2020 Jeep Gladiator Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

An all-new model, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is the most unique midsize truck available. The pickup takes many cues from the Wrangler, including a removable top, windshield and doors. Yet it is its own unique model.

Like the Wrangler, there’s no doubt that the Gladiator is built to go off-road. It also has a distinctive look that is reminiscent of Jeep’s adventurous icon. Yet it is longer than the Wrangler and, of course, has a bed for cargo.

The cabin has earned Wards 2019 10 Best Interiors List for its combination of high quality materials, cutting edge design, and precision craftsmanship. A horizontal dashboard design is matched to a Jeep heritage-inspired center stack. Jeep detailing is evident in the weatherproof surround on the start button.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator has a cabin that compares favorably to a family SUV. In fact, the model won the Best Family Pickup Truck. This award was given by GAAMA, Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association. A family of 3, 4 or 5 could travel easily in this cabin.

The interior demonstrates care for passengers and cargo. It has class-leading rear legroom. The second row seats can be locked in place to provide a safe place behind them for storage. For more room, the seats fold flat and create a flat floor. A typical Jeep touch, LED lights illuminate the storage area.

Seat bottoms have a hidden storage area. Since the bench is split 60/40, there are two bins. With removable dividers, users can create five compartments. The cab-back wall has dual storage nets. Door panels have been fitted with soft vinyl. Under the armrests, there are a special Lift-Assist handles. This allows owners to remove the doors easily.

 

Compare the 2019 Jeep Gladiator Sport vs Sport S Trims. What is the difference?

The Sport is offered in ten colors including Punk’n orange, Firecracker Red, and Hydro Blue Pearl. It wears 18 x 7.5-inch granite crystal aluminum alloys. The Sport S comes in the same colors. It wears 17 x 7.5-inch Tech Silver alloys. LED rear tail lamps are available.

The Sport starts you off with the Black Sunrider Soft Top. This zipperless cover is easy to take off and put on. Sport S models offer a premium Sunrider Soft Top. Jeep also allows you to choose the three-piece Freedom Top. This black roof provides the same color contrast as the Sunrider, but there’s more protection in the winter.

Freedom Tops have two lightweight panels over the driver and front passenger. These can be removed and stowed away. Jeep includes a special bag for panel storage. This upgrade also adds a rear sliding window and a rear window defroster.

The 5-foot bed is the same across the line-up. Jeep engineers have devised a three-position tailgate. This allows for more cargo carrying options. A Sport S cargo management group adds the trail rail system and a lockable rear underseat storage bin. The package also comes with a 240-amp alternator and a 115-volt AC outlet.

Sport cabins have black trim and black seats. However, you can choose heritage tan seats for a color contrast on the Sport or Sport S. Standard seating includes a 6-way manual-adjust driver’s chair and 4-way manual front passenger chair. The 60/40 split rear bench seats three.

Sport models have illuminated cup holders, a full-length floor console, and carpeted flooring. Sport S models add a leather-wrapped steering wheel and illuminated vanity mirrors.

A five-inch touch screen gives you access to UConnect apps and Bluetooth streaming audio. Eight speakers surround the passengers with sound. A media hub provides a remote USB port and an auxiliary input. A ParkView camera shows what’s behind the truck when you are backing out.

Sport S models come with a remote keyless entry system that lets you touch a button for locking and unlocking. It works on all doors and the tailgate. This edition also has a built-in security alarm and automatic headlights.

There are many options on the S which aren’t available on the Sport. This includes more dash and safety tech. Sport S shoppers can opt for a removable Bluetooth speaker that lets you take your tunes outside the Jeep. They can also pick an Alpine audio system.

Another favorite Sport S option is the cold weather group. It adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. You can use the remote starter to cool or heat the cabin.

The standard engine is a powerful 3.6-liter V6. Familiar to fans of the Wrangler, this unit generates 285 horsepower. Available even at low speeds, Gladiators produce 260 pound-feet of torque. It’s helpful for off-roading maneuvers and for hauling a heavy load.

A six-speed manual transmission will also be familiar to Wrangler fans. Jeep has crafted this system to reduce fuel use. The gear ratio allows for better shifting.

Sport and Sport S shoppers can opt for an eight-speed automatic transmission. This system was designed for an off-road vehicle. It can be altered to handle slow crawling demands as well as swift highway travel.

Command-Trac provides standard four-wheel drive capability on the Sport and Sport S. Drivers will feel confident in snow, sand, or dirt. Making the ride better, the standard suspension is upgraded for the Sport S models.

A diesel option will soon be added to the menu. This 260-horsepower engine generates a whopping 422 pound-feet of torque. It allows the Gladiator to claim best-in-class payload and towing.

