2020 Jeep Gladiator Review

Name: 2020 Jeep Gladiator
Brand: Jeep

Price Range: $18,950 - $96,500

2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave Crew Cab Pickup Exterior

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is very easy to like. This burly off-road machine does almost anything the ballyhooed Jeep Wrangler can do, but it's also a practical pickup with a useful bed design and healthy payload and tow ratings. Inside, the cabin is nicely trimmed and easy to live with, and its back seat is more spacious than any of its closest rivals. And don't forget: It's the only convertible pickup.

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Average price: $29,913

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Appraise My 2020 Jeep Gladiator

Pros

Rugged Jeep character and off-road prowess
The only convertible truck you can buy
Offers bigger back seat than other midsize pickups

Cons

Steering is slow and vague, particularly on the Rubicon trim
Ride quality can get jiggly at times
Only one available engine for now

What's new

The Jeep Gladiator is an all-new model based on the Wrangler SUV
Kicks off the first Gladiator generation

Overview

Written by automotive expert Calvin Kim

Updated: 2/5/2020

The introduction of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator gives midsize-truck shoppers an intriguing new option to consider. Simply put, the Gladiator is a four-door Wrangler Unlimited with an extended wheelbase and a 5-foot cargo bed instead of the normal cargo area. This Wrangler DNA promises to give the Gladiator off-road performance that no other truck can match.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

83 listings

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2020 Jeep Gladiator
Overland Crew Cab
$25,987
great price
$4,511 below market
- 66,000 miles
- 5'0” bed, 3.6l, 6cyl
- 8 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Chantilly, VA
Discover Your Dream Car at CARPALACE - Quality Used Cars, Unbeatable Prices!At CARPALACE, we're passionate about helping you find the perfect vehicle ...
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
1C6HJTFG6LL119218
Stock:
2025628
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Price Drop
Certified 2020 Jeep Gladiator
Sport S Crew Cab
$22,499
great price
$2,762 below market
- 105,855 miles
- 5'0” bed, 3.6l, 6cyl
- 16 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Fairfax, VA
Discover the ultimate off-road companion in this 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport. Boasting a powerful 3.6L V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transm...
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
1C6JJTAG5LL217018
Stock:
38507A
Certified Pre-Owned:
Yes
Listed since:
05-31-2026

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There's plenty of towing and hauling capability here, too. When appropriately equipped, the Gladiator can tow a class-leading 7,650 pounds. The cargo bed is only available in a 5-foot-long configuration, but it's easy to access and has some useful features such as a special tailgate position that enables you to haul 4-by-8-foot sheets of plywood.

A Rubicon version is available, just like on the Wrangler. Features such as lockable front and rear differentials, standard 33-inch all-terrain tires and a disconnectable front stabilizer bar give the Gladiator Rubicon the ability to traverse difficult terrain with ease. There's also a Mojave variant with an extra inch of front suspension lift, a high-speed transfer case and other special features that help you drive across dirt and sand in a hurry. But even if you're just cruising around town, you can have fun with the Gladiator's removable top and doors. It's the only convertible pickup on the market.

There are a few downsides. The Wrangler-based underpinnings that give the Gladiator its off-road prowess are a detriment for driving on the street and result in vague steering and a sometimes jiggly and wandering ride quality. Also, the Gladiator can end up getting significantly more expensive than its rivals when you start adding a bunch of options. Overall, however, we're quite fond of the Gladiator and think it's a great pick for a truck that delivers off-road capability, cargo hauling and fun all in one.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2020 Jeep Gladiator on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7/10

How does the Gladiator drive? The Rubicon benefits from a well-matched engine and transmission combination, and it has no equal when the pavement turns to dirt. Pavement performance is compromised by the same giant tires and solid front axle that make it excel off-road, but the chassis is nevertheless nicely optimized around these necessary limitations.

Previous Wrangler owners will find the ride and handling better than ever, while first-time buyers will notice the unsettled steering over uneven and bumpy terrain and lack of precision in the steering. It still tracks nicely through corners, though crosswinds and road ruts demand some attention. Overall, though, it's not as bad as the shorter-wheelbase Wrangler.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Gladiator? We didn't expect it, but the Gladiator is mostly comfortable. There's no getting around the fact that its heavy solid-axle front suspension compromises ride comfort by transmitting some wiggle and jiggle over chattery pavement and lumpy asphalt into the cabin. After that, however, things brighten considerably thanks to supportive seats and a powerful climate control system with vents for rear passengers. Compared to the Wrangler, it also has a reasonably quiet cabin thanks to new tires and a less boomy interior.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? The Gladiator features logical and intuitive instruments and controls that are close at hand thanks to the classic vertical dash. Programmable accessory switches make it a cinch to install aftermarket equipment. The classic Jeep driving position works well here, and the superior backseat space is a real advantage compared to rivals. The Gladiator is tall and difficult to climb into, but there are ample grab handles and wide-opening doors to ease the process. And did we mention it's a convertible?

