2024 Jeep Gladiator Evolves But is Still Geared for Adventure
Just like the iconic Jeep Wrangler, the Gladiator is getting an update for the 2024 model year including revised styling and new tech.
On the outside, Jeep’s midsize pickup doesn’t change much. A new stealth antenna integrated into the front windshield replaces the previous steel mast antenna, eliminating brush or tree limb snags on the trail. The seven-slot grille wears an updated look with black textured slots that improve cooling. Also, seven new wheel designs are available.
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Combined with the folding windshield, three roof choices and two different door options (not to mention the possibility to remove the doors), the Gladiator continues to deliver open-air freedom like no other truck. By the way, nine body colours can be specified including new-for-2024 Anvil (grey).
Updated Cabin
Inside, the redesigned dashboard incorporates a new slim rectangular inboard air vent, while new AMPS bracket provisions are now featured on top for mounting accessory electronics. Materials, colours and motifs change depending on the model. For example, the Gladiator Mojave and Gladiator Rubicon boast orange and red accents, respectively.
The instrument cluster retains a pair of analogue gauges and a 7-inch TFT display, but the big news is the 12.3-inch centre touchscreen powered by the fifth-generation Uconnect 5 system. In addition to sharper graphics and colours, the latter delivers operating speeds that are five times faster when compared to the previous generation. It also has over-the-air update capability.
Five user profiles (plus a valet mode) can be set up with customizable music preferences, apps, seat position, mirror angles and climate comfort levels. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is included, too, along with TomTom navigation and a 4G LTE hotspot for up to eight devices.
Off-Roader at Heart
Every Gladiator model’s Trail Rated or Desert Rated badge reflects an unmatched spec list that includes Dana 44 heavy-duty front and rear axles, two-speed transfer case, traction control, tow hooks (two front, up to two rear), three skid plates and a minimum tire size of 32 inches. The Gladiator Mojave gets FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks with reservoirs.
The pickup’s impressive off-road capability is further realized by approach and departure angles of up to 44.7 degrees and 26 degrees, respectively. Ground clearance is 11.6 inches (294.6 mm), while water fording height is up to 31.5 inches (800 mm). What’s more, four advanced 4x4 systems are available including:
- Command-Trac part-time transfer case with 2.72:1 low range ratio
- Selec-Trac full-time transfer case with 2.72:1 low range ratio
- Rock-Trac part-time transfer case with 4:1 low range ratio
- Rock-Trac full-time transfer case with 4:1 low range ratio.
The Jeep brand is the first to feature built-in off-road adventure trail guides with the introduction of Jeep Adventure Guides featuring Trails Offroad, a leader in off-road trail guides and maps. This new partnership gives Gladiator customers detailed information about the best off-road adventures across the U.S. and parts of Canada, with over-the-air updates available to further enhance the experience. You can navigate directly to the trailhead and keep track of your progress by following integrated trail route maps.
Forget about the AEV Package designed by American Expedition Vehicles, however, as it won’t be available north of the border.
Up to 7,700 lbs of Towing
While the fate of the EcoDiesel engine has yet to be settled, we can tell you that the 2024 Jeep Gladiator returns with a standard 3.6-litre V6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. It can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Depending on the model, max towing capacity ranges from 4,000-7,700 lbs, while max payload is anywhere between 950-1,725 lbs. The suspension setup is unchanged, but Jeep has made structural improvements for better side-impact performance.
Speaking of safety, first- and second-row side-curtain airbags are now included. Rear passengers also benefit from outboard seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Further details about the 2024 Jeep Gladiator, including Canadian pricing, will be announced at a later date. Built in Toledo, Ohio, units will start to arrive in Jeep dealerships by the end of this year.