Safety is assured by advanced air bags. To keep the Gladiator out of harm’s way, Gladiators have anti-lock heavy-duty brakes and a hydraulic assist brake booster. The driver is assisted by electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, and hill start assist.

In another package, Jeep adds an Active Safety Group to the Sport S. This includes ParkSense Rear Assist and Rear Cross Path Detection for safer parking. A Blind Spot monitor makes highway travel safer.

With either model, you’ll want a towing package. This adds a Class IV receiver hitch which is frame-mounted. A heavy-duty cooler eases the stress on the engine. Stronger axles and a bigger axle ratio help the truck handle more weight.

Jeep also offers a trailer hitch zoom for the rearview camera. The driver can switch back and forth between the normal view and a 4x zoom mode. This should make hook up very easy.

Compare the 2019 Jeep Gladiator Sport S vs Overland Trims.  What is the difference?

There are just as many colorful choices for the Overland as there are on the Sport S. However, the Overland wears 18-inch alloys instead of the Sport S 17-inch style. The Sport S comes with the regular or Premium Soft Top or the three-piece black Freedom Top. Overland offers these choices as well as a 3-piece hard top in the truck’s body color.

Sport S seats are offered in the same Heritage Tan which is standard on the Overland. However, you can also choose a black or dark saddle seat color if you choose leather in the higher edition. LED ambient lighting adds a bright spot to a dark night.

Upgrading from the regular five-inch display, the 7-inch touch screen is standard on the Overland. This provides Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and other advanced UConnect 4 features. Behind the steering wheel, there is a reconfigurable 7-inch color display. Customers may want to add the Alpine system for superior sound.

The Overland offers Jeep’s collision aversion technology. A forward collision warning tries to stop a crash before impact. A warning is backed up by advanced brake assist. Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a set distance between the truck and the traffic. It can slow or stop if necessary for safety. There are some limitations to this system if a manual transmission is chosen instead of the automatic.

Compare the 2019 Jeep Gladiator Overland vs Rubicon. What is the difference?

The Overland holds the promise of more luxuries and technologies. Rubicons go even further with more capability and adventure. Overland 18-inch wheels are replaced by 17-inch Granite Crystal aluminum alloys on the Rubicon. However, there are also polished black alloys on the Rubicon menu. Both the Overland and Rubicon offer two soft top choices and two hard top choices.

The Overland’s interior colors include heritage tan, saddle brown, and black. It offers two black leather upgrades from MoPar. Rubicons offer saddle brown and black. This trim also add a racy red accented dashboard with red trim stitching on black leather seats.

Rubicons have the same 7-inch touchscreen with Android and Apple connectivity. Like the Overland, Rubicons can come equipped with the UConnect system with an 8.4-inch touch screen and navigation.

While all of these Jeep trucks are Trail Rated, the Rubicon has the more advanced 4x4 system. A sway bar is supplemented by electric locking differentials for both heavy duty Dana 44 axles. Jeep Tru-Lock gives you the power to determine when these functions are needed. In addition, you can choose the Off Road-Plus button and change performance and transmission functions. Low speed rock crawling is easier with the Rock-Trac 4:1 low-range gear ratio.

Cab and bed rock rails help fend off trail debris. High clearance fender flares shouldn’t get caught on brush. To keep the truck going on rough ground, it is equipped with 33-inch all-terrain tires.

Only the Rubicon comes with a forward-facing off-road camera. This helps the driver watch for obstructions on the trail ahead. Dynamic gridlines predict the truck’s path based on tire position. Another Rubicon extra is a rear park assist system.

This model also offers blind spot detection. This alerts the driver about neighboring vehicles. Likewise, the rear cross-path detection warns the driver if other cars are traveling into the path of the Gladiator as it backs up. Of course, it offers the forward collision warning system that is on the Overland menu.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

The Sport S will hit the sweet spot for many shoppers. It has all of the basics covered. Plus, you can customize the menu in ways that aren't offered on the Sport. Families will want the safety tech package. Frequent travelers will want a trailer package. Many people will want to upgrade the dash tech to the better UConnect system.

Of course, by the time you make an upgrade here and an upgrade there, you may be able to afford the Overland. This trim will tempt those who love luxurious vehicles. It's sure to be the pick for those who need both an SUV and a truck. This model has automatic braking on the menu, which makes it an even better choice for those who care about safety.

The Gladiator Rubicon is the pick for die-hard adventure enthusiasts. This is the most advanced off-roader. It is definitely the best equipped to handle trail challenges and debris. With the three-piece Freedom Top, you have two ways to enjoy the open air.

Even if you can only afford the Sport, you'll still find that this truck can outdo most regular midsize trucks. Jeep CommandTrac makes sure of that.