In the few short years since its triumphant return in 2019, the Jeep Gladiator has established itself as one of the best mid-size trucks on the market. It’s done this by combining the rugged utility of a pickup truck with the one-of-a-kind trail-eating nastiness that only a Jeep can provide.

The almighty Jeep truck may look very similar for the 2024 model year, but make no mistake, there are a ton of killer new features to drool over.

What’s New in the 2024 Jeep Gladiator?

The 2024 Gladiator has more tech, more features, and more customizability than ever before. Here’s a rundown of what Jeep’s added to everyone’s favorite off-road truck.

New Trims, Who Dis?

These are the new trim levels for the 2024 Jeep Gladiator:

• Sport
• Sport S
• Willys
• Mojave
• Rubicon
• Mojave X
• Rubicon X

It’s currently unclear whether or not Jeep’s done away with the Freedom and High Altitude versions of yesteryear, but let’s focus on what they’ve added.

The Rubicon X and Mojave X editions are the stars of the show this year, boasting some beefed-up accessories like steel front and rear bumpers, an integrated off-road camera, and an all-the-time transfer case for the most advanced capability yet.

The Jeep Gladiator Mojave X is engineered to excel in inhospitable sandy environments, as evidenced by its Desert Rated badging, which serves as an extension of the famed Jeep Trail Rated icon. Its proprietary suspension system includes high-performance FOX shocks designed for maximum stability at high speeds in harsh environments, with external reservoirs to keep shock fluid at the right temp in the grueling sun. It also boasts an Off-Road+ setting only available on certain models, which allows Jeepers to adjust traction control and shift points on the fly, as well as lock the rear axle in 4-HI for even better high-velocity control. It’s all been rigorously tested to ensure it withstands the unforgiving grit and grime of the desert.

The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon X takes all the well-loved Rubicon features and dials them up to 11. The Rock-Trac 4x4 system comes with Dana 44 axles and Tru-Lok front and rear differentials, plus a frontal sway bar disconnect for absolute peak rock crawling fun. The Jeep Rubicon truck also boasts steel rock rails on the exterior of the cab and bed corners for maximum protection.

More Customization, No Problems

There are now more ways to trick out your Jeep Gladiator wheels than ever before, with seven new rim designs, one for each trim. As expected, each pairs nicely with either 32 or 33-inch tires.

Jeep has also developed more of what it calls open-air freedom options. A premium reinforced soft top is now standard, allowing you to drop it when the sun comes out quicker than ever before, in addition to two available hardtops (body-colored and matte black). Other options include a foldable windshield and half-doors, giving unprecedented ways to build your one-of-a-kind Gladiator.

A new imposing gray Anvil body color is now available as well, joining the roster of eight other exterior paints to choose from.

Technological Superiority

A massive 12.3-inch full-color touch screen display is now standard across all trims, providing the best interface yet for infotainment and navigation, especially on the trail.

It’s supported by the fifth-gen Uconnect 5 system, and paired with a seven-speaker hands-free voice recognition system, which is guaranteed to work even with the top down and the doors off. Uconnect 5 is reported to be five times faster than the previous software. Other connectivity features include five customizable user profiles with valet mode, Bluetooth connectivity for two devices at the same time, and a customizable home screen.

Perhaps the thing we’re most excited for, though, is the Jeep Adventure Guides feature, which is powered by Trails Offroad—but more on that in a second.

Comfort and Safety in Tandem

One of the most pivotal additions to the new Jeep Gladiator is the 85 different available safety features, one of which is the standard side curtain airbags in both the front and back rows, which provide a much-appreciated extra layer of safety in the event of a crash or a trail rollover. Structural reinforcements to the sides have been made as well.

Driver assistance has also been enhanced. Advanced cruise control and frontal collision warning are now standard across all models except for the base Jeep Gladiator Sport. Other ADAS features that have been expanded include the ParkSense rear parking assist, blind spot detection, and cross-path detection. A backup camera is now also included in all Gladiator models.

If all the extra safety features weren’t enough, the Jeep pickup truck also has available 12-way adjustable front seats to provide the best in comfort while you crush through the backcountry.

The Power to Go Anywhere

The Gladiator is one of the toughest midsize trucks available, and not just on the trail, either.

With a best-in-class max payload of 1,725 pounds, the Gladiator is a certified overlanding beast. Not only is the Gladiator made to conquer the off-road, but it’s burly enough to carry all the gear you need to have a bona fide adventure once you get where you’re going. Picture mudding out past where all the other trucks can go and camping in solitude beneath the stars.

It also takes the cake for midsize trucks with the best towing capacity, with a max rating of 7,700 pounds. Not only can it haul you, your family, and all of your camping gear, but it’s powerful enough to drag your favorite toys along for the ride. Airstream trailers, pop-ups, jet skis, small boats—the sky’s the limit with this monster hauler.

The not-so-secret-secret, of course, is the hearty engine block: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, which puts out a rock-solid 285 ponies and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The 3.0L EcoDiesel has been left behind—for now.

It’s paired with a six-speed manual transmission to complete the standard powertrain, but an eight-speed automatic is also available, if you so choose.

Earn Your Badge of Honor with Jeep Gladiator

Now, let’s talk about one of the most exciting things about the new Gladiator: Jeep Adventure Guides.

JAG is a collection of professionally curated trails across North America. Six more of these legendary trails have been added recently, bringing the total up to 68. It’s all a part of their Badge of Honor program, which allows you to connect the app to your Gladiator or Wrangler, join the online community, and earn real badges to display on your Jeep when you surmount each trail. Newly added trails include Cougar Crossing in Missouri, Quartz Canyon in Arkansas, and Fern Ridge Trail in Pennsylvania. It’s all part of a new effort from Jeep to bring its nationwide community together and encourage fellow Jeepers to get out and master new territory.

The BoH program is done in partnership with Trails Offroad, a renowned authority in all things regarding off-roading. The Trails Offroad app is an essential tool for any serious trail master—the app has over 3,000 expert-curated routes with detailed trail guides, descriptions, and points of interest. Even if you don’t dominate all 68 of the Badge of Honor trails, Trails Offroad can help you find dozens of awesome places to take your Gladiator, right in your backyard.

Get Out There and Start Earning Your Badge

If you don’t have a late-model Jeep with the latest software, you can still join in on the fun by downloading the Trails Offroad app. Trust us, once you start, you’ll be hooked.

Looking for a Jeep Gladiator for sale? Contact your friendly neighborhood Jeep dealership in Kansas City. We have tons of special offers on Jeep Gladiators, Wranglers, and more. To find out about all we have to offer, give us a call or stop on by our lot at 1051 SE Oldham Pkwy in Lee’s Summit.