Visibility out of the front and rear is excellent, and drivers can easily place their tires where they need to go. A standard rearview camera can be paired with an optional forward-looking one meant for crawling off-road.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? The infotainment setup gives the Gladiator a leg up against its competition because it is attractive, simple and capable. The sound system produces a crisp sound, and the optional 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen navigation-audio system offers sharp graphics and a quick response. It's all easy to control with a logical mixture of fixed buttons, knobs and touchscreen controls.

Safety equipment is increased as well, as the Gladiator gets a new automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control option combo that not only works well but is also compatible with accessories that off-roaders want to add. It even works with the front windshield folded down!

Towing and Storage

7/10

How are the towing and storage? The Gladiator excels compared to rivals with a strong tow rating (even the Rubicon) and ample payload capacity. Its bed is thoughtfully designed, with low bedsides and a power-locking rear tailgate, and the rear seat's volume and folding strategy make it good for cargo and child seats alike. Its main weak point is a lack of small-item storage nooks for road trips.

A tow package-equipped Sport S model can handle up to 7,650 pounds, but even the Rubicon can take on a 7,000-pound trailer. If you're a frequent trailer tower, consider adding aftermarket tow mirrors since the Gladiator's narrow body means you won't be able to look past a wide load with the stock mirrors.

Fuel Economy

6/10

How’s the fuel economy? Just by looking at its blocky styling, you can tell the Gladiator isn't intended to be a fuel economy champ. Rated at an EPA-estimated 18 mpg combined (17 city/22 highway) with the automatic transmission, the Gladiator trails all others in the segment. It's one of the least efficient midsize trucks on the market.

Value

7/10

Is the Gladiator a good value? The Gladiator is nicely built. And if the Wrangler is any judge, it'll have great resale value. But the Gladiator is thirstier than most in its class, and it is expensive. A manual transmission is standard across the board, which is great if you want one but hides the fact that you'll pay $2,000 out of the gate to get an automatic before you add any real options. Warranty coverage is decidedly average.

Wildcard

9/10

It's a Jeep Wrangler pickup. Need we say more? Yes, you give up some off-road capability when you go from a four-door Wrangler to this. But if you start from the point of view of "I need a truck," this one oozes outdoor fun and Jeep personality. Jeep really did it right.

2020 Jeep Gladiator trim level differences

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is a five-passenger, four-door midsize truck. It's available in four trim levels — Sport, Sport S, Overland, Rubicon and Mojave — that provide increasing levels of comfort, convenience and off-road capability. Compare the 2020 Jeep Gladiator trim levels in-depth.

Which Gladiator trim does Edmunds recommend?

There are two ideal configurations for the Gladiator: one for hauling and one for off-roading. Go with a Gladiator Sport S and the optional heavy-duty tow package for segment-leading towing and cargo-hauling capability. Alternately, the Gladiator Rubicon, with its specialized hardware, will let you tackle the toughest of terrain.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$236/mo

$257/mo

Avg. Compact Truck

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Reliability

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 7 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

7 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 24V652000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 30B
Number of vehicles affected:: 32863
Defect Description:: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Defect Consequence:: An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 30B.

Recall Number:: 23V116000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 19A
Number of vehicles affected:: 69201
Defect Description:: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Defect Consequence:: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software on the vehicle that mitigates all safety risks related to the clutch assembly, free of charge. Interim owner letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 6, 2023. Owners will receive a second notice once remedy parts become available. FCA US will notify dealers and begin notifying owners, in phases, starting with the 2023 model year vehicles on or about 11/30/2023, 12/19/2023 for 2018 model year vehicles, 04/18/2024 for 2019 model year vehicles, 06/04/2024 for 2020 model year vehicles, 07/02/2024 for 2021 model year vehicles, and 08/01/2024 for 2022 model year vehicles. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Recall Number:: 21V028000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: Y01
Number of vehicles affected:: 42887
Defect Description:: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Defect Consequence:: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Recall is expected to begin March 19, 2021.

Recall Number:: 20V580000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: W67
Number of vehicles affected:: 2114
Defect Description:: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The front seat belt retractors may not lock as intended during a crash.
Defect Consequence:: In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 13, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W67.

Recall Number:: 20V191000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: W30-W37
Number of vehicles affected:: 318537
Defect Description:: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Defect Consequence:: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.

Recall Number:: 20V124000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: W12
Number of vehicles affected:: 33237
Defect Description:: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Defect Consequence:: The overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reroute a wire harness and inspect the clutch system, and replace components as needed. The recall began April 30, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W12.

Recall Number:: 19V636000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: V95
Manufactured from:: 2018-12-15 to 2019-09-10
Number of vehicles affected:: 3427
Defect Description:: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The rear driveshafts may have been incorrectly assembled without grease in the monoblock joint.
Defect Consequence:: A joint without grease may overheat and seize, possibly causing the driveshaft to fracture, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power. If the driveshaft completely separates from the vehicle it may become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US number for this recall is V95.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Jeep Gladiator Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.9

62 reviews

5(56%)

4(17%)

3(3%)

2(5%)

1(19%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

Finally -the Best of Both Worlds

AJ, 02/29/2020

2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M)

