Jeep Gladiator: The King of Off-Road Trucks

It’s come as no surprise that the new Jeep Gladiator has become a popular addition to the ranks of the well-known and famous Jeep brand lineup. It’s also no surprise that any new addition from Jeep is going to have Jeep enthusiasts in a tizzy, but the fact that this is an actual truck and not an SUV has given that added effect that the company was surely looking for. And since it’s a Jeep, you can expect all of the fantastic off-road features that Jeeps are known to come along with it. This includes fitting up to 35-inch tires on the Jeep Gladiator, or even getting up to 37- or 40-inch tires with some modifications. It’s really the perfect blend of off-road capabilities, and cool Jeep aesthetics all rolled into a midsize truck personality that’s available now at your local Jeep dealership.

At Orange Coast CJDRF, we carry a huge selection of new and used Jeep vehicles that you can choose from based on your specific wants and needs. The new Jeep Gladiator has been one of our most popular vehicles because of how extremely unique it is as an overall vehicle, within the Jeep lineup, and within its category of midsize pickups. It’s a very versatile vehicle that takes all of the great features of a Wrangler Unlimited and combines them with a sizeable truck bed and lengthened wheelbase for increased capacities and capabilities. While other trucks may be more established, no other pickup is available with the world-renowned Jeep nameplate, and the features you know will come along with it. To better understand why the Jeep Gladiator is the best off-road midsize pickup out there, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from it.

From the Ground Up

What size tires can you fit on a Jeep Gladiator? It’s a common question that many people interested in the Gladiator will often ask themselves or others, so there’s no better place to start than at the bottom of the vehicle itself.

With four different trims available, you’re going to find some differences in the standard features and pieces of equipment you’ll find on each model. The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport comes with 17-inch black steel wheels and 245/75R17 all-season tires that measure about 31.5 inches in diameter. The Gladiator Sport S has 17-inch Tech Silver aluminum wheels and the same 31.5-inch all-season tires. Moving onto the Gladiator Overland, you’ll find 18-inch Granite Crystal aluminum wheels and 255/70R18 all-season tires that measure about 32 inches in diameter. Lastly, you have the popular Gladiator Rubicon model that comes with 17-inch Granite Crystal aluminum wheels and 33-inch LT285/70R17 all-terrain tires.

You’ll notice that as you move up the trim levels, the size of the standard tires will slightly increase, ranging from 31.5 inches to 33 inches. Of course, just because these are the standard tires that will come with each of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator models, it doesn’t mean these will be your only options. The stock Gladiator Rubicon has been designed to be equipped with tires of up to 35 inches, although if you plan to go off-roading, then it would be advisable that you look into adding an inch or two of lift. With the other Gladiator models, you may need even more lift and/or additional modifications, which could include modifying such things as the fender flares or bumper flare extensions. Upgrading to even larger options like 37-inch or 40-inch tires would definitely require some additional adjustments and upgrades.

The Jeep Makeup

There are a lot of different parts that make up the Jeep DNA, and a huge contributor to any off-road-oriented Jeep is going to be its mechanical parts and systems. The Gladiator Sport comes equipped with a Normal Duty Suspension, the Sport S and Overland models with Normal Duty Plus Suspensions, and the Rubicon with a Performance Suspension. One of the biggest highlights with the Rubicon model is the inclusion of FOX branded 2-inch-diameter shocks that help the vehicle retain a comfortable ride despite driving over rugged terrain.

The legendary Jeep 4WD systems are what really make these vehicles a Jeep, though. The Gladiator Sport, Sport S, and Overland models all come with the Command-Trac Part-Time 4WD System that’s equipped with a low range transfer case that’s ready for any adventure you can throw at it. The Gladiator Rubicon has the 4:1 Rock-Trac Heavy-Duty Part-Time 4WD System that’s equipped with a 4:1 low range transfer case. This system, as its name implies, is especially suited for allowing the vehicle to crawl at lower speeds, specifically over rocky and other types of rugged terrain. It also includes Tru-Lok front and rear electronic-locking differentials, which makes it easier to find increased traction in situations where you might need it.

Jeep Capabilities and Customizations

All 2020 Jeep Gladiator models come equipped with a standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine with an output of 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, plus Engine Stop-Start technology to improve efficiency. With this formidable engine attached, each new Gladiator model is able to achieve a best-in-class gas towing maximum capacity of 7,650 lbs. The 5-foot cargo bed comes equipped with a three-position tailgate and LED cargo lighting to make it easier when you’re loading and unloading gear and equipment from the back. You can also take advantage of the available spray-in bed liner for added protection and durability.

Customizations are endless when you look into available accessories from Jeep Performance Parts and other available options. This includes the available Trail Rail System that will help you organize and fit more gear in the back of the pickup. Or, if you’re looking for a cleaner look and added security, the available roll-up tonneau bed cover would be an ideal choice. With this cover, you can either completely cover the truck bed or adjust the last 5 inches so that longer items can stick out if needed.

Try out the Ultimate Adventure Pickup Today

Whether you’re looking for an everyday truck that can transform into the perfect weekend warrior vehicle or a dedicated off-road champion, the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator would fit either criteria. It has the unique Jeep look and design that’s going to be noticed on the road or trail, plus all of the features, capabilities, and options to back up the Jeep nameplate. Overall, it’s a true force of nature that’s sure to please any hardcore Jeep enthusiast and anyone that’s interested in getting into the brand, whether you’re here for the first time or coming back for another visit.

Here at Orange Coast CJDRF, we’ve been so excited to talk about the Jeep Gladiator because it’s such a perfect fit for so many people. While other Jeep vehicles may have had some capabilities when it came to towing and hauling, none have been quite up to the task until the Gladiator arrived. The same story may have been said of the Wrangler Unlimited when it was first announced, and people saw a lot of additional space for their next adventure. Now, we have a true midsize pickup that’s as ready to haul your boat or trailer as it is to go do some rock crawling. It’s really an amazing vehicle, and we can’t wait for you to check one out. To schedule a test drive at our Jeep dealership in Costa Mesa, contact us today, and one of our friendly sales representatives will gladly get you set up with an appointment and answer any questions you may have. We hope to hear from you soon!