Gladiator offers truck bed, Jeep body

Written by

Jeep fans who also want truck bed space eagerly welcomed the Gladiator, the first Jeep model with a cargo bed since the early 1990s. Learn more and take a test drive soon at any Earnhardt Auto Centers location, including Earnhardt Jeep in Gilbert and Earnhardt Queen Creek Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

The Gladiator debuted at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show and made its way to dealerships in spring 2019. According to a review in HotCars.com, the Jeep Gladiator competes against the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. But, the review notes, the Gladiator stands out in this crowd due to its “challenging aesthetics, all-terrain abilities and fun-loving disposition.”

With a 3.6-liter V6 engine, the Gladiator produces 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Hot Cars says this will “keep this massive Jeep moving down the road or through rough terrain without breaking a sweat.” Customers can choose manual or automatic transmission.

A five-foot pickup bed pairs with a three-position tailgate and optional roll cover to protect your gear, Hot Cars notes. The steel bed, combined with an easy-to-power tailgate, provides the ideal amount of space for on- or off-road journeys.

To get the authentic Jeep feel, remove the doors and top and lower the windscreen. This keeps the vehicle “true to Jeep style,” Hot Cars says, making the Gladiator the only convertible pickup truck bed available.

The Gladiator’s Mojave option takes things to the next level, according to Hot Cars. This includes specially tuned springs and monotube Fox shocks in front and back to perform in desert, mud and uneven terrain.

Jeep also didn’t skimp on comfort for this latest model. With a broad wheelbase and a “beefier” suspension, the Gladiator offers a smooth, comfortable ride, says Hot Cars. The Gladiator also comes with 1,000 pounds of capacity for your towing needs, according to a review by Car and Driver.

With the 2023 model, Jeep added a limited-edition Freedom package available on Sport S trims. This package features a military-themed exterior to honor US servicemen and women, along with a special steel front bumper and rock sliders. In addition, the Capability package is available for the High Altitude trim, with a winch-capable steel front bumper, steel rock sliders and a front off-road camera. And the Willys models include features like keyless entry and remote start as standard.

If you’re looking for a hefty off-road vehicle with the style of a Jeep and a bed to haul your gear, the Jeep Gladiator might fit your needs. Head on over to Earnhardt Auto Centers, or shop online anytime!

Carolyn Sostrom

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle. She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*. With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower. She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.