The Jeep Gladiator is a unique fusion of a traditional pickup, and the rugged, go-anywhere adventure vehicles that off-road has become famous for. Sure, it’s got a 7,700-lb towing capacity that puts it right at the top of the midsize segment, but it also has a removable top and doors, not to mention those little Jeep features that have made the brand such an icon. It’s built with seating for five and a 5.5-ft bed, but it also has a fold-down windshield and an available 400-watt power inverter and auxiliary switches that’ll allow you to power your lightbar, winch, or any other gear you might need to ensure off-road success.
Speaking of off-roading, the Gladiator is a Jeep through-and-through with ample ground clearance and a pair of rugged 4WD systems that are ready for whatever you might throw at them. With so many features and trims to choose from, not to mention two distinct 4WD systems, there can be a lot to unpack when you’re seeking a Jeep Gladiator for sale. That’s why we’ve compiled a quick guide to the 2024 model. Buckle in, throw it in 4WD and read on as we explore what Jeep brings to the pickup segment.
4WD Systems
From the battlefield to the desert and everywhere in between, the Jeep name has always been synonymous with off-road performance. The Gladiator is keeping that tradition alive with two brawny 4WD systems to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at each version and see which one is the right choice for your own driving style and preferences.
Command-Trac
Like the Jeep Wrangler, the majority of the 2024 Gladiator lineup comes standard with Jeep’s Command-Trac 4WD system. This part-time 4×4 system provides the best of both worlds, giving drivers all the traction they need to conquer off-road terrain while also providing a comfortable ride on paved roads. The Command-Trac arsenal includes a solid front and rear axle and hardy transfer case with a manual shift-on-the-fly feature that allows drivers to switch between 2WD and 4WD at speeds as high as 55 mph.
When in 4WD, the Gladiator will help drivers to conquer challenging road conditions with a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear axle. Need the sort of low-end torque that only 4 Low can provide? Simply bring the Gladiator to a stop and the Command-Trac system will lock the front and rear driveshafts and give you all the traction you could ask for with a gear ratio of 2.72:1.
Rock-Trac
Drivers opting for the Gladiator’s high-performance Rubicon trims will see the pickup’s standard 4WD replaced with the Rock-Trac system. Designed with off-road success in mind, Rock-Trac pulls out all the stops to turn the Gladiator into a rock-crawling, dune-bashing beast. It all starts with the Rock-Trac’s part-time transfer case which provides drivers with a 4:1 gear ratio and 73.1:1 crawl ratio when in 4 Low mode. Those are the kind of numbers that’ll have you sizing up every sheer rock face you come across, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Rock-Trac.
The 4WD system also comes standard with Tru-Lock locking front and rear differentials, a 50/50 torque split between the heavy-duty Dana 44 solid front and rear axles, and an electronic sway bar disconnect system that improves stability while dramatically reducing the risk of a costly rollover when traveling at less than 20 mph.
The Extensive Trim Lineup
While we’ll do our best to describe some of the highlights of each trim for the 2024 Gladiator, the Jeep experience has always been about giving drivers the ability to craft a model that meets their own unique driving needs. To that end, Jeep offers a wide range of additional equipment and full packages that can help transform even the base model into an off-road-ready adventure rig. From all-terrain tires and side steps to three-piece hard tops, an anti-spin rear differential, an Active Safety package with automatic high-beam headlights, LED tail lamps, and Jeep’s ParkSense rear park-assist system, the Gladiator can be optioned just about any way you like.
Those seeking a little extra pulling power will appreciate the Max Tow package complete with a 4.10 axle ratio while the Cargo Management package with a 400-watt watt power inverter and bed-mounted 115-volt outlet will let you you bring along any light bars, compressors, winches or other equipment you might need for the ride.
Sport
Jeep kicks off the 2024 lineup with the Gladiator Sport. Like all of the 2024 trims, the Sport is packed with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that churns out some 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Drivers who like to switch their own gears will appreciate the standard six-speed manual transmission, though an eight-speed automatic is also offered for a little added convenience. The Sport is a well-rounded option with its 17-inch wheels and premium soft top, but it’s the fact that this entry-level model comes with a giant 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that really sets it apart in the pickup segment.
Nighthawk
New for 2024, the Gladiator Nighthawk ups the Sport trim’s off-road credentials while also lending the pickup a bold, moody new look. Drivers will be treated to a set of gloss-black 20-inch wheels along with a body-colored roof, fender flares and heated side mirrors. Limited to 2,000 units, the Nighthawk’s most notable off-road upgrade comes in the form of a heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles with a 3.73:1 axle ratio and limited-slip rear differential. If you’re looking for a Gladiator that knows how to stand out in the crowd, the Nighthawk is certainly worth a closer look.
Sport S
The Sport S might just offer the best value of the 2024 lineup. The addition of Adaptive Cruise Control, power windows and locks, and a Forward Collision Warning system make the Sport S an even safer, more accessible option than the base Sport trim. The Sport S trades on the off-road performance that’s made Jeep such a popular option for adventurous drivers, which is why it’s nice to see the brand include a unique feature that’ll help the pickup resist the dings, chips and cracks that can come with the territory. The windshield of the Sport S is built using the same high-strength Gorilla Glass found on many smartphones and portable electronics, allowing drivers to kick up all the dirt and rocks they like while dramatically decreasing the chance of any long-term damage.
