What’s New For The 2026 Jeep® Gladiator (JT)

The Jeep® Gladiator isn’t going anywhere. While a lot of midsize pickups are chasing softer, more crossover-like missions, the 2026 Gladiator (JT) stays true to what it is: a Wrangler with a steel bed, real 4×4 hardware, and just enough modern tech to keep daily life from feeling primitive.

For 2026, Jeep doesn’t reinvent the truck, but it does sharpen it. There’s a new heritage-inspired buzz model, new colors, a much easier way to yank the doors off, and a trim lineup that’s a little clearer about who it’s for—whether you’re towing toys, crawling rocks, or hammering whoops in the desert.

Here’s a deep dive into what’s going on with the 2026 Gladiator: what’s new, how each trim breaks down, the powertrain and 4×4 systems, colors, and pricing.

What’s New For 2026 – 

Jeep focused on making the Gladiator easier to live with day-to-day, while doubling down on the heritage and off-road side of the truck.

• New quick-release door hinge system – This is a big one. The door hinges are now designed so you can pull the doors off without digging out tools. If you’re the kind of person who actually runs doors-off in the summer, this is a quality-of-life upgrade you’ll appreciate every weekend.

• New Willys ‘41 buzz model – A special Willys ‘41 variant pays tribute to the Kaiser Jeep M715 military truck. Think more heritage flavor, rugged details, and exclusive content layered on top of the already-capable Willys trim.

• Sport S gets more bite – Sport S buyers can now opt for more aggressive all-terrain tires from the factory, giving the “volume” Gladiator a little more stance and real-world trail grip.

• New colors – Jeep adds Reign, a bold purple, and Goldilocks (late availability) to the exterior palette. They join familiar Gladiator hues and help the truck stand out even more in a parking lot full of gray appliances.

Powertrain: Pentastar-Only, But Still Doing The Job –

Jeep keeps it simple for 2026: every Gladiator comes with the same 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 8-speed automatic transmission.

3.6-Liter Pentastar V6 –

• Output: 285 horsepower (209 kW) at 6,400 rpm

• Torque: 260 lb.-ft. (353 N·m) at 4,400 rpm

• Configuration: 60-degree V-type, aluminum block and heads

• Valve train: DOHC, 24 valves, with hydraulic roller rockers

• Compression ratio: 11.3:1

• Max engine speed: 6,600 rpm (electronically limited)

• Fuel: 87-octane regular unleaded

• EPA fuel economy: 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway / 19 mpg combined (approx.)

The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, breathing through aluminum heads and a deep-skirt aluminum block that help reduce weight while improving heat management. Its 60-degree V configuration keeps the engine naturally balanced, and the DOHC 24-valve design uses hydraulic roller rockers to minimize friction and improve efficiency. With an 11.3:1 compression ratio, it prefers 87-octane regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep ownership costs down. The Pentastar revs willingly, hitting peak horsepower at 6,400 rpm and peak torque at 4,400 rpm while delivering an EPA rating of around 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined.

Backing that engine is the 850RE 8-speed automatic transmission, which has become the backbone of many Stellantis rear-drive vehicles. Its adaptive electronic controls constantly adjust shift patterns based on throttle input, load, and terrain, which helps the Gladiator feel responsive both on-road and off the pavement. The eight-speed layout uses a wide gear spread, starting with a deep 4.71 first gear for strong launches and crawling, then tapering down through closely spaced middle gears before landing in two overdrive ratios—0.84 in seventh and 0.67 in eighth—to keep highway revs in check. The result is a powertrain that feels confident off the line, relaxed at speed, and predictable when towing.

Towing & Payload –

Jeep leans heavily on the Pentastar’s durability and gearing to make the Gladiator a real truck, not just a lifestyle accessory.

• Maximum towing capacity:

  • Up to 7,700 pounds (≈ 3,493 kg) on properly equipped Sport models with the Max Tow Package

  • Up to 7,000 pounds (≈ 3,175 kg) on Rubicon

  • 6,000 pounds (≈ 2,722 kg) on Willys and Mojave

• Maximum payload:

  • Up to 1,720 pounds (≈ 780 kg) on Gladiator Sport S with the right configuration

That puts Gladiator right at the top of the midsize pickup class in gas towing, while still giving you respectable bed capacity for tools, camping gear, or whatever toys you’re hauling.

4×4 Hardware & Off-Road Capability –

This is where Gladiator separates itself from most of the midsize field. Jeep doesn’t just slap a skid plate on and call it an off-road package; the whole truck is built around real 4×4 use.

