The highly anticipated 2024 Jeep® Gladiator (JT) is set to hit the market with a host of upgrades, mirroring the improvements seen in the 2024 Wrangler (JL). Spy shots of a non-camouflaged preproduction Gladiator were recently captured in a Kroger parking lot, giving us a glimpse of the exterior changes.
While the interior remains mostly concealed, there are indications of a Wrangler-inspired upgrade. Jeep enthusiasts can expect an enhanced driving experience in this popular midsize pickup truck, with the refreshed Gladiator looking more modern and refined.
The front of the 2024 Gladiator showcases an updated version of Jeep’s iconic seven-slat grille, aligning it with the refreshed Wrangler. Although the details behind the grille remain unseen, the photographed prototype appears to feature the carried-over 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. It is expected that the 2024 model will say farewell to the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 in favor of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system similar to the Wrangler 4xe. You can expect that system to adopt the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine integrated with two electric motors and a 400-volt battery pack, giving the Gladiator somewhere around 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque combined.
Furthermore, it remains to be confirmed if the new Gladiator models will adopt the full-float rear axle found in select 2024 Wranglers. Adopting this design in the pickup truck would offer numerous advantages, including improved durability, a potentially higher tow rating, increased wheel and tire options, and greater flexibility for trailside repairs.
This particular preproduction model is a High Altitude model. For 2024, the Wrangler made the High Altitude its own trim on 4xe models. As this preproduction model shows us, it looks that the Gladiator will continue to offer it on non-4xe models as well. High Altitude models feature 12-way power and heated front seats, an integrated front camera, and Selec-Trac full-time transfer case, in addition to a unique exterior appearance with 20-inch wheels and body-color bumpers.
While the interior of the 2024 Gladiator remains shrouded in camouflage, several details suggest a significant upgrade. The spy shots reveal an automatic transmission, leaving hope that the Gladiator will retain the option for a manual transmission, following in the footsteps of the Wrangler. The familiar transfer case lever with four-high and four-low gearing is also visible, maintaining the Gladiator’s off-road capabilities.
On the 2024 Wrangler High Altitude models, there is a new exclusive Mantis Green interior color on the instrument panel mid bolster and Nappa leather seats, which we expect this camouflage to cover up.
The Gladiator is expected to receive a new dash design similar to the Wrangler, featuring a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display. Running on Jeep’s latest Uconnect 5 system, the touchscreen will likely offer standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, ensuring seamless connectivity for occupants.
According to our sources, the 2024 Jeep Gladiator production is scheduled to begin on Monday, November 27th, 2023, at the Toledo Assembly Complex. We expect to see the updated Gladiator officially debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, scheduled in September.
2024 Jeep® Gladiator High Altitude Spy Shots Image Gallery:
