2024 Jeep Gladiator: Restyling, Updates, New Features

Exploring new horizons becomes even more exciting with the 2024 Jeep Gladiator, a model that blends the soul of a pickup with the indomitable essence typical of Jeep. Previewed at the 2023 Detroit Auto Show, the new Gladiator facelift elevates the midsize pickup segment to new levels of performance, technological sophistication, and safety.

This vehicle is synonymous with extraordinary performance, offering an unrivaled combination of towing capacity and world-class 4×4 payload. And, of course, it doesn’t compromise on the legendary off-road capability and open-air freedom that has made the Stellantis brand so popular.

The First Deliveries to the US will Begin at the End of the Year

The Jeep has paid particular attention to the vehicle’s internal equipment, which is now even more advanced and comfortable. New features include a standard 12.3-inch touch display and electrically adjustable seats for water-resistant driving. The vehicle comes with standard side curtain airbags on the safety front.

Aesthetically, the new facelift is refreshed with a seven-bar front grille, seven new wheel options, and an antenna integrated into the windshield, making it ready for off-road adventures. For those who enjoy the freedom of traveling outdoors, the pickup offers three roof types, two-door options, and even the ability to remove them completely.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator will be available in Sport, Willys, Mojave, and Rubicon. Orders are already open, and deliveries to local Jeep dealerships will commence later this year.

The new Jeep Gladiator offers an unbeatable mix of towing capacity, payload, and, for the first time in 2024, a standard locking rear differential and Off-Road+ mode in the Willys version.

The vehicle employs four sophisticated 4×4 systems, including Command-Trac with a low ratio of 2.72:1, Selec-Trac, and two variants of Rock-Trac with a low ratio of 4:1. These options offer unprecedented mobility across various types of terrain, from the hard rock of the Rubicon Trail to the sandy expanses of the desert.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon pushes the concept of capability to its limits. It boasts a best-in-class crawl ratio of 84:1 and a wading capacity of up to 80 cm. Additionally, the data on approach (44.7°), departure (26°), and breakover (20.9°) angles, along with a generous ground clearance of 29 cm, make it a vehicle designed to face any challenge.

2024 Jeep Gladiator Powertrain

Under the hood, the Jeep has incorporated a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. This engine delivers 290 HP and 353 Nm of maximum torque.

Particular attention has been given to torque, especially in the low-rpm range, vital for off-road enthusiasts and towing and loading needs. Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology comes standard, optimizing fuel consumption.

Jeep has placed driver safety and peace of mind at the forefront of the new pickup’s development. It is equipped with over 85 active and passive safety features. New standard additions across all models include curtain airbags for both the first and second rows, front airbags for the driver and passenger, and side airbags mounted on the front seats.

For the 2024 model year, significant structural improvements have been made to enhance side-impact resistance. The 2024 Gladiator also features external second-row seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

Starting with the Sport S version, features such as forward collision warning and advanced cruise control with a stop function are now standard. Additionally, systems like blind-spot, cross-path monitoring, and the ParkSense parking assist system are standard on the Mojave X and Rubicon X trims and optional on the Sport S, Willys, Mojave, and Rubicon models.

Safety is further enhanced on all models by including the ParkView rear camera with dynamic guidelines, traction control, and electronic stability control (ESC) with rollover mitigation.

Manual Transmission is Still Available

Depending on your driving preferences, Jeep offers either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both transmission options feature impressive crawl ratios: 84:1 for the manual version and 77:1 for the automatic, making it easier to navigate challenging obstacles.

Exterior Update & Colors Availability

The grille is the quintessential symbol of every Jeep. The 2024 Gladiator has a new black texture, neutral metallic gray bezels, and a solid color surround. The Willys version offers bars and frames in glossy black. Furthermore, the grille has been visually and functionally streamlined, enhancing the cooling system with vertical slots textured in black.

The previous steel antenna has been replaced by a trail-ready stealth antenna, integrated directly into the front windshield. This modification contributes to a more aerodynamic appearance and prevents entanglements with branches or bushes during off-road adventures. As for wheels, the new Jeep Gladiator offers seven new designs, both standard and optional, with tire sizes ranging from 32″ to 33″.

But it doesn’t end there—the vehicle offers multiple roof, door, and windshield combinations thanks to the new Open-Air Freedom options. These include a new high-quality standard soft roof, two available hardtops (in black and body color), the Sunrider for hardtop, and half doors.

The refreshed styling will be available in nine exterior colors, ranging from the new Anvil to Firecracker Red, and including Granite Crystal, Silver Zynith, High Velocity, Hydro Blue, Sarge, Bright White, and Black.

