It’s been a long wait but the 2020 Jeep Gladiator pickup has finally been revealed at the November 28, 2018 LA Auto Show and it’s quite impressive. We all have seen little sneak peeks and spy photos since it was first revealed that Jeep was actually doing this. In the early days of the Gladiator it was unofficially known as the Scrambler but suddenly before it’s release it was learned that it was going to officially be known as Gladiator.
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This new Jeep is based on the JL but has many things that set it apart from its cousin.
The Gladiator will ride on a 204-inch frame (31-inches longer than the JL Unlimited), 137-inch wheelbase (19.4-inches longer than the JLU) and feature a 5-foot bed. This gives the truck an approach angle of 43.6 degrees, breakover angle of 20.3 degrees, departure angle of 26 degrees and an 11.1-inch ground clearance.
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The JT truck will have best-in-class (presumably on the Rubicon trim) 7,650-pound towing capacity (optional Class 4 receiver and 4- and 7-pin harness plugs) and a 1,600-pound payload.
Trims
As expected, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator will come in 4 trims — Sport, Sport S, Overland and Rubicon, with the latter featuring Fox aluminum-bodied 2-inch diameter shocks, full length side bars and additional bar for the bed area (with the option for steel bumpers) and 33-inch mud-terrain Falken M/T tires (LT285/70R17) with C load rating.
4 Wheel Drive
The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator delivers legendary off-road capability courtesy of two advanced 4×4 systems. The Command-Trac 4×4 system, standard on Sport and Overland, features a two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, and heavy-duty third-generation Dana 44 front and rear axles with a 3.73 rear axle ratio.
On Gladiator Rubicon, a Rock-Trac 4×4 system features heavy-duty third-generation Dana 44 front and rear axles with a “4LO” ratio of 4:1. A 4.10 front and rear axle ratio is standard as are Tru-Lok locking differentials.
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Off Road Trickery
Gladiator Rubicon models offer improved articulation and total suspension travel with help from a segment-exclusive electronic sway-bar disconnect. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, Gladiator Rubicon has an impressive crawl ratio of 84.2:1, and 77.2:1 on Rubicon models equipped with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission – both of which make scaling any obstacle on the trail easy.
Both Command-Trac and Rock-Trac systems offer full-time torque management, enabling optimal grip in low-traction conditions. An available Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential on Sport and Overland provides extra torque and grip during slippery, low-traction situations, such as driving over sand, gravel, snow or ice.
Extra skid plates, rock rails and steel bumpers make up some of the standard and optional equipment to protect the Gladiator.
Towing and Cargo
The Gladiator has a respectable tow and payload capacity, up to 7,650-lb. towing and 1,600-lb. 4×4 payload capacity.
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This unique Jeep is sure to find its place in the hearts of the jeepfan and perhaps create some new ones too.
