2026 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 in on-road comfort and refinement, but to 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.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize trucks, including the Jeep Gladiator.

Attention-grabbing aesthetics is one of the Jeep Gladiator’s calling cards, and the 2026 model brings even more visual variety to its lineup. Two new paint options join the color palette: Reign (purple) and Goldilocks (gold). Additionally, some new special edition models join the lineup, like the military-inspired Willys ’41 Buzz and the retro Rewind with ’80s-inspired graphics.

The door hinge system on every Gladiator has been tweaked for quicker removal, and more aggressive all-terrain tires are now optional on the affordable Sport S model.

The starting price of the Jeep Gladiator is a little high compared to more mainstream midsize trucks. That’s partly because every Gladiator has a crew cab and 4-wheel drive (4WD). The Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado, and Ford Ranger all start in the mid-$30K range.

Before buying a Gladiator, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Jeep Gladiator resale value is at the bottom of its segment — every other midsize truck holds its value better than the Jeep. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

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, doors and a top that are designed to come off, and a 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.

Powertrain

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.

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.

Limited Editions
Several limited editions are available for the 2026 Jeep Gladiator, giving the rugged pickup even more personality. Just a few include the military-themed Willys ’41, the arctic-themed Whitecap, the retro Rewind, and so many more.