The 2024 Jeep Gladiator made its debut at the North American International Auto Show, building on the legacy of its introduction to the Jeep lineup in 2019. This rugged truck was initially introduced to complement the iconic Jeep Wrangler, and it has since gained its own dedicated fan base of off-road enthusiasts.
One of the most noticeable changes to the 2024 Gladiator is its updated exterior, highlighted by the adoption of the new seven-slot grille, a design feature synonymous with Jeep. This grille, akin to its counterpart on the Wrangler, now sports smaller slots, a modification aimed at enhancing cooling performance. The grille’s black slats with neutral gray bezels and body-color surround give the Gladiator a fresh and distinctive look. However, the Willys trim sets itself apart with black slots and bezels.
Wheel options have also been expanded for the 2024 model, with seven new designs catering to 32- and 33-inch tires. Jeep has also bid farewell to the old steel mast antenna, replacing it with a sleek integrated one located within the windshield.
Stepping inside the Gladiator, you’ll find interior updates inspired by the refreshed Wrangler. The most striking addition is the new 12.3-inch infotainment display, leading to a redesign of the inboard air vents, which now form a slim line beneath the screen housing the Uconnect 5 system. Another noteworthy upgrade is the availability of twelve-way power seats, rigorously tested for water fording capability.
The 12.3-inch screen boasts wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and can simultaneously connect to two Bluetooth-enabled devices. Voice recognition has also seen improvements with a new seven-microphone array. The display serves as a hub for the Jeep Adventure Guide with Trails Offroad, providing access to trail guides and maps, including 62 Jeep Badge of Honor trails, with additional trail subscriptions available for a cost.
Safety has been enhanced in the 2024 Gladiator with the inclusion of first- and second-row curtain airbags and belt pretensioners and load limiters for the second-row outboard seats. Structural improvements have been made to bolster side impact performance.
Under the hood, the 2024 Gladiator retains the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine option, previously available, has been phased out. Still, there’s no word on if Jeep will add the intimidating 392 V8 engine, which many fans have asked for since Jeep added it to the Wrangler lineup. However, executives say that a 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the Gladiator will be here by 2025 to help ‘electrify’ the range with 21 to 25 miles of electric range and using the PHEV 2.0-liter 4-cylinder in the new Jeep Wrangler 4xe.
Transmission choices include a standard six-speed manual and an optional eight-speed automatic. All Gladiators come with three skid plates protecting the fuel tank, transfer case, and automatic transmission oil pan.
Different trim levels bring unique features. The Mojave and Rubicon models receive steel rock rails, while the X variants come with additional steel rock rails for the bed corners. The Mojave X and Rubicon X boast integrated off-road cameras, steel bumpers, a full-time transfer case, and power front seats.
Jeep caters to adventure seekers by offering three new upfit packages from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) for the Gladiator. These packages include suspension lifts and various tire options, enhancing the truck’s off-road capabilities.
Interested buyers can already place orders for the 2024 Gladiator, with deliveries set to commence at U.S. dealerships by the year’s end. Jeep also offers AEV upfit orders, a process that involves shipping vehicles from their Toledo Assembly Complex to AEV for customization before they reach the customer’s preferred dealer. The Gladiator will be available in a range of colors, offering customers the opportunity to choose a shade that suits their style.
While pricing details for the 2024 model year are yet to be announced, it’s safe to say that Jeep enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to with the latest iteration of the Gladiator, building upon the vehicle’s reputation as a rugged and capable off-road truck.
