The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is the world’s most capable midsize pickup truck. With standard four-wheel drive and a long list of off-roading upgrades, the Gladiator is meant for adventure. In the midsize truck segment, the Gladiator also represents some major muscle, with best-in-class towing figures and hefty hauling capabilities.
Power & Performance
With its standard 285-horsepower V6 engine, the Jeep Gladiator is quick to get you going, on-road or off. Its six-speed manual transmission is something you don’t see everyday, making the Gladiator a prime choice for driving enthusiasts who prefer to switch their own gears. If that’s not you, you can always choose the optional eight-speed automatic transmission, which is equally likable, thanks to its quick-shifting action.
For 2021, the Gladiator rolls out a brand new engine option, the 260-horsepower turbodiesel V6. Designed to balance rugged power with efficiency, it’s available for all but the Mojave trim model.
- 3.6-liter V6 (285 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque)
- Standard six-speed manual transmission
- Optional eight-speed automatic transmission
- 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 (260 hp, 442 lb.-ft.)
- Standard eight-speed automatic transmission
Off-Road Capabilities
Every 2021 Gladiator is ready to roll into rugged terrain, with standard four-wheel drive and impressive ground clearance. Jeep’s midsize truck is also highly configurable, with a wide range of options that help you tailor off-road capabilities to suit your preferred trails. For example, the Mojave trim model was designed for high-speed desert racing. The Gladiator Rubicon comes standard with so many off-roading upgrades that it can go just about anywhere. And, just like with the Wrangler, a wide range of aftermarket accessories are available for the Gladiator.
Optional:
- 4.10 rear axle ratio (increases towing/off-road capabilities)
- 33-inch all-terrain tires
- Locking front and rear differentials
- Electronically disconnectable front stabilizer bar
- Fox shock absorbers
- Fox internal bypass shock absorbers with hydraulic jounce bumpers
- Two-speed transfer case to improve off-road gearing (Rubicon)
- Transfer case tuned for high-speed off-roading (Mojave)
- Increased ground clearance
- Rock rails and skid plates
Truck Bed Features
Every Gladiator comes standard with the same 5-foot truck bed. A manual-locking tailgate is standard, but the power-locking tailgate is available. With the optional spray-in bedliner, you can protect the truck bed from heavy cargo items with sharp corners. The optional tonneau cover protects cargo items from the elements.
Optional:
- Spray-in bedliner with semi-rigid roll-up tonneau cover
- Power-locking tailgate
Towing and Payload Capacity
With the right equipment, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator can tow best-in-class loads of up to 7,650 pounds. Depending on trim model and configuration, this midsize pickup truck can haul payloads weighing up to 1,700 pounds, a best-in-class figure.
Exterior Features
It’s impossible to mistake the 2021 Jeep Gladiator for anything else. Jeep’s midsize truck takes much of its styling cues from its classic off-roader, the infamous Wrangler. Basically, if you add a truck bed to the Wrangler, you’ve got the Gladiator.
This off-road-ready pickup truck is also the world’s only convertible truck, with a removable soft top (hard top optional), removable doors, and a fold-down windshield. Special trim models, like the Willys and the 80th Anniversary, spice up the Gladiator’s appearance with exclusive exterior styling and trim.
Standard:
- Folding soft top
- Fold-down front windshield
- Removable doors
- Manual windows, door locks, mirrors
Optional:
- Black hardtop with removable roof panels
- Premium soft top
- Automatic headlights
- LED headlights
- Power windows, mirrors, and door locks
- Heated power mirrors
- Power-locking tailgate
- Class IV tow hitch
- Reinforced frame
2021 Jeep Gladiator colors:
- Black Clear-Coat
- Granite Crystal Metallic Clear-Coat
- Sting-Gray Clear-Coat
- Billet Silver Metallic Clear-Coat
- Hydro Blue Pearl-Coat
- Snazzberry Pearl-Coat
- Firecracker Red Clear-Coat
- Bright White Clear-Coat
Interior Features
Every Gladiator features the same body style: a five-passenger, four-door crew cabin. Inside, you’ll find generous passenger space and supportive seating, whether the seats are clad in standard cloth or optional leather upholstery. The control layout is straightforward and ergonomically friendly. You’ll also appreciate this truck’s expansive visibility, both front and rear. And you can even dress up the cabin with options like the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Standard:
- Cloth seats
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Manual six-way driver seat with height adjustment
Optional:
- Auxiliary switch group for wiring up to four electrical devices
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather seating surfaces
Safety and Security
Jeep’s midsize pickup truck comes standard with all the usual safety suspects, including advanced air bags, child safety seat anchors, and electronic stability control. But it also offers the latest and greatest crash-mitigation gadgets. Features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision mitigation are available to help keep you on your toes. When you’re coasting down the highway, the adaptive cruise control system makes sure you maintain a safe distance from the vehicle up ahead.