Transfer Cases – 

Gladiator offers four different 4×4 systems depending on trim:

1. Command-Trac (NV241, MP1622) – Part-Time 4×4

   • Standard on: Sport, Willys, Mojave

   • Modes: 2WD High, 4WD High, Neutral, 4WD Low

   • Low range: 2.72:1

   • Axle ratios: 3.73 standard, 4.10 available (Max Tow, Mojave)
     This is your classic Jeep part-time system: great for trails, snow, and loose surfaces, not meant for full-time use on dry pavement in 4WD High.

2. Selec-Trac (MP3022) – Full-Time 4×4

   • Available on: Mojave

   • Modes: 2WD High, Auto, 4WD High, Neutral, 4WD Low

   • Low range: 2.72:1

   • Axle ratios: 3.73 or 4.10
     Auto mode lets you just drive, while the system meters torque front and rear as needed. It’s the “set it and forget it” option for mixed climates and daily drivers.

3. Rock-Trac (NV241OR, MP1622OR) – Part-Time Rock-Crawler System

   • Standard on: Rubicon

   • Low range: 4.0:1

   • Axle ratio: 4.10
     Rock-Trac is all about crawling—slow, controlled torque multiplication for technical trails.

4. Rock-Trac Full-Time (available)

   • Available on: Rubicon (as a full-time variant)

   • Adds an Auto 4WD mode to the hardcore low-range gearing, giving Rubicon owners more flexibility on-road.

Axles & Lockers –

Every Gladiator uses 3rd generation Dana heavy-duty axles, but the details vary by trim:

• Sport / Sport S / Willys / Mojave:

  • Dana 44 heavy-duty solid front and rear

  • Open diffs on Sport (with available Trac-Lok limited-slip in the rear)

  • Electronic locking rear differential standard on Willys and Mojave

• Rubicon / Rubicon X:

  • Dana 44 heavy-duty wide-track axles front and rear

  • Electronic Tru-Lok lockers front and rear

  • 4.10 gearing standard

Between the axle choices, locking differentials, and transfer case options, you can spec a Gladiator that’s more capable out of the box than a lot of trucks ever will be even after mods.

Angles, Ground Clearance & Water Fording – 

With the various tire and suspension setups, Gladiator posts some serious off-road numbers:

• Approach angle: up to 44.7 degrees (Rubicon)

• Breakover angle: up to 20.9 degrees (Mojave/Rubicon)

• Departure angle: up to 26 degrees

• Ground clearance: up to 11.6 inches on Rubicon

• Water fording: up to 31.5 inches, with the electronics and seats designed to handle it

Rolling stock varies by trim:

• Sport: 245/75R17

• Willys: 255/75R17C

• Mojave: LT285/70R17 (33-inch all-terrain)

• Rubicon: LT285/70R17 (33-inch all-terrain)

Those 33s plus the gearing and lockers are what make Rubicon feel like purpose-built machines, not just appearance packages.

Suspension, Steering & Brakes – 

Gladiator keeps a traditional solid-axle, coil-spring setup front and rear, tuned differently for each model.

• Sport & Willys:

  • Solid axles with link-coil suspension

  • Gas-charged monotube shocks with multi-tuned valve (MTV) tech

  • Hollow stabilizer bars for a balance between on-road stability and articulation

• Mojave / Mojave X:

  • FOX™ 2.5-inch aluminum internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs

  • FOX™ front hydraulic jounce bumpers

  • Larger rear track bar and bushings

  • Tuned for high-speed desert work and big hits

• Rubicon / Rubicon X:

  • High-pressure gas-charged monotube shocks with hydraulic rebound stops

  • Electronic front sway-bar disconnect for extra articulation on the trail

Steering is electro-hydraulic with a 13.3:1 overall ratio and about 3.24 turns lock-to-lock. Turning circle is around 44.5–44.7 feet (≈ 13.6 m), depending on the trim. Brakes are vented discs all around with twin-piston calipers up front and single-piston in the rear.

Interior, Tech & Everyday Livability – 

Step inside the 2026 Jeep Gladiator and the cabin immediately reminds you what this truck is all about: rugged function first, but now with enough modern touches to make daily driving far easier than before. Jeep has continued to blend the upright, durable feel people expect from a Wrangler-based interior with upgraded materials, improved tech, and smarter packaging. The result is a space that still feels purposely built for outdoor life, yet doesn’t punish you when you’re simply commuting or running errands around town.

The centerpiece of the interior is the standard 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, which now gives the Gladiator the largest standard display in its segment. Uconnect 5 is quick, intuitive, and customizable, with crisp graphics and simple menus that make it easy to adjust settings or access navigation without digging through layers of icons. When equipped with Uconnect 5 NAV, the Gladiator adds integrated Off-Road Trail Guides—something Jeep likes to remind buyers is segment-exclusive. These built-in maps include many of the brand’s Badge of Honor trails, letting owners plan and follow real off-road routes without juggling apps or losing signal deep on a trail.

