A few weeks ago, we were not aware that the 2020 Jeep Gladiator even exists, because most of the earlier reports suggested that the Wrangler-based truck is going to be named Scrambler. Today, however, we know everything about the upcoming mid-size pickup truck including the name and specs, thanks to a careless upload onto the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles media website. Even though the info and photos were available just a few minutes, we’ve managed to take off everything before its official debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show.
According to the leaked documents, the 2020 Gladiator is going to have two engines and two gearbox options. The gasoline-powered Wrangler-based pickup will come paired with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. The manufacturer revealed that the mill uses a standard start/stop system, but they haven’t released anything regarding the power. An eight-speed automatic transmission won’t be the only option as we originally thought. Instead, the mid-size truck offers a six-speed manual gearbox as well. Although we were pretty sure that the vehicle gets a 2.0-liter turbo unit too, this is not going to happen. Well, it won’t happen for now.
Instead, the manufacturer will release the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Diesel. The oil-chugging model will use the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 that comes mated to an 8-speed auto transmission.
Jeep claims that the 5-foot bed made of steel at the rear is going to offer around 1,600 pounds of payload. Towing capacity, on the other hand, will be limited to 7,650 pounds. No bad at all, don’t you think?
The images show truck’s design, but they don’t show all the benefits the vehicle is going to provide. That’s because the 2020 Jeep Gladiator comes in a wide variety of door and top configurations. Just like the Wrangler, the pickup comes coupled with an easy-to-fold windshield.
Inside, the model comes fitted with an infotainment system that’s paired with a 7- or 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity are standard.
The all-new Jeep Gladiator offers Command-Trac and Rock-Trac four-wheel-drive systems, but these are not the only features that mirror the Wrangler’s kit. No, the pickup truck sibling also offers Dana 44 axles, electric front- and rear-axle lockers, as well as a limited-slip differential, and electronic sway-bar disconnect. A set of 33-inch off-road tires is standard, while the manufacturer promises 30 inches of water fording ability, which sounds really impressive. In case you choose the Rubicon version of the mid-size pickup truck, you will also get a forward-facing camera for better rock-crawling visibility.
The 2020 Gladiator will be fully revealed on November 28th, so stay tuned.