Inside the Jeep Pickup Truck

Moving on to the passenger compartment, the instrument panel is covered in soft-touch materials such as fabric or polyurethane and is further embellished with contrasting stitching. Enthusiasts will also appreciate the new AMPS bracket arrangements on the dashboard, which are ideal for mounting accessory electronic equipment.

At the center of the console, a 12.3-inch touch display stands out as the largest and most advanced ever offered on the Jeep Gladiator. This display incorporates the Uconnect 5 infotainment system and uses FALD (Full-Array Local Dimming) technology to ensure optimal visibility, even in open-top driving conditions.

The range of functions offered by Uconnect 5 includes:

• Five user-profiles and a Valet mode, allowing customization of music preferences, apps, seat positions, exterior mirror angles, and climate comfort settings.
• Simultaneous connectivity for two smartphones via Bluetooth.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
• Alexa integration for Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car connectivity.
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot options supporting up to eight wireless devices.

As if that weren’t enough, Jeep has also considered the comfort of front-row passengers by equipping the vehicle with standard USB Type-C ports that enable charging up to four times faster.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator offers up to seven USB ports (Type-A and Type-C) distributed between the two rows of seats. As a finishing touch, the vehicle also features 12V accessory outlets and a 115V AC outlet to power home electronics.

New Features: The Jeep Adventure Guides Debut

Jeep has raised the bar for the off-road experience by implementing Jeep Adventure Guides for the first time in collaboration with Trails Offroad, a leading company in off-road guides and maps.

The vehicle’s Uconnect 5 NAV system has been enhanced with a new high-resolution screen where the Jeep Adventure Guides will be displayed. These guides offer details and maps for 62 routes certified with the Jeep Badge of Honor. These routes include legendary trails such as the Rubicon Trail in California, Hell’s Revenge in Utah, and Jericho Mountain in New Hampshire.

Lastly, another new feature is the Follow Mode, initially introduced on the 2024 Wrangler. This feature provides contextual information through pop-up notifications that appear when the driver approaches a point of interest, an obstacle, or an intersection.

Towing and load capacity

Speaking of numbers, the 2024 Gladiator boasts a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs and a payload capacity of up to 1,724 lbs. These figures are best in class and attest to Jeep’s commitment to providing an uncompromising utility vehicle.

Each model earns a Trail Rated or Desert Rated badge, signifying its capabilities. The spec list features solid Dana 44 axles in both the front and rear, triple skid plates, tow hooks, and a minimum tire size of 32 inches.

The Mojave and Rubicon trims stand out with features that enhance their already impressive capabilities. For instance, the 2024 Jeep Gladiator Mojave has 6 cm FOX shocks with reservoirs and a 3 cm front suspension lift.

The new Gladiator Rubicon, on the other hand, is equipped with 17-inch aluminum wheels and 33-inch all-terrain tires. It also features tow hooks with red accents and steel frames for the passenger compartment and bed edges.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator Willys introduces an array of new features, including a Tru-Lok locking rear differential and an Off-Road+ mode, optimizing performance across various types of terrain.

New Suspension System & Driving Mode

The 6 cm FOX shock absorbers are the new pickup’s first “secret weapon.” These shocks feature internal passages that allow fluid to bypass the piston through regulated ports. This design offers a predictable ride over rough terrain and is ready to deliver higher damping force when needed.

For extended journeys across hot deserts, Jeep has equipped both the front and rear axles with external reservoirs for the shock absorbers. These reservoirs maintain the fluid at optimal temperatures, minimizing the risk of performance drops. And this isn’t just any fluid; it’s military-grade suspension fluid, identical to what’s used in off-road racing.

FOX hydraulic front shocks function as additional shock absorbers that engage when the suspension reaches maximum compression. The result? Enhanced control and minimized ground impact when driving at high speeds over rough terrain.

The Off-Road+ button endows the 2024 Gladiator Mojave with unprecedented versatility. With a simple push, drivers can optimize engine output, transmission shift points, and traction control for high-speed sand driving and low-speed rock climbing. The rear axle can also be locked even at high speeds when in 4HI mode.

The new facelift’s Desert Rated badge is more than just a label; it’s the outcome of rigorous testing in five key areas: ride control and stability, traction, ground clearance, handling, and desert capability.

At the heart of the new Jeep Gladiator is the Rock-Trac 4×4 system, featuring third-generation Dana 44 axles at both the front and rear. A 4LO ratio of 4:1 and a standard front and rear axle ratio of 4.10 ensures remarkable handling over the most challenging terrain.

The model also incorporates Tru-Lok locking differentials on the front and rear axles, reinforcing its off-road credentials.