It’s here! The 2020 Jeep® Gladiator pickup truck has been revealed, and the world has been wowed. The best part about the news, well, for truck lovers, is the Gladiator is not just another Jeep Wrangler with a truck bed added on. No, my friend. Jeep took a leap of faith and developed an actual midsize pickup truck. It just looks like the Wrangler - well, that and the Gladiator shares some of the off-road capabilities Jeep has been known for.

I Have the POWER!

Let’s talk about power. This is a midsize pickup truck ready to tackle the currently small market for midsize pickups. Only four trims have been established so far, the Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon. Because this is first and foremost a truck, let’s check out the powertrain and capacities of this beauty.

The standard powertrain Jeep has released thus far is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, able to generate 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Matched to a six-speed manual transmission standard, consumers can also get a six-speed automatic transmission if they prefer. Jeep has also stated that a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 may be available at the time of the Gladiator’s release (2020), but we’ll see. What is most surprising is there is no mention of adding the mild-hybrid eTorque to either powertrain. With the additional torque it offers, not involving eTorque in the design has to be a mistake.

What are trucks known for? Mostly, their ability to haul a lot of cargo. Built with a 5-foot box, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator will be able to handle a maximum towing capacity of 7,650 pounds and a payload of 1600 pounds. For those aiming for the former, a Class 4 receiver and 4- and 7-pin harness plugs are available.

We said this truck shares the off-road capabilities of the Wrangler, and we’re not lying. The 2020 Jeep Gladiator has a total ground clearance of 11.1 inches and includes an approach angle of 43.6 degrees, breakover angle of 20.3 degrees, departure angle of 26 degrees. Made for on and off-road adventure, a newly introduced Off Road + button will allow the Gladiator to reconfigure itself on-the-go. The Rock-Trac Rubicon and regular Command-Trac transfer cases are the only ones available at this time.

Wrangler Style

Made to look like the Wrangler, this new midsize pickup truck can easily be confused for a Jeep Wrangler with a truck bed until one notices the 137-inch wheelbase. Equipped with bigger axles, brakes, wheels, and suspension, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is also 400 pounds heavier than the Wrangler. It is not without its loveable features, though.

Jeep is known for ultimate configuration, and the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is the only convertible pickup truck on the market. Able to get a soft top, hardtop, or both, consumers can personalize the Jeep Gladiator even further by removing the doors and windshield, now easier than ever - just like the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL. For better capability and functionality, the rear link arms are set lower to help with towing, and the body is protected with full-length side bars that also cover the bed area. All of this rides on 17-inch rims, 18-inch if driving the Overland trim. The standard selection is a set of all-terrain tires, but consumers can opt-in for 33-inch mud tires if they prefer.

An optional, easy-to-use tonneau cover for easy access is also available for consumers. Speaking of storage, inside the truck, consumers will find similar compartments to the new 2019 Ram 1500, like lockable underseat storage. The seats also fold down to open up some cargo room, but there’s also a hidden Bluetooth speaker behind the seats, a neat little feature Jeep threw in there.

With over 80 available safety features, consumers can rely on the 2020 Jeep Gladiator on and off-road. There’s a forward facing camera that looks two feet in front of the truck for navigating obstacles, a backup camera with guidelines, adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring. Lots to look forward to.

Want to know more? Follow us on NowCar social media, where we’ll be posting the in-depth look at the 2020 Jeep Gladiator midsize pickup truck.

Photo Source/Copyright: Truck Trend