Modern connectivity is another area where Jeep clearly wanted the Gladiator to outpace its competitors. The cabin features four traditional USB ports and three USB-C ports, giving it the most charging points in its class. Between phones, cameras, tablets, and GPS devices, passengers won’t have to fight over outlets anymore. Jeep Connect compatibility ties everything together, letting owners use the smartphone app to check vehicle health, locate the truck in a crowded lot, or use remote features with just a tap.

Comfort continues to improve across the lineup as well. The 2026 Gladiator offers available heated 12-way power front seats—an impressive level of adjustability for a truck this focused on trail use. Jeep engineered these seats to handle real-world off-roading, meaning they can tolerate water fording up to 31.5 inches and still operate normally afterward. That’s something you won’t hear from every midsize truck competitor. Depending on trim, the Gladiator’s interior can be outfitted with cloth, premium cloth, or full leather, including the sharp Black/Mantis Green combinations that fit right in with the Mojave and Willys personalities.

Even with all the added convenience features, the Gladiator’s interior remains straightforward and easy to understand. The controls are big enough to use with gloves, the steering wheel feels solid and nicely weighted, and the dash layout avoids the clutter that plagues some modern trucks. Jeep also designed the removable top and doors to integrate cleanly into the interior structure, giving the cabin an open-air feel without leaving exposed trim pieces or awkward gaps behind. Combined with the new quick-release door hinge system, it’s easier than ever to transform the cabin from a daily commuter into a full open-air experience in just minutes.

Overall, the 2026 Gladiator’s interior hits a sweet spot: durable enough to handle mud, sand, and weather, but refined and connected enough for long highway trips and everyday family use. It’s one of the few midsize trucks where you can hose off your boots, throw your gear in the back, and still enjoy premium technology and comfort on the drive home.

Trim-By-Trim Breakdown – 

Gladiator Sport – 

Starting MSRP: $38,830 (plus $1,995 destination)

Sport is the entry point, but it’s not a stripped-down fleet special. It gives you:

• 3.6L Pentastar V6 with ESS

• 8-speed 850RE automatic

• Command-Trac part-time 4×4

• Dana 44 front and rear axles

• 3.73 axle ratio standard

• 245/75R17 tires

• Cloth low-back bucket seats

• 5-foot steel bed with tie-downs

You can build a Sport into a serious tow rig with the Max Tow Package with 4.10 Axle Ratio, which adds:

• Dana M210 wide front axle

• Dana M220 wide rear axle

• 4.10 axle ratio

• Heavy-duty engine cooling

• Class IV receiver hitch

• 6,500 lbs GVWR

• A/T tires and other supporting hardware

Overall, the 2026 Gladiator Sport remains the strongest entry-level offering in the midsize truck market for buyers who want real 4×4 capability, open-air freedom, and the versatility of a Jeep pickup without stepping up to more expensive trims. It’s simple, honest, capable, and ready to be built into whatever type of Gladiator a buyer wants it to be.

Gladiator Sport S – 

Starting MSRP: $42,025 (plus $1,995 destination)

Sport S is the volume “sweet spot” trim for a lot of buyers. It builds on the Sport with more comfort and safety:

• Quick Order Package 24S brings:

  • Advanced Brake Assist

  • Power heated mirrors

  • Automatic headlamps

  • Deep-tint sunscreen windows

  • Premium wrapped steering wheel

  • Security alarm

  • Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus

From there, you can tailor it a bunch of ways:

• Dark Sky Appearance Package – Body-color fender flares, unique bumper, and a performance hood for a more aggressive look.

• Convenience Group – Adds heated seats/steering wheel, auto climate, remote start, Corning Gorilla Glass, and more.

• Max Tow Package – Same hardware as Sport, enabling up to 7,700 lbs of towing.

• Technology, Safety, Trailer Tow, Cargo/Trail Rail, and LED lighting groups are all on the table.

The 2026 Gladiator Sport S stands as the most versatile and broadly appealing model in the Gladiator family. It keeps the ruggedness and capability of the Sport but smooths out the ownership experience with features buyers actually use every day. For those seeking a Jeep truck that balances capability, value, comfort, and customization potential, the Sport S is the trim that hits that sweet spot perfectly.

