Jeep fans, rejoice! It’s been over 25 years since the Detroit automaker said adios to the Jeep Comanche pickup truck. Since then, many enthusiasts have longed for its return, and next year they can rest easy. At the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2018, Jeep unveiled the long-awaited 2020 Jeep Gladiator. Loaded with the features that made Jeep a household name in the off-road business with the versatility of a pickup, the Gladiator looks poised to take the truck industry by storm.
A Quick History of Jeep Trucks
Although Jeep is perhaps the most trusted name in the off-road industry, it’s had a love affair with trucks spanning seven decades. The first Jeep hit showrooms in 1947, but they were almost exclusively marketed to the farm industry. In 1963, the first Jeep Gladiator appeared. It was a staple of the Jeep lineup until sales dwindled and the company discontinued it in 1987. The Jeep Comanche survived an additional five years with a bit of overlap.
For the next 25 years, Jeep would throw out teasers and concept trucks, but the 2020 Gladiator is the company’s first attempt at reviving the truck. Taking cues from its deceased siblings, the Gladiator offers retro looks with all the modern amenities you want.
The Only Open-Air Pickup
Have you longed for a pickup that drives just like a Jeep Wrangler? Now you have it. With a removable top and doors, the Jeep Gladiator gives you the feel of riding in a four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with a handy bed in the back. With this class-exclusive feature, you can hit the open road on a leisurely Sunday and still have room to run some errands. That’s a perk you won’t find on any other pickup.
Best-In-Class Towing and Payload
Light-duty trucks don’t always offer the power you need for work or play. They may struggle to deal with heavier loads, but that’s not the case with the 2020 Gladiator. A 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 powers the Jeep with 285 horsepower and pure brawn. Behind this engine, the Gladiator tows a best-in-class 7,650 pounds with a payload of 1,600 pounds. Whether you want to tow one of your toys down to the lake or get the job done on the worksite, the Gladiator has your back.
Refined Interior
One of the most intriguing amenities of the 2020 Gladiator is the refined interior. Thanks to high-quality materials and updated features, the polished interior outpaces many of its competitors. An 8.4-inch touchscreen is the most eye-catching feature, allowing you to easily navigate the Uconnect infotainment system. This system provides HD radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also make an appearance on the inaugural Gladiator, putting your smartphone apps and contacts right on the truck’s touchscreen.
From the off-road trails to the urban jungle, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is a fierce pickup that breathes life into the light-duty segment. No one’s sure how it will fare next to other top-selling models, but one thing’s for sure: the Gladiator is always up for an adventure.
“Jeep Gladiator” via Flickr by nan palmero. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original.
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