2020 Jeep Gladiator

2020 Jeep Gladiator Highlights

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator marked the brand's highly anticipated return to the pickup truck market. As the first Jeep truck since 1992, the Gladiator combines the off-road prowess of the Wrangler with the utility of a midsize pickup. This debut model year brings Jeep's iconic design and capability to a new segment, offering a unique blend of adventure-ready features and practical functionality.

2020 Jeep Gladiator Specs/Key Details

• Midsize pickup body style
• Crew cabin configuration
• 5-foot cargo bed
• Soft top or hardtop
• Standard four-wheel drive
• 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine
• Six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission
• Removable doors and roof panels

Benefits

• Unmatched open-air experience in the pickup truck segment
• Impressive off-road capability, especially in Rubicon or Mojave trim
• Best-in-class towing capacity for a gasoline midsize pickup
• Unique styling that stands out from traditional pickup trucks
• Jeep brand heritage and enthusiast appeal

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2020 Jeep Gladiator Overview

Performance

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This proven powerplant, shared with the Wrangler, provides ample power for both on-road driving and off-road adventures. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, offering precise control for off-road enthusiasts, while an eight-speed automatic is available for those who prefer not to row their gears.

All Gladiator models come standard with four-wheel drive, underlining the vehicle's off-road focus. The Sport and Overland trims feature the Command-Trac 4x4 system, which includes a two-speed transfer case for tackling challenging terrain. The Rubicon trim elevates off-road performance with the more advanced Rock-Trac 4x4 system, featuring a 4:1 low-range gear ratio, electronic locking front and rear differentials, and an electronic disconnecting front sway bar. The Mojave is outfitted similarly to the Rubicon but forgoes the former’s locking front differential and disconnecting sway bar in favor of gear better suited for desert adventures.

The Gladiator's towing capacity is notable, with properly equipped models capable of towing up to 7,650 pounds. This best-in-class figure for gasoline midsize pickups makes the Gladiator a versatile choice for those who need to haul heavy loads. Payload capacity is equally noteworthy, with the ability to carry up to 1,600 pounds in its 5-foot bed.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not evaluated the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. However, partial ratings include a four-star rating for frontal crashes and a three-star rating for rollover resistance.

Standard safety features across all 2020 Gladiator grades include:

• Advanced multistage front airbags
• Supplemental front seat-mounted side airbags
• Electronic stability control
• Trailer sway control
• Hill start assist
• Rearview camera

The Gladiator also offers a suite of advanced driver assistance technologies, with availability varying by trim:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision warning with active braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-path detection
• Rear backup camera with dynamic gridlines

Driving

Behind the wheel, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator offers a unique driving experience that blends the characteristics of a Wrangler with those of a midsize pickup. The elevated seating position provides excellent visibility, while the boxy design makes placing the vehicle on the road or trail easy.

On-road behavior is surprisingly refined for a vehicle with such an off-road focus—the longer wheelbase than the Wrangler improves stability and a smoother ride. Steering is responsive, though there's noticeable body roll in corners, a trade-off for the off-road-oriented suspension.

Off-road is where the Gladiator truly excels. The standard four-wheel-drive system, with generous ground clearance and robust axles, allows the Gladiator to tackle challenging terrain confidently.

One of the Gladiator's unique features is its ability to provide an open-air experience. The removable doors and roof panels allow drivers to enjoy the outdoors in a way that no other pickup truck can match. However, this design produces more wind noise at highway speeds than traditional enclosed pickups.

Interior

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator interior blends ruggedness with modern comfort and technology. The design is borrowed from the Wrangler, with an upright dashboard, circular air vents, and chunky controls that are easy to operate even with gloved hands.

The Gladiator's crew cab configuration provides seating for five, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. The front seats are supportive and offer good adjustability. The rear seats are among the most spacious in the midsize pickup segment, comfortably accommodating adult passengers.

One of the Gladiator's unique interior features is its flexibility. The rear seats can fold down to create a flat load floor and be locked to create secure storage behind the seat backs. Also, hidden in-floor storage beneath the rear seats provides a secure spot for storing valuables.

2020 Jeep Gladiator interior features available on various Gladiator trims include:

• Leather-trimmed seats
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Premium Alpine audio system
• Removable Bluetooth wireless speaker

Technology

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator has a range of technology features designed to enhance convenience, safety, and connectivity. The standard Uconnect infotainment system includes a 5-inch touchscreen display, while higher trims offer 7-inch or 8.4-inch screens with navigation.

Available technology features, varying by trim, include:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Off-road pages (on Rubicon) displaying vehicle status and off-road data
• Forward-facing TrailCam off-road camera (on Rubicon)

Fuel Economy

The EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator vary depending on the transmission choice. Here's a breakdown of the official EPA estimates:

3.6-liter six-cylinder

• 4WD/manual transmission (mpg): 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined
• 4WD/automatic transmission (mpg): 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined

2020 Jeep Gladiator Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book are predominantly positive for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Owners give the Gladiator high scores for its quality, reliability, and styling.

Reasons to Buy It

• Unique (for the pickup category) open-top driving option
• Exceptional off-pavement abilities
• Strong towing capabilities
• Generous cabin size
• Vibrant Jeep enthusiast community

Problems

• Higher starting price compared to some competitors
• Fuel economy lags behind some rivals
• On-road handling is not as refined as some competitors
• Wind noise at highway speeds, especially with soft top
• Limited bed size compared to some midsize trucks
• Advanced safety features not standard on lower trims

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CoPilot's Take

While the midsize pickup truck market isn’t very crowded, it has solid competing entries: the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier. The 2020 Gladiator outpaces these rivals in the off-road department. An open-air cabin and exceptional tow capacity dial up the fun factor.

It’s best to think of the Gladiator as a pickup geared more for recreation but able to handle work rigors if its five-foot cargo bed is all you need. The competitors flip this coin with a larger cargo bed and more task-oriented features.

At the same time, a lack of cabin refinement and a suspension that’s not as comfortable on the road may turn off some shoppers. The Gladiator is ideal for buyers who want more versatility than its SUV stablemate, the Wrangler. But be prepared to pay a premium, as Jeep prices the Gladiator as a more premium offering than rival trucks.

2020 Jeep Gladiator FAQs

Is the 2020 Jeep Gladiator a good truck?

Yes, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is generally considered a good truck, particularly for those who value off-road capability and unique styling. It offers best-in-class towing capacity for a gasoline midsize pickup, impressive off-road performance (especially in Rubicon trim), and the unique ability to remove the roof and doors. However, it may not be the best choice for those prioritizing on-road comfort, fuel efficiency, or maximum cargo capacity. Its higher price point compared to some competitors should also be considered. It's ideal for Jeep enthusiasts and those seeking a versatile, adventure-ready pickup.

Is the 2020 Jeep Gladiator reliable?

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator, being in its first year of production, has mixed reliability reports. While it benefits from using many proven components from the Jeep Wrangler, some owners have reported issues, particularly with the steering system (a problem known as the "death wobble"). However, recalls and technical service bulletins addressed many of these issues. J.D. Power gave the 2020 Gladiator a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100, considered "Great." As with any vehicle, especially in its first production year, regular maintenance and addressing any issues promptly can help ensure long-term reliability.

What is the gas mileage of a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport S?

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport S with the 3.6L V6 engine is EPA-rated for:

• With manual transmission: 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway / 19 mpg combined
• With automatic transmission: 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway / 19 mpg combined

What are the 2020 Jeep Gladiator trims?

Buyers can choose from six core editions:

• 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport
• 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport S
• 2020 Jeep Gladiator Altitude
• 2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland
• 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
• 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave

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