Look, this will be my third Wrangler-style vehicle (JK, CJ5 & Gladiator in that order) and my 6th Jeep product overall so my post is obviously a bit biased. That being said, when you buy a Jeep, you probably know what you are getting into; they ride and look different. If you are looking for a vehicle that rides like a Bentley on the road, look elsewhere. If however you can accept …

Impressed

Jeffrey T, 06/29/2020

2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M)

*10/18/21* update - I've been in the Gladiator for more than a year and over 20k miles. It's been outstanding. Reliable, powerful, tough. It's towed, hauled, and been topless. It's the most adaptable and fun truck you can own. *3/31/21* update - I'm approaching a year with my Gladiator and I've never been happier with a vehicle. In a world of dime-a-dozen, vauge-looking crossovers and … gargantuan "full-size" trucks, the Gladiator stands out as an anachronism. For me, the size is just perfect. It's small enough that I can still pull it into the garage or park it side-by-side with my wife's Volvo XC60 in the driveway. It's big enough that I can carry four or five people plus gear. It's strong enough to take about anything you can throw at it and tows a 3,000-pound boat easily. Of course, it's 100% Jeep styling and function with a more supple ride than a Wrangler. Jeep hit a home-run with this one. Note: rear-window leak mentioned below was fixed under warranty. No water leaks anymore. *12/30/20* update - it's now relatively cold here in North Carolina and the Gladiator is still performing great. The Jeep heats up quickly and can get HOT fast. Seated heats and steering wheel are a big plus this time of year. The only issue I've had in about 8,500 miles is the rear glass on the hard top apparently came from the factory leaking around the seal. I've read in some Gladiator forums that this was a common issue on some early Gladiators. Chrysler is replacing the rear glass under warranty, however due to COVID it's taken two months at this point for the glass to come in. Thankfully it's a relatively minor leak. To be honest, I somewhat expect things like this to crop up on a new model vehicle in its first year. All in all though, the Gladiator has been fantastic. I've owned a '13 four-door JK Wrangler and an '18 Grand Cherokee so maybe I have a bit of pro-Jeep bias, BUT my new Gladiator Overland continues to impress me. It shares many parts with the new JL Wrangler, so of course the cabin comfort and quality of materials are head and shoulders above my JK Unlimited. Splurging for the 8.4-inch screen is worth it. The UConnect infotainment system is the most intuitive and best looking I've ever used. Driving-wise, I've only spent a limited amount of time in a JL Wrangler so I can't compare its driving experience to the Gladiator but as far as the JK is concerned the Gladiator is a vast improvement. It soaks up bumps and imperfections with ease. The truck bed is what sold me. I'm not a big off-roader so the compromises Jeep had to make with the longer frame are a fair trade-off to enjoy being able to haul things on the weekend/throw stuff in the back and get going. Wranglers aren't known for their cargo space, though my JKU wasn't too bad. The Gladiator just makes loading gear effortless. And unlike most other trucks you can reach right over the side of the bed and grab whatever you need. Another plus is the 3.6 Pentastar engine paired to the 8-speed auto transmission. The Pentastar is reliable and gets up to speed just fine with the 8-speed. Yes, you notice the Gladiator's additional weight but I think the Pentastar is completely suitable for this size vehicle. To top it off, the truck is a convertible and oozes personality. Are there cheaper options available in the mid-size truck category? Absolutely. Will those trucks put a smile on your face every day like the Jeep? To each his own, but I always look forward to getting behind the wheel of the Gladiator.

Lot of Engine Problems

Michigan Gladiator, 09/04/2020

2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M)

Bought a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon and at 76 miles and 3rd day ESS and CEL came on. Fault code was Multiple Cylinder misfire. Latest TSB didn't fix the issue. Still at dealership and they said they don't know but these vehicles have lot of engine issues. They don't have any resolution. Do your research about engine misfires before buying.....looks like they are repairing engines, …

Don’t think about it, buy it!

Greg Granello, 07/03/2019

2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport S 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6M)

We thought about buying a Gladiator for 4-5 months, never having owned a Jeep or Chrysler product. But we needed a 4WD we could configure (roof, doors, windshield) and that was off-road capable for fun, that could tow our boat or motorcycle, and that had a truck bed for dogs, tool box or trips to Home Depot. I should mention we are recently retired to the lake, so we don’t commute, the …

2020 Jeep Gladiator videos

2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon vs. 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro - Truck Tug of War

Toyota Tacoma versus Jeep Gladiator: Which can pull the other? That's what we'll find out in this truck tug-of-war battle. The contenders are the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Both pack extensive off-road hardware, but only one can claim ultimate bragging rights. In a purely scientific test, we attach both trucks to each other and let 'em rip. The…

2020 Gladiator Features & Specs

Trim:

Sport

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$33,545
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	19 MPG
Cost to Drive	$236/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	four wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	7,650 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Gladiator models:

Collision Warning Plus: Alerts the driver about an imminent forward collision. Can apply the brakes automatically if the driver doesn't react in time.
Blind-Spot Monitor w/Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns the driver of other cars in the blind spot and approaching cars from out of the driver's view while in reverse.
Rear Parking Sensors: Gives audio alerts when approaching objects from the rear, helping to minimize low-speed bumps in parking scenarios.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover26.7%

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