2027 Jeep Gladiator

The Jeep Gladiator is, quite literally, the Jeep of pickup trucks. It takes what everyone loves about the legendary Wrangler SUV, like unimpeachable off-road chops, open-air fun, and iconic aesthetics, and adds the utility of a truck bed. That means the Gladiator also comes with the Wrangler’s trade-offs for on-road comfort and refinement. But for off-road enthusiasts and brand loyalists, it’s a small price to pay. Competing midsize trucks require going into expensive trims if you want good off-road capability, but every Jeep Gladiator is an adventurous off-road truck straight from the factory.

Notable for 2027 might be what Jeep isn’t doing rather than what it is. Plans for the 4xe plug-in hybrid have been cancelled. The same stalwart V6 will be the only powertrain available. The special edition Sarge model has been added to the lineup. This military-inspired livery will be available on the Willys and Rubicon trim levels. Details include green interior paint accents, a star hood decal, and bronze tow hooks.

For better or worse, the Gladiator drives like a Jeep. There are always trade-offs in on-road refinement if you want great off-road capabilities, and the Gladiator hides some of those trade-offs better than others. Big, knobby tires, plus doors and a top designed to come off, as well as body-on-frame construction all add up to a bit of a rough ride. Granted, its direct rivals are body-on-frame trucks, too, but they have gotten pretty road-friendly over the years. That said, the Gladiator’s driving experience can be considered part of its charm if this truck fits your style.

While most of this class converts to turbo 4-cylinder engines, the Gladiator is powered by a tried-and-true V6. Compared to the rest of this class, the Gladiator’s horsepower is about average, its torque and fuel economy are below average, and its max towing capacity is tied with the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon for class-leading. The other body-on-frame midsize truck that still uses a naturally aspirated V6 is the Nissan Frontier, which has more power, more torque, and better fuel economy than the Gladiator.

The cabin of the Jeep Gladiator strikes a satisfying balance of rugged and modern. It’ll be a bit too spartan for some, but Jeep people will appreciate it. Even the base Sport trim now gets power door locks and windows. No more doing it yourself. It still maintains a washable interior, hence the removable carpets and the drain plugs. Available options to bring a little luxury to the Gladiator include leather-trimmed seats and an Alpine audio system with a removable Bluetooth speaker built in.

This crew cab setup provides ample occupant space. Rear legroom measures 38.3 inches, among the best in the midsize pickup class. There are plenty of places to put drink containers and phones. There’s also storage behind and beneath the rear seats.

For anyone who wanted a Wrangler with a truck bed, the Gladiator is your dream come true. Its boxy cabin looks as though it might have been designed with a T-square. It doesn’t get any more angular than this. It’s instantly recognizable as the Wrangler’s cousin with more party in the back — yes, the mullet of Jeeps, in a most practical way.

As with the Wrangler, Jeep leans heavily into its military history for the Gladiator’s 2027 model year with the Sarge special edition. Buyers will get that iconic star from the WWII jeeps on the hood as well as additional special badging and bronze tow hooks.

Mojave

The Mojave trim might be the most purpose-built midsize truck available. With its specialty suspension including high-speed jounce bumpers to prevent bottoming out on washboard or big whoops at speed, the Gladiator Mojave or Mojave X will make you feel like a Baja 1000 racer.

Open-Air Fun

The Jeep Gladiator is the only pickup truck in its class with removable doors and a removable top. That gives the Gladiator the open-air fun of the Wrangler, with the utility of a pickup truck, with no compromise.

Uconnect

One thing about the Gladiator that is decidedly modern is the Uconnect infotainment system. Controlled via a 12.3-inch central display, the controls are user-friendly, and the anti-glare screen is easy to read, even with the truck’s top off. Also, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard.

3.6-liter V6     285 hp/260 lb-ft

8-speed auto/4WD   7,700 pounds

17 city/22 hwy/19 combined mpg