Jeep Revives Gladiator Name for 4x4 Pickup

Hoping to capitalize on the popularity of midsize pickups, Jeep will offer its 2020 Gladiator as a 4x4-only pickup that may land more with retail than commercial buyers, but could find its way into fleets with a need to traverse rugged terrain. The 2020 Gladiator debuted ahead of the LA Auto Show on Nov. 28 as one of the more anticipated models.

With the offering, Jeep is reentering the pickup market with a Wrangler-based truck. From 1947 to 1992, Jeep pickups such as the Gladiator, Jeep Truck, and Comanche were offered. Three owners of the Jeep brand offered the earlier Gladiator from 1962 to 1971.

The 2020 Gladiator will offer plenty of capability in a competitive segment that has doubled sales in the past four years. It will offer a pair of engines, including a standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and later a 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel.

Hauling capabilities for the gasoline truck with a standard 4x4 drivetrain come in at 7,650 pounds of towing and 1,600 pounds of payload.

The 2020 Gladiator is available in Sport, Sport S, Overland and Rubicon models. Gladiator Rubicon provides additional rugged components such as front and rear Dana 44 axles and a more aggressive 4x4 system.

The truck will be built in Toledo, Ohio, and arrive in showrooms during the second quarter of 2019.