The introduction of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator gives midsize-truck shoppers an intriguing new option to consider.
The latter includes large off-road tires, a sturdy suspension, and standard four-wheel drive. The Gladiator represents a unique entry among mid-size pickup trucks.
After years of anticipation, the all-new Gladiator finally emerges from the shadows as the first Jeep pickup truck in nearly 30 years.
Engine and its Performance:
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is powered by a 3.6-litre V-6 that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque routed through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic. It takes 7.2 seconds to scoot from zero to 60 mph.
Compared with the regular Wrangler, the Gladiator has an extra 19.4 inches between the front and rear wheels, and this helps improve the pickup’s ride and handling.
Models equipped with the standard manual transmission are rated at 16 mpg in city and 23 mpg at the highway. The automatic gearbox increases its estimated city mpg to 16 and drops its highway figure to 22 mpg.
What about the Payload Capacity?
When properly equipped, the Gladiator can pull an impressive 7650 pounds. Even the weakest version can pull a 4000-pound trailer. For comparison, the Wrangler is only rated to tow up to 3500 pounds. Those looking to load up the Gladiators cargo bed can carry between 1105 and 1700 pounds of payload.
Interior and Comfort:
When it comes to the interior, the Gladiator has an upright dashboard that imitates the Wrangler’s and supports user-friendly controls. Reliable details include a waterproof push-button start, and there are optional convenience features such as a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. The truck’s stretched wheelbase improves back-seat legroom versus the four-door Wrangler. The Gladiator also has body and roof panels that can be easily removed to create a spacious cabin. Along with its five-foot cargo bed, the Gladiator is filled with ingenious interior storage options. Its cabin has a handful of spots to stick a smartphone and a convenient compartment hidden under the back seat. The seats themselves can be stored in multiple ways and then securely locked in place for when the trail turns tricky.
Every model has a standard touchscreen, but only the larger 7.0- and 8.4-inch displays come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and portable wireless speaker behind the back seat.
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is currently the best off-road truck you can buy with class-leading towing of 7,650 pounds.
