My name is Gladiator
Nearly two years ago, the automotive world first caught wind that Jeep was planning to add a new pickup truck to its lineup. Between then and now, a number of rumors and reports have emerged about the model, often with conflicting information.
However, Jeep is now ready to set the record straight. Earlier today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Jeep finally revealed the 2020 Jeep Gladiator.
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Just one look is all automotive enthusiasts need to determine that the Gladiator is indeed based on the Jeep Wrangler. Yet, the Gladiator is a unique Jeep in its own right, thanks to its rugged mid-size truck design.
“Unquestionably a truck and instantly recognizable as a Jeep, the all-new 2020 Gladiator is the ultimate vehicle for any outdoor adventure,” stated Tim Kuniskis, Head of Jeep Brand – North America, during the vehicle’s unveiling. “There is tremendous demand for this unique vehicle from our loyal Jeep customers and pickup truck buyers everywhere.”
Iconic Jeep Looks
Looks like a Wrangler, but it’s actually a truck
So what makes the Gladiator stand out as a Jeep? For starters, the model bears the iconic Jeep seven-slot grille, along with round headlamps up front.
Just like the Wrangler, the Gladiator’s doors and standard soft top can be cast aside for a more open-air automotive experience. Those doors are comprised of lightweight, high-strength aluminum, which helps the Gladiator achieve a better fuel economy.
Of course, the Jeep Gladiator also stands out when compared to the traditional Wrangler due to its five-foot steel bed. The model is also 31 inches longer than the four-door Wrangler.
Mid-Size Pickup Power
The power to haul heavy cargo
Drivers will find the Jeep Gladiator to be just as powerful and versatile as a traditional mid-size truck, if not more so. The Gladiator has a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,650 pounds, with a payload capacity of 1,600 pounds.
Gladiator drivers also have a choice of two engine options. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine generates 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine supplies the Gladiator with a better fuel efficiency.
The Gladiator in action
The Pentastar engine option comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. That drivetrain can be swapped out for a eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Gladiator also comes packaged with 4×4 configurations you won’t find on any other pickup. This includes Jeep’s Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4×4 systems.
Advanced Automotive Features
Inside the 2020 Jeep Gladiator
There’s plenty to love within the Jeep Gladiator’s cabin. Drivers have the choice of either a 7.0-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen, coupled with FCA’s Uconnect technology.
As far as safety goes, the Gladiator goes the extra mile. The pickup can access more than 80 available safety and security features, like Blind-spot Monitoring and Adaptive Cruise Control.
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For the 2020 model year, the Jeep Gladiator will be offered in four trims: the Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon. Although Jeep has not revealed a starting price for the vehicle yet, we can expect to see it arrive at dealerships during the second quarter of 2019.
Gallery: The 2020 Jeep Gladiator
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.