Car Buying

Spotlight on Jeep Gladiator

With removable doors and roof options, solid towing capability, and a rugged design that sets it apart, the Jeep Gladiator fills a niche that no other truck really occupies.

It’s the only pickup in the segment that offers true Jeep capability. That means four-wheel drive is standard, off-road performance is built in (not added on) and it’s designed with utility in mind.

Since its return to the market in 2020, the Gladiator has appealed to drivers who want a truck that can handle daily driving, weekend tailgating, and off-road use without compromising utility. The name itself isn’t new: Jeep first used the Gladiator badge on a full-size pickup sold from the early 1960s through the late ’80s. After decades off the market, Jeep brought it back with a modern twist, blending the off-road DNA of the Wrangler with the practicality of a midsize truck. The result is a vehicle that stands apart from just about everything else on the road or the trail.

What Makes the Gladiator Different

  • Standard 4x4: Every Gladiator includes four-wheel drive, making it trail-ready right out of the gate.
  • Open-Air Driving: Like the Wrangler, the Gladiator features removable doors and roof panels for an open-air experience.
  • Utility-First Design: With a five-foot cargo bed, solid axles, and a towing capacity of up to 7,700 lbs (when properly equipped), the Gladiator is built to work just as well as it plays.

Gladiator Trims: What You Get at Each Level

Every Gladiator shares the same core platform, but each trim caters to different types of drivers—whether you're after simplicity, comfort, or serious off-road hardware.

Sport: The essentials, no frills.

This entry-level trim offers full Jeep capability in its most straightforward form. It’s a great choice for those who want a functional, durable pickup with fewer extras.

  • Manual windows and locks (on some model years)
  • 5-inch touchscreen
  • Command-Trac part-time 4WD
  • Tow rating: up to 4,000 lbs (varies by configuration)

Best for: Drivers who want a basic, trail-capable truck that’s ready for customization.

Sport S: A practical balance of utility and comfort.

Sport S builds on the base Sport with everyday features that make driving easier without moving into premium territory.

  • Power windows, locks, and mirrors
  • Alloy wheels
  • Optional tech upgrades: 7- or 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Available Cold Weather and Trailer Tow packages

Best for: Daily drivers who want useful upgrades while keeping costs in check.

Willys & Willys Sport: Rugged performance meets vintage-inspired design.

Willys trims add off-road gear and distinctive styling, offering more traction and visual character over the Sport and Sport S.

  • 32-inch mud-terrain tires
  • Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential
  • Black wheels and badging
  • Optional LED lighting package

Best for: Drivers looking for off-road readiness with unique styling cues, without jumping up to Rubicon prices.

Overland: Comfort-focused, with everyday usability.

Overland is where things get more refined, with features designed to make the Gladiator more comfortable and tech-forward for commuting or road trips.

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation (on many models)
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Optional adaptive cruise control and advanced safety features
  • Available leather seating

Best for: Those who want a capable truck with a smoother on-road experience and added convenience.

Rubicon: Maximum trail capability, factory-equipped.

Rubicon is built for serious off-road use. It includes upgraded mechanical components and clearance features that let you skip aftermarket mods.

  • Rock-Trac 4:1 low-range transfer case
  • Locking front and rear differentials
  • Sway bar disconnect
  • 33-inch all-terrain tires
  • Heavy-duty rock rails
  • Off-road camera (on newer models)

Best for: Off-road enthusiasts and Jeep purists who want maximum performance right from the start.

Mojave: Tuned for high-speed desert terrain.

The Mojave is engineered differently than the Rubicon. While Rubicon is for crawling and climbing, Mojave is for fast, rugged terrain—think sand and open desert.

  • Jeep’s Desert Rated badge
  • FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks
  • Hydraulic jounce bumpers
  • Reinforced frame
  • 33-inch all-terrain tires
  • Unique hood and interior styling

Best for: Drivers tackling dunes, open terrain, or who want a Gladiator that’s built for speed, not just rocks.

High Altitude: Premium materials, city-friendly style.

High Altitude focuses on looks and comfort. It’s the most refined of the lineup, offering premium finishes and advanced tech.

  • Hardtop
  • Body-color bumpers, fenders, and roof
  • 20-inch wheels
  • Leather upholstery
  • LED lighting
  • Optional Alpine premium audio

Best for: Drivers who want a Jeep truck with a polished, upscale feel and fewer rough edges.

Looking for a used Jeep Gladiator?

The Jeep Gladiator is a standout choice for drivers who want the practicality of a pickup combined with real off-road performance and Jeep’s distinctive character. Whether you need something simple and functional like the Sport, adventure-ready like the Rubicon, or more refined like the Overland or High Altitude, there’s a trim level that meets the need.

Auto Lenders offers several pre-owned Gladiator models, thoroughly inspected, and available at locations throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

Shop Jeep Gladiator
Jul 28

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