LA Auto Show 2018 : 2020 Jeep Gladiator For Everything Life Can Possibly Throw At You!

The highly anticipated reveal of the new Jeep Gladiator is, let’s face it, not that significant in a world struggling with climate change and emissions. Even so, we’re epically stoked about what we’ve seen and can’t wait to drive this thing!!

Seeing it in person has us dreaming of the CJ-8 Scrambler and the Comanche, both now legendary Jeeps that are highly sought after today. There’s no doubt that the new Gladiator will be high on truck lovers’ lists and not only for its uber-cool rugged design.

Like the Wrangler, the Gladiator features both soft and hard tops, fold-down windshield, removable doors, and keystone-shaped grille but with wider slots for additional air intake for cooling. The bed is equipped with a damped tailgate, lighting and integrated tie-downs

The brilliant people at Jeep did not simply take an Unlimited, modified the rear with a bed and called it a day. No, they went all out to make sure that the Gladiator was not a poser-truck but a seriously hard-working machine.

In order to make it work, FCA designed and integrated a rear five-link coil suspension with two upper and two lower forged steel control arms for maximum control. This configuration not only provides, according to Jeep, excellent on- and off-road manners but capabilities far above those of its would-be competitors.

Depending on selected options and configurations, the Jeep Gladiator can tow up to 3,469 kilograms (7,650 pounds) and carry up to 725 kilograms (1,600 pounds) in its 5-foot bed. On top of these impressive capabilities, the Gladiator can still rumble off the beaten path with the best of them.

Powertrain options reside between the Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 and 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6 (2020) with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. With them and depending on specs, the Gladiator can be equipped with Command-Trac of hardcore Rock-Trac 4×4 systems, third-generation Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lock electric front- and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited-slip differential, electronic sway-bar disconnect, and 33-inch off-road tires.

While it’s obvious that fun will be had wherever you end up, Jeep’s added a slew of infotainment technologies in order to make the drive more pleasant. The 4^th generation Uconnect system, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 7.0- or 8.4-inch touchscreens are available contingent on trim selection, which reside between Sport, Sport S, Overland and Rubicon.

Should our efforts to curb climate change fail, we think the Gladiator will be a good option for survival… Pricing has yet to be announced however we expect the base price to hover the $40k mark.

Honestly, we’re debating internally which unveil from the LA Auto Show we like best and this Jeep is at or near the top!