Standard:
- Advanced multistage front airbags
- Supplemental front seat side airbags
- Electronic stability control
- Child seat upper tether anchorage
- Push Button start
- Sentry key theft deterrent system
Optional:
- Rear parking sensors
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision mitigation
- Blind-spot monitoring
Technology
The Gladiator isn’t purely utilitarian; all the latest tech features are available to keep you connected throughout your adventurous travels. For example, several infotainment upgrades are available, including bigger touch screens and smartphone connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You can even upgrade your listening experience with the optional Alpine premium audio system!
Standard:
- 5-inch central display
- Eight-speaker audio system
- USB port
- Voice controls
Optional:
- Automatic climate control
- 7-inch central display with updated infotainment interface
- Bigger 8.4-inch central infotainment interface
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration
- Extra USB port (2 USB ports total)
- Premium Alpine sound system
Fuel Economy
Thanks to the newly optional EcoDiesel V6 engine, the Gladiator skillfully combines efficiency with muscle. Depending on configuration and equipment, diesel-fueled Gladiators earn up to 24 mpg combined 22 city/28 highway mpg). With the base 3.6-liter V6 engine, Jeep’s midsize truck earns up to 19 mpg combined (17/22 mpg).
2021 Jeep Gladiator Trims
Sport
The entry-level Gladiator trim model is sturdy and capable. Its doors, roof, and windshield are removable. And its standard all-terrain tires are ready for off-road action. Although some aspects of the Sport are basic, like manual locks and windows, it keeps you connected with the entry-level version of the Uconnect infotainment system. The Sport’s Uconnect system includes a 5-inch central display and a USB port to connect devices.
- 17-inch Black steel wheels
- All-terrain tires
- Removable doors
- Black Sunrider soft top
- Fold-down windshield
- Manual door locks, windows, and mirrors
- 5-inch central display screen
- USB port
- Voice control technology
- Eight-speaker audio system
- Cruise control
Willys Sport
This special model adds a unique sense of style—Willys Sport style. It adds to the Sport’s standard lineup with special wheels, 32-inch mud terrain tires, and black exterior accents. And this truck’s deep-tint sunscreen windows will be much appreciated as you cruise down desert roads.
- Willys 17-inch Black aluminum wheels
- 32-inch mud terrain tires
- Premium front bumper with Gloss Black accents
- Black grille
- Deep-tint sunscreen windows
- “4-Wheel Drive” decal
- Black Trail-Rated badge
- Willys hood decal
Sport S
This Jeep Gladiator has its own exclusive exterior style, with unique wheels and deep-tinted windows. But it’s also notable for its modern conveniences, including standard power accessories, automatic headlights, and power heated mirrors. The Sport S comes standard with Jeep’s cutting-edge infotainment system, which gives you easy access to your smartphone via Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.
The Sport S also opens the door to options that aren’t available on lesser trims, including heated front seats, an upgraded infotainment system, and Alpine premium audio.
- 17-inch Tech-Silver aluminum wheels
- Optional unique 17-inch Black aluminum wheels
- All-terrain tires
- Power windows, door locks, and tailgate lock
- Automatic headlights
- Power heated mirrors
- Deep-tint sunscreen windows
- Uconnect infotainment system with 7-inch touch-screen interface
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration
- Lockable underseat storage
Willys
The Willys trim basically combines the Willys Sport model’s unique exterior style with the modern conveniences of the Sport S.
And like the Sport S, the Willys allows shoppers to add options that aren’t available to the Sport and Willys Sport, including heated front seats and an upgraded infotainment system with navigation.
- Willys 17-inch Black aluminum wheels
- 32-inch mud terrain tires
- Automatic headlights
- Power heated mirrors
- Power windows, door locks, and tailgate lock
- Premium front bumper with Gloss Black accents
- Black grille
- Deep-tint sunscreen windows
- “4-Wheel Drive” decal
- Black Trail-Rated badge
- Willys hood decal
- Uconnect infotainment system with 7-inch touch-screen interface
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration
- Lockable underseat storage
80th Anniversary
This Gladiator has its own unique style, with Neutral Gray accents and exclusive badging. The 80th Anniversary trim also includes all of the daily conveniences featured on the Willys and Sport S trims, including smartphone integration and power accessories.
- 18-inch Granite Crystal aluminum wheels
- Automatic headlights
- Premium front bumper with Neutral Gray accents
- Body color grille with Neutral Gray accents
- Painted rear bumper
- Splash guards
- Unique badging, including Jeep 80th Anniversary badge and Gray/Black Trail-Rated badge
- Cloth bucket seats with 80th Anniversary tag
- Light Tungsten interior accents
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Alpine premium audio system
- Navigation
Overland
The Overland adds to the Gladiator’s rugged capabilities with high-tech modern conveniences and a touch of luxury. Comforts include automatic climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. On the tech front, the Overland’s upgraded Uconnect infotainment system includes complete smartphone integration, with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and two USB ports.
- 18-inch Granite Crystal aluminum wheels
- Power windows, door locks, and tailgate lock
- Automatic headlights
- Heated power mirrors
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Automatic climate control
- 7-inch touch-screen infotainment interface
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration
- Two USB ports
Rubicon
The Gladiator Rubicon offers the line’s most capable off-road performance. This pickup truck comes standard with everything you need to roll over boulders and muck through riverbeds, from an off-road-friendly rear axle ratio to 33-inch all-terrain tires.
