🚙💪 2026 Jeep Gladiator – The Only Open-Air Pickup Truck in America
The 2026 Jeep Gladiator brings everything people love about the Wrangler — rugged design, removable roof and doors, off-road dominance — and adds a versatile five-foot truck bed for real utility.
It’s the ultimate dual-purpose vehicle: ready for daily work, weekend adventure, and everything in between.
For 2026, the Gladiator refines its interior tech, enhances trail performance, and adds new safety systems while keeping its unmistakable Jeep character.
⚙️ Powertrain & Performance
Jeep keeps the Gladiator strong and dependable with proven engines — including new refinements for smoother power and towing confidence.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 L Pentastar V6 | 285 hp | 260 lb-ft | 6-speed manual / 8-speed automatic | 4×4 |
| 2.0 L Turbocharged I4 (new for 2026) | 270 hp | 295 lb-ft | 8-speed automatic | 4×4 |
| 3.0 L EcoDiesel V6* | 260 hp | 442 lb-ft | 8-speed automatic | 4×4 (final year option) |
Towing Capacity: up to 7,700 lbs (with Max Tow Package)
Payload Capacity: up to 1,725 lbs
Fuel Economy (est.): 22 city / 28 highway (Diesel), 20 / 25 (Gas)
Gladiator still features Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4×4 systems with available 100:1 crawl ratio, making it a real off-road pickup — not just a truck with stickers.
🛞 Off-Road Capability
The Gladiator isn’t just capable — it’s legendary.
Trail Rated and engineered with Jeep’s best off-road systems, it’s ready for anything nature throws at it.
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Solid Dana 44 front and rear axles
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Front & rear locking differentials (Rubicon)
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Electronic sway bar disconnect
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33-inch all-terrain tires standard on Rubicon
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Ground clearance: up to 11.6 inches
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Water fording: up to 31.5 inches
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Approach / Breakover / Departure angles: 43.4° / 20.3° / 26°
The Mojave trim is the first Jeep to earn Desert Rated status — built for high-speed sand performance and suspension articulation with FOX shocks.
🛋 Interior & Features
For 2026, the Gladiator gets a refreshed interior focused on tech and comfort without losing its rugged edge.
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12.3-inch Uconnect® 5 touchscreen (standard)
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Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
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Digital gauge cluster with off-road pages
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Available leather seats with heating & ventilation
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Removable doors, folding windshield, and open-air roof
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Optional Alpine® Premium audio system
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Weather-resistant cabin with drain plugs
Interior refinements and noise insulation make the 2026 model the most comfortable Gladiator yet.
🧠 Technology & Safety
Every 2026 Gladiator comes with Jeep Active Safety Suite, including:
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Blind Spot Monitoring & Rear Cross Path Detection
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Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
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Adaptive Cruise Control
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ParkSense Rear Park Assist
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Auto High-Beam Headlamps
Available:
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360° Surround View Camera System
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TrailCam Off-Road Camera
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Trailer Tow Monitoring System
💰 Trims & Pricing (Estimated)
| Trim | Highlights | Est. Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | 4×4, manual, 12.3″ screen, removable top | $40,000 |
| Sport S | Power accessories, aluminum wheels, advanced safety | $43,000 |
| Willys | Off-road tires, rock rails, rear locker | $46,000 |
| Mojave | Desert Rated suspension, FOX shocks | $51,000 |
| Rubicon | Locking diffs, 33″ tires, sway bar disconnect | $53,000 |
| Rubicon X | 35″ tires, 100:1 crawl ratio, off-road cameras | $58,000 |
| High Altitude | Luxury trim, body-color hardtop, leather interior | $59,000 |
(Diesel engine adds ~$5,000 option; manual available on V6 trims only.)
🏁 Verdict – Zohari Cars Opinion
The 2026 Jeep Gladiator is still the only pickup that delivers Wrangler-level adventure with real truck capability.
It’s tough, customizable, and endlessly fun — the perfect blend of freedom and function.
From towing a trailer to crawling boulders or cruising topless on the beach, the Gladiator doesn’t just do it all — it enjoys it.
Zohari Score: 9.6 / 10
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Pros: Real off-road pickup, open-air freedom, strong towing, rugged design.
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Cons: Firm ride unloaded, diesel phaseout reduces torque option.