Texas Trail
The Gladiator gets a makeover worthy of the Lone Star State with the Texas Trail trim. Limited to the Texas market, this exclusive package upgrades the pickup’s Sport S trim with a set of 32-inch mud-terrain tires that are perfect for navigating every corner of its southwestern namesake. The Texas Trail edition also comes with an exclusive set of black-finish 17-inch aluminum wheels, a body-color hardtop, and a set of decals that pay homage to the state with a Texas Trail logo and a bold “1836” that reflects the year the Republic was born.
Willys
The Willys trim honors the forerunner of the modern Jeep built by Willys-Overland in the 1940s, doing the name proud with a host of Trail-Rated components that’ll prove just how far the brand has come in the last 80-plus years. Drivers will enjoy all the equipment found on the Sport S, plus a rear-locking differential, steel rock rails, LED headlights and foglights, and a set of programmable auxiliary switches to access your powered accessories at the touch of a button. The Willys trim also sees the addition of Off-Road+ mode, which gives you the ability to customize the Gladiator’s throttle, transmission shift points, and traction control depending on what sort of terrain you might be navigating.
Beach
If you’re in the market for a little fun in the sun, it’s hard to do better than the Gladiator’s limited-edition Beach trim. Limited to just 250 units, this exclusive trim sees the Gladiator’s Willys trim graced with a host of beach-ready upgrades that’ll have you slathering on the sunscreen. Inspired by the brand’s annual Jeep Beach fundraiser and vendor showcase, the Gladiator Beach comes standard with everything you’ll find on the Willys, plus Mopar Katzkin leather seats embroidered with the Jeep Beach logo, a Jeep Beach decal package, and an easy-access Sunrider flip top.
Mojave
Inspired by the desert prerunners that can be found traversing some of the world’s most challenging, and driest, terrain, the Gladiator’s Mojave trim is all about off-road speed. The centerpiece of this package would have to be the Mojave’s selectable high-speed rear-locking differential, but the addition of off-road Dana 44 axles, high-clearance black fender flares, and a sport steering wheel certainly don’t hurt. To soak up all the bumps and bruises that can come with high-speed off-road use, Jeep has packed the Mojave with an advanced suite of components from Fox, including 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks with reservoirs and front hydro jounce bumpers. A one-inch suspension lift and steel rock rails will give you all the ground clearance and protection you need to put the pedal to the metal while the proximity keyless entry improves accessibility for everyday driving.
Rubicon
Until the introduction of the Rubicon X package in 2014, Jeep’s Rubicon trim was the be-all, end-all when it came to off-road performance. Specifically designed for the sort of rock-crawling antics that captivate so many off-road drivers, the Rubicon is the first Gladiator trim to be treated to the Rock-Trac 4WD system. An electronic front sway-bar disconnect gives the Rubicon the ability to tackle large obstacles like boulders, while the steel rear bumper and high-clearance black fender flares provide some important protection and increase wheel travel. Throw in some off-road Dana 44 axles, selectable front- and rear-locking differentials, Off-Road+ mode, and a dual-vented good, and you’ve got a Gladiator that can tackle even the steepest obstacles with ease.
Mojave X
The Mojave X represents the Gladiator’s penultimate trim. The package takes everything there is to love about the Mojave and kicks it up a notch with a full suite of luxurious features that make the high-speed desert-dwelling beast an even better choice as a daily driver. The trim’s 12-way power-adjustable front seats, Nappa leather heated seats, and heated steering wheel increase the comfort level while advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection and the ParkSense rear park-assist system give the pickup a safety record that’s hard to beat.
The Mojave X is also packed with a number of trail-ready advancements, including steel front and rear bumpers and an integrated front off-road camera that allows you to get a closer look at any obstacles or simply get the lay of the land via the dashboard infotainment display. When it’s time to call it a day and get the party started, the Mojave X takes a double-barreled approach with a nine-speaker premium Alpine audio system that’s complemented by a wireless Bluetooth speaker.
Rubicon X
If you’re looking for the ultimate 2024 Gladiator, there’s simply no beating the Rubicon X. The trim is almost identical to the Mojave X, but it’s the addition of Jeep’s Rock-Trac full-time transfer case that really ups the ante. Between the 4:1 gear ratio, 73.1:1 crawl ratio, Tru-Lock locking front and rear differentials, and electronic sway bar disconnect system, you’ll be able to take on whatever the trail may bring, be it rocks, logs, mud, or sand. Like the Mojave X the Rubicon X also turns the Gladiator into a veritable luxury ride with the 12-way power adjustable front seats, nine-speaker premium Alpine audio system, heated seats and steering wheel while the body-color fender flares and hardtop with headliner give the pickup an eye-catching monochrome look.
The Jeep Gladiator Offers a Truly Unique Truck Driving Experience
There’s a reason the Jeep Gladiator has been ranked the “#1 Pickup in Initial Quality” by JD Power & Associates. While Jeep’s off-road reputation precedes it, some drivers might be surprised to learn just how luxurious the Gladiator can be when it comes to the truck’s upper trims. From premium leather and comfort features to high-fidelity audio systems and those little creature features that are so important in any luxury vehicle, the 2024 Gladiator punches well above its weight to deliver a noteworthy fusion of performance, style and comfort.
The Gladiator provides the perfect template for drivers to create the off-road pickup of their dreams, with a long list of customization options to ensure no two models are alike. From the value-packed Sport and Sport S to serious off-road machines like the Rubicon, Mojave and their X variants, the 2024 Gladiator certainly packs its fair share of surprises.