- 17-inch Granite Crystal aluminum wheels
- 33-inch all-terrain tires
- 4.10 rear axle ratio (increases towing and off-road capabilities)
- Extra ground clearance
- Fox shock absorbers
- Locking front and rear differentials
- Electronically disconnecting front stabilizer bar
- Rock rails and skid plates
- Two-speed transfer case (improves off-road gearing)
Mojave
Whereas the Rubicon was designed to deliver best-in-class off-road potential, the Mojave is more of a desert racer. The Mojave’s exclusive transfer case is specially tuned for high-speed rollicking through off-road terrain. Additional equipment, including a lifted suspension and Fox shocks, makes it that much easier to move through rugged territory at a quick clip.
- 17-inch Low-Gloss Black aluminum wheels
- Reinforced frame
- 1-inch front suspension lift
- Special transfer case (tuned for high-speed off-road driving)
- Fox internal bypass shock absorbers with hydraulic jounce bumpers
- Desert Rated badge
High Altitude
At the top of the Gladiator trim hierarchy, the High Altitude injects your adventure with a satisfying dose of luxury. Choose this model for its exclusive Nappa leather seats and ambient interior lighting. Outside, the High Altitude is equally stylish, with unique 20-inch wheels and a bevy of LED lights.
- 20-inch Gloss Black aluminum wheels
- Body-color grille with Gloss-Black accents
- Halogen headlamps
- LED fog lights
- LED taillights
- Ambient interior lighting
- Quilted Nappa-trimmed leather bucket seats
- Rear armrest with cupholder
Technology Group
- Uconnect 4 infotainment with 7-inch touch-screen display
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration
- USB host flip
- Configurable 7-inch color driver information display
- Integrated center-stack radio
- Six-month SiriusXM trial
- Selectable tire-fill alert
- Automatic climate control
Trailer-Tow Package
- 240-amp alternator
- Class IV receiver hitch
- Heavy-duty engine cooling
- Trailer hitch zoom
8.4-Inch Radio and Premium Audio Group
- 8.4-inch touch-screen infotainment display
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connectivity
- Alpine premium audio system
- GPS navigation
- HD radio
- Integrated center stack radio
- Automatic climate control
- 115-volt auxiliary power outlet
- 400-watt inverter
- Console bin task light
- Emergency/assistance calling
- Rear center console with two charge-only USB ports
- Off-road info pages
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- One-year SiriusXM Guardian Connected Services trial
- Six-month SiriusXM Radio trial
- Five-year SiriusXM Traffic Plus subscription
- Five-year SiriusXM Traffic Service
- Five-year SiriusXM Travel Link subscription
- Five-year SiriusXM Travel Link service
- Uconnect 4C NAV with 8.4-inch display
- USB host flip
Max Tow Package with 4.10 Axle Ratio
- 110-mph vehicle max speed calibration
- 240-amp alternator
- 245/75R17 all-terrain tires
- 4.10 axle ratio
- Heavy-duty four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes
- Trac-Lok anti-spin rear differential
- Black fender flares
- Class IV receiver hitch
- Heavy-duty Dana 44 wide front axle
- Heavy-duty Dana 44 wide rear axle
- 6,250-pound GVW rating
- Heavy-duty engine cooling
- Trailer hitch zoom
Popular Equipment Package
- Black Freedom Top three-piece hardtop
- Convenience Group
- Technology Group
- Trailer-Tow Package
Adaptive Cruise Control/Fwd Collision Warning Plus
- Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop
- Enhanced adaptive cruise control
- Advanced brake assist
- Automatic high-beam headlamp control
LED Headlamp and Fog Lamp Group
- LED daytime running lamps accents
- LED front fog lamps
- LED premium reflector headlamps
Premium LED Lighting Group
- LED daytime running lamp accents
- LED front fog lamps
- LED front turn signal and parking lamps
- LED premium reflector headlamps
- LED taillamps
Jeep Active Safety Group
- Blind-spot and cross-path detection
- LED taillamps
- ParkSense rear park-assist system
Cargo Management Group with Trail Rail System
- 240-amp alternators
- 400-watt inverter
- Truck bed 115-volt AC outlet
- Lockable rear underseat storage bin
Auxiliary Switch Group
- 240-amp alternator
- 700-amp maintenance free battery
- Four programmable auxiliary switches
Cold Weather Group
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Remote-start system
- 245/75R17 BSW all-terrain tires
Smoker’s Group
- Cigar lighter
- Removable ash tray
Convenience Group
- Universal garage-door opener
Jeep Warranty Coverage
Every 2021 Jeep Gladiator comes with extensive warranty coverage, giving you an effective safety net in the off-chance that anything should go wrong.
- 3-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty
- 5-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty
What Comes Next for the Jeep Gladiator?
The first-ever Jeep Gladiator was introduced for the 2020 model year. One year later, the world’s only off-roading pickup truck still feels fresh and exciting. While we haven’t heard anything about a refresh or redesign just yet (it’s still early days, after all), we’ve got our ear to the ground. Check back for updates on future models!