Gladiator Willys –

Starting MSRP: $45,230 (plus $1,995 destination)

Willys is where heritage and factory off-road hardware start to blend. The regular Willys trim adds:

• LED premium reflector headlamps and LED fog lamps

• LED taillamps

• Black grille and body-color fender flares

• Willys hood decal

• Protection sill rails

• E-locker rear axle

• Heavy-duty shocks with red accents

• Trailer hitch with Class IV receiver

• Advanced safety features and convenience content baked in

Overall, the 2026 Gladiator Willys remains the perfect middle ground for buyers who want something more rugged and trail-ready than a Sport S, but don’t need the full rock-crawling hardware of a Rubicon. It blends heritage styling, mechanical upgrades, and modern tech into one of the most balanced trims in the Gladiator lineup.

Gladiator Rubicon & Rubicon X – 

Rubicon Starting MSRP: $52,000
Rubicon X Starting MSRP: $59,995
(plus $1,995 destination on each)

Rubicon is the hardcore rock-crawling Gladiator:

• Rock-Trac 4×4 with 4.0:1 low range

• 4.10 axle ratio

• Dana 44 heavy-duty wide-track axles

• Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials front and rear

• 33-inch LT285/70R17 all-terrain tires (mud-terrains available)

• Electronic front sway-bar disconnect

• Extra skid plates and off-road hardware

Out of the box, Rubicon is ready for serious trail work, with a maximum trailer rating of 7,000 lbs (≈ 3,175 kg) and payload around 1,100 lbs (≈ 499 kg).

Rubicon X takes that hardware and wraps it in more luxury and tech:

• Steel front bumper

• Integrated Off-Road Camera

• Blind Spot & Cross Path Detection

• ParkSense Rear Park Assist

• Heated front seats and heated steering wheel

• Nappa leather power seats

• Rear sliding window and defroster

• Rubicon hood top decal

• Bluetooth wireless speaker

Altogether, the Rubicon and Rubicon X represent the Gladiator lineup’s most trail-focused variants. The Rubicon gives serious off-roaders everything they need right out of the box, while the Rubicon X adds luxury, tech, and convenience without sacrificing any capability. Both trims continue to set the standard for what a factory midsize off-road truck can be.

Gladiator Mojave & Mojave X – 

Mojave Starting MSRP: $53,995
Mojave X Starting MSRP: $59,995
(plus $1,995 destination on each)

If Rubicon is the rock-crawler, Mojave is the desert runner. It’s the only Jeep to wear the Desert Rated badge, and the hardware backs that up:

• FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs

• FOX front hydraulic jounce bumpers

• Reinforced frame and stronger rear track bar/bushings

• 33-inch LT285/70R17 all-terrain tires

• Choice of Command-Trac or available Selec-Trac full-time 4×4

• Unique hood and desert-tuned suspension

Mojave is tuned to hit whoops and rough two-tracks at speed without beating you up or overpowering the suspension. Max towing is 6,000 lbs and payload is about 1,050 lbs (≈ 476 kg).

Mojave X mirrors the Rubicon X formula, combining the Mojave hardware with:

• Steel front and rear bumpers

• Rock protection sill rails

• Integrated Off-Road Camera

• Heated leather-trimmed bucket seats (Green/Black)

• Heated steering wheel

• ParkSense Rear Park Assist

• Blind Spot & Cross Path Detection

• Bluetooth wireless speaker

Together, the Mojave and Mojave X stand as the ultimate desert runners in the midsize pickup segment. The Mojave provides all the hardware needed for high-speed off-road driving, while the Mojave X adds luxury, tech, and convenience to create a top-tier performance truck that excels equally on sand dunes and everyday pavement.

Colors, Interiors & Customization – 

The 2026 Gladiator leans hard into Jeep’s tradition of fun, memorable colors. Exterior paints include:

• Anvil

• Black

• Bright White

• Granite Crystal Metallic

• Hydro Blue

• Mojito

• ‘41 (heritage-themed)

• Reign (NEW) – vibrant purple

• Goldilocks (NEW, late availability)

Interior choices focus on rugged but attractive combinations:

• Black cloth or leather (depending on trim)

• Black/Mantis Green accents on certain off-road-oriented models

• Premium Nappa leather on Rubicon X and Mojave X

Pricing & Value Positioning – 

Here’s a quick look at starting MSRPs (excluding $1,995 destination, taxes, and fees):

• Gladiator Sport 4×4: $38,830

• Gladiator Sport S 4×4: $42,025

• Gladiator Willys 4×4: $45,230

• Gladiator Rubicon 4×4: $52,000

• Gladiator Mojave 4×4: $53,995

• Gladiator Rubicon X 4×4: $59,995

• Gladiator Mojave X 4×4: $59,995

Is it cheap? No. But in 2026 money, for a midsize truck that tows up to 7,700 lbs, still allows full doors-off/roof-off open-air driving, and offers factory lockers, big tires, and serious suspension, the Gladiator carves out its own lane. It’s not trying to be a soft, anonymous commuter. It’s unapologetically a Jeep.