Jeep fans had visions of a more practical version of the iconic Wrangler off-roader dancing in their heads for years. Those dreams were realized when the Stellantis brand introduced the Wrangler Unlimited-based Gladiator midsize pickup truck for 2020. Leveraging its Wrangler roots, the Gladiator combined substantial off-road capability with more hauling capabilities.
Flash forward three years, and the midsize truck segment is more competitive than ever, with fresh versions of the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma. So it was no surprise that Jeep debuted an updated 2024 Gladiator at this year’s Detroit Auto Show.
2024 Jeep Gladiator Is More Refined and Safer Inside
Most of the Gladiator’s 2024 model year updates have already been applied to the 2024 Wrangler. That includes a new 12.3-inch touchscreen with the latest Uconnect 5 system and the new rectangular inboard air vent. An improved hands-free voice recognition system that uses new seven-microphone array technology is standard. The 2024 Wrangler’s optional 12-way power-adjustable front seats tested for water fording are now available on the Gladiator.
On the safety tech front, the refreshed Gladiator gets standard first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, standard forward collision warning (on Sport S models and above), and standard advanced cruise control with stop and go capability (on Sport S models and above). There are also second-row outboard seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and structural improvements for side-impact performance.
The 2024 Gladiator Is Even More Capable Off-Road
Jeep says the 2024 Gladiator “delivers 4x4 capability no other midsize truck can match.” Objectively, that means up to 7,700 pounds of maximum towing and “best-in-class 4x4 payload” of up to 1,725 pounds in its truck bed.
As before, the updated Jeep truck can be had with four different 4x4 systems, however, new for 2024 are standard rear locking differentials and the Off-Road+ on the Willys trim.
In what is already a vast lineup, two new trims have been added for 2024. The Gladiator Mojave X and Gladiator Rubicon X add even more off-road features with an integrated off-road camera, steel bumpers, and the Nappa leather-trimmed 12-way power-adjustable front seat.
The Jeep Gladiator’s standard 3.6-litre V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque continues for 2024. For off-roaders who love a manual transmission, a six-speed manual transmission is standard, and an eight-speed automatic transmission is available.
Jeep Tweaks Its Truck’s Iconic Looks
Not wanting to mess with success, the exterior design changes to the 2024 Gladiator are just as subtle as the Wrangler’s updated looks. Details include a revised seven-slot grille, a windshield-integrated “trail-ready” stealth antenna, and seven new wheel designs.
Ordering for the 2024 Jeep Gladiator is open now, and vehicles will start to arrive in Jeep dealerships at the end of this year.