2024 Jeep Gladiator Adds More Tech and Comfort
There’s an old saying: what’s good for the Wrangler is good for the Gladiator.
At this year’s Detroit auto show, Jeep on Wednesday unveiled the 2024 Gladiator. As has been the case since the pickup arrived in 2019, the mid-sizer mirrors the related Wrangler, benefiting from a host of tech and comfort upgrades for the new year.
One aspect that hasn’t really changed—understandably—is the design. Jeep has treated the Gladiator to the same rhinoplasty as its SUV sibling, with a tweaked seven-slot grille design that’s now shorter, to emphasise the rig’s width. The antenna has finally migrated into the windshield surround, and no fewer than seven new 17-inch wheel designs round out the visual changes. There are nine exterior color options.
It’s much the same story inside too, where the improved cabin we enjoyed in our 2024 Jeep Wrangler first drive is now present. The most obvious change is the larger, 12.3-inch touchscreen. It now runs the slick Uconnect 5 interface, and is standard on all trims. More subtle are the now-standard first- and second-row side-curtain airbags. Jeep’s designers have freshened up the place with new materials for the dashboard as well.
Two new trims debut for 2024: Mojave X and Rubicon X. As the names suggest, they build off existing trims, adding even more luxury to the Gladiator’s most off-roady trims. X gonna give ya new 12-way power-adjustable Nappa leather front seats—yes, they’re still water fording-capable—a removable Bluetooth speaker, nine-speaker audio system, an integrated off-road camera, and steel bumpers. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and the ParkSense assist come standard on the two X trims; they’re optional on most trims. Forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control join the standard kit list on the Sport S trim and higher.
The Mojave trims continue to come with Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks tuned for high-speed dune running. Meanwhile, the Rubicons have the Rock-Trac transfer case, electronic front sway-bar disconnect, and lockers on both axles for maximum off-road capability.
Towing and hauling remain Gladiator strengths, with unchanged maximums of 7,700 and 1,725 pounds, respectively. The standard engine is the venerable 3.6-liter V6, paired to either a six-speed manual or optional eight-speed automatic. Opting for the three-pedal solution nets buyers an 84:1 crawl ratio; the auto can hit 77:1. Sadly, Jeep is saying goodbye to the EcoDiesel this year.
That new touchscreen houses a significant amount of improvements, too. Not only are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now wireless, but owners can pair two phones simultaneously via Bluetooth. Uconnect 5 also allows for up to five user profiles. Sirius XM offers up personalised stations via Pandora, and systems with the native navigation can now have map updates OTA (over the air).
One of our favorite new features is the Jeep Adventures Guide. Built right into the infotainment system, Adventure Guides uses Trails Offroad, which features 62 trails with waypoints, difficulty ratings, and route descriptions. As Jeep explains it, it’s “like having a local expert with you.” On top of the setup we witnessed first-hand in the Wrangler, the Gladiator’s Adventures Guide now includes a Follow Mode which uses popup notifications at the right points of the trail. The 62 trails are part of a trial; buyers liking Adventures Guide can upgrade to a premium subscription, which includes over 3,000 trails.
This being a Jeep, there are plenty of post-factory options available. American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is now offering three upfit packages, which buyers can select when ordering, and the truck will go directly from the Toledo Assembly plant to AEV for the work. Available on Sport, Willys, Mojave and Rubicon, the packages range from relatively mild (Upcountry) to wild (Level II). The latter boasts 16 inches of ground clearance, three feet of water fording, and a huge 57-degree approach angle.
The 2024 Jeep Gladiator will be available at dealerships before the end of the year. Stay tuned for more details on pricing ahead of the launch.
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Kyle began his automotive obsession before he even started school, courtesy of a remote control Porsche and various LEGO sets. He later studied advertising and graphic design at Humber College, which led him to writing about cars (both real and digital). He is now a proud member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), where he was the Journalist of the Year runner-up for 2021.
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More tech more gadgets more problems is the way I look at it I guess most new vehicles a 3 year lease then dump it for another lease to avoid problems unless you drive too much and acquire to many miles for a lease
I was really hoping for the 2024 Gladiator to get the Wagoneer’s in-line six and an extra cab (not crew cab as the only offering) longer bed, with heavier-duty springs as a part of a work truck tow package with 10k-lbs. THAT would set it apart from the pack in the mid-sized truck market and appeal to guys who pull campers, trailers, and do some work in our toys. Heck, they could even legitimately bring back the “Honcho” name for it.
I’m a long-time Jeep owner. Wish they’d look back to the good ole’ days when Jeep had the J-series trucks for guys like me, the CJ8 Scrambler AND the Comanche (all with an inline six as an option btw)! Now those were the days!