2026 Jeep Gladiator: Trims, Specs, Towing, and Pricing
The 2026 Jeep® Gladiator® is the only midsize pickup that pairs removable doors and a fold-down windshield with a five-foot steel bed. For 2026, Jeep added a new Sahara trim, introduced a quick-release door hinge system that makes door removal tool-free, and expanded the color palette and limited-edition lineup. Here is how the lineup breaks down for drivers across Ontario, Corona, Norco, Claremont, West Covina, and Riverside.
What Engine and Transmission Come in the 2026 Jeep Gladiator?
Every 2026 Gladiator uses the same powertrain, so there is no engine or transmission decision to make. The 3.6-liter Pentastar® V6 and the eight-speed automatic are standard from Sport through Mojave X, and four-wheel drive is standard on every trim. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 was discontinued after the 2023 model year, and the six-speed manual transmission was dropped after the 2024 model year.
Powertrain Specifications
| Specification | 2026 Jeep Gladiator |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic (850RE) |
| Drivetrain | Four-wheel drive with two-speed transfer case |
| Fuel | Regular unleaded |
| Efficiency feature | Engine Stop/Start, standard |
What separates the trims is the transfer case and the off-road hardware bolted to it.
How the 4×4 Systems Differ
- Command-Trac® — part-time, shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive. Standard on Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, and Mojave.
- Rock-Trac® — heavy-duty part-time four-wheel drive with a 4:1 low-range ratio for slow, controlled crawling. Standard on Rubicon, with a full-time version available.
- Selec-Trac® — full-time four-wheel drive with a 2.72:1 ratio. Available on Mojave.
Solid front and rear Dana 44 axles are standard across the lineup, and Rubicon and Mojave models add wider, heavier-duty versions of the same architecture.
What Is the EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy of the 2026 Jeep Gladiator?
EPA-Estimated fuel economy does not change from trim to trim on the 2026 Gladiator. Every configuration carries the same EPA rating, so a Rubicon and a Sport S are rated identically.
Fuel Economy
| Measure | Rating |
|---|---|
| EPA-Estimated city | 17 mpg |
| EPA-Estimated highway | 22 mpg |
| EPA-Estimated combined | 19 mpg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 22 gallons |
Real-world fuel economy will vary from the EPA-Estimated figures depending on how the truck is equipped and driven. Aggressive off-road tires and open-air driving with the roof or doors removed both increase fuel use noticeably. For daily commuting along the I-10 corridor between Ontario and West Covina, moderate cruise speeds and the standard Engine Stop/Start system help stretch each tank.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
How Much Can the 2026 Jeep Gladiator Tow and Haul?
Properly equipped, the 2026 Gladiator tows up to 7,700 pounds. Jeep lists a maximum 4×4 payload of 1,720 pounds on Sport S models. Both figures depend on how the individual truck is built, and the Max Trailer Tow Group (Max Tow) is the option that unlocks the top tow rating.
Maximum Capability
| Measure | Rating |
|---|---|
| Maximum towing, properly equipped | 7,700 lbs |
| Maximum 4×4 payload, Sport S | 1,720 lbs |
Ratings vary by trim, axle ratio, and installed equipment. The yellow label on the driver’s door jamb lists the towing, payload, and weight ratings for your specific truck.
What the Max Trailer Tow Group Adds
- A 4.10 rear axle ratio for stronger low-end pull
- Dana 44 wide-track front and rear axles
- Heavy-duty engine cooling and a 240-amp alternator
- A Class IV receiver hitch
The Max Trailer Tow Group is offered on Sport and Sport S models.
Standard on Every Gladiator
- Four-pin and seven-pin trailer wiring
- Trailer Sway Control, which brakes individual wheels when it senses a trailer starting to sway
- Front and rear tow hooks
Owners who move livestock or horse trailers around the equestrian properties in Norco depend on that stability, and a Sport or Sport S with Max Tow is the configuration built for it.
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
2026 Jeep Gladiator Pricing by Trim
Starting MSRP figures below include destination and are shown before taxes, title, license, and dealer-installed options.
| Trim | Starting MSRP* | Built For |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | $41,815* | Work-truck basics with full 4×4 capability |
| Sport S | $45,010* | The volume trim; unlocks Max Tow and added safety content |
| Willys | $47,745* | Off-road hardware and looks without Rubicon money |
| Sahara | $50,110* | New for 2026 — leather-trimmed seating, body-color hardtop, daily comfort |
| Rubicon | $54,515* | Rock crawling: front and rear lockers, 4:1 low range |
| Mojave | $55,210* | Desert Rated® high-speed running on FOX shocks |
| Rubicon X | $62,510* | Fully loaded Rubicon with premium content bundled |
| Mojave X | $63,205* | Fully loaded Mojave with premium content bundled |
Rubicon X and Mojave X are premium content packages layered on the Rubicon and Mojave rather than separate core trims.
Special editions including Willys ’41, Texas Trail, 85th Anniversary Edition, Rubicon Shadow Ops, Whitecap, Rockslide, and Rewind layer distinctive content onto these core trims rather than replacing them, but each carries its own starting MSRP that varies by edition and configuration. Ask our sales team for current edition pricing and availability.
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
What Makes the 2026 Jeep Gladiator Stand Out?
The Gladiator pairs open-air freedom with off-road hardware no other pickup offers, wrapped around a five-foot steel bed that keeps it useful on a workday. Here is what separates it from the rest of the midsize segment.
Standout Strengths
- Open-air design no competitor matches. Removable doors, a fold-down windshield, and removable hardtop or soft-top options make the Gladiator the only open-air pickup on the market.
- Serious towing and off-road hardware. Up to 7,700 pounds of towing paired with solid front and rear Dana 44 axles built for durability off-road.
- A large standard touchscreen. Every trim includes a 12.3-inch Uconnect® 5 display with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
- Purpose-built off-road trims. Rubicon adds front and rear locking differentials and an electronic sway bar disconnect; Mojave adds FOX internal bypass shocks for high-speed desert running.
Common Questions About the 2026 Jeep Gladiator
Is a diesel engine still available on the Jeep Gladiator?
No. Jeep discontinued the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 after the 2023 model year. Every 2026 Gladiator is powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Is a plug-in hybrid Jeep Gladiator available?
No. Stellantis canceled the planned Gladiator 4xe and confirmed in January 2026 that it will phase out plug-in hybrid programs in North America beginning with the 2026 model year. The 2026 Gladiator is offered exclusively with the gasoline 3.6-liter Pentastar V6.
Is a manual transmission still available?
No. The six-speed manual was dropped after the 2024 model year and is no longer part of the Gladiator lineup. The eight-speed automatic is standard on every 2026 trim.
What underbody protection comes standard?
Every 2026 Gladiator includes steel skid plates that help protect the undercarriage. Off-road-focused trims add steel rock rails that shield the cab side sills during technical off-road driving.
What driver-assist and safety features are available?
A ParkView® rear back-up camera, electronic stability control, Trailer Sway Control, and first- and second-row side-curtain airbags are standard on every trim. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop is standard on Sport S and above and available on Sport. Blind-spot monitoring and rear park assist are offered through the Jeep Active Safety Group.
What is the factory warranty on a new Jeep Gladiator?
Every new Gladiator includes a three-year or 36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, whichever comes first. Coverage terms are published by Mopar® at mopar.com.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
See the 2026 Jeep Gladiator at Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram of Ontario
Choosing the right Gladiator comes down to how you actually use a truck. If you tow, a Sport or Sport S with Max Tow is the configuