model is called Gladiator, the name has been used by Jeep in prior years ? in the late 1960s there was a Wagoneer-based pickup called Gladiator, but the name hasn?t been used since 1972.

Ultimate Adventure Vehicle
Although there is plenty of history behind the Gladiator name, the version that debuted at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show is thoroughly modern, offering impressive capability and utility. ?Unquestionably a truck and instantly recognizable as a Jeep, the all-new 2020 Gladiator is the ultimate vehicle for any outdoor adventure,? said Tim Kuniskis, head of the Jeep brand in North America. ?There is tremendous demand for this unique vehicle from our loyal Jeep customers and pickup truck buyers everywhere. Born from a rich and proud heritage of tough, dependable Jeep trucks, Gladiator combines rugged utility, versatility and functionality resulting in the most capable midsize truck ever,? Kuniskis concluded.

Powertrain
All trims of the new Gladiator pickup will be initially equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual gearbox will be standard across the board, with the option of swapping to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This motive combination creates enough power to tow up to 7,650 pounds or carry 1,600 pounds of cargo.

Diesel Power
Jeep will also offer the Gladiator with a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine. Not expected to arrive until 2020, the diesel will produce 260 horsepower and a plentiful 442 lb-ft of torque. The manual transmission will not be available with the diesel ? the automatic transmission is required to handle the increased torque.

Off-Roading Chops
Given that the Gladiator is based on the Wrangler, the new truck will be a proper off-roader. Depending on the trim level, the Gladiator should be able to tackle just about any terrain with a choice of Command-Trac or Rock-Trac 4WD systems, third-generation Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lock electric front- and rear-axle lockers, a Trac-Lok limited-slip differential, electronic sway-bar disconnect and 33-inch off-road tires.

Go Deep
The Gladiator will be able to handle up to 30 inches of water and possesses ground clearance of 11.1 inches. Skidplates get fitted below the vehicle to protect the fuel tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil pan. The Rubicon is further protected with heavy gauge tubular steel rock rails to further protect against any body damage while tackling tougher terrain.

Wranglerlike Styling
There will be no mistaking the Gladiator for anything but a Jeep. Up front it keeps the iconic 7-slot grille found on the Wrangler; however, the slats are spread farther apart for better air intake. The grille is flanked by Jeep?s classic round headlights, now updated with available LED surrounds that give the lights a halolike effect.

Four Door
All Gladiators will be 4-door crew cabs; however the frame is 31 inches longer than a 4-door Wrangler with a 19.4-inch longer wheelbase.

Truck Bed
The Gladiator?s truck bed is 5-feet long and offers considerable utility with under-rail bed lighting, an available 400W 115-volt, three-prong power outlet and integrated tiedowns. A spray-in bedliner is available as well as a cargo management system, a bed divider and a tonneau cover. While the bed is made of steel, the tailgate is aluminum and damped for easy lifting and lowering.

Soft-Top
Jeep recently introduced a number of new roof options for the Wrangler, and these will carry over to the new Gladiator. A Sunrider soft-top provides an easy way to enjoy open-air driving, allowing for partial and full open top positions. The soft-top features retainers that slide into a track for easy rear window removal.

Hardtop
The Gladiator is also available with a 3-piece hardtop with quick-release latches to easily set up whatever roof configuration is desired. Hardtop models also come standard with a sliding rear window.

Fully Open
For Gladiator owners who want to enjoy the outdoors to the utmost, the roof and doors can be removed. In addition, the windshield can be folded down for that bugs-in-your-teeth experience.

Inside
The interior features the classic functionality found in the Wrangler with intuitive controls. A 5-inch display screen is standard on the base trim, while higher trims can be equipped with a 7- or 8.4-inch touchscreen display. The pushbutton starter is standard on all trims and features a weatherproof surround. Gladiator features two USB ports and a USB-C port up front, with an additional two within reach of occupants in the back seat. A 115-volt AC outlet also is available.

Rear Seats
All-new rear seats are exclusive to the Gladiator. Designed to offer comfort and support, the seats can be locked in place to provide secure storage behind the seatbacks. Seats can also be folded flat to provide additional space for larger cargo.

Arriving Soon
Gladiator will be available in four different trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Overland and Rubicon. The new Jeep is expected to arrive in showrooms next spring, with pricing released closer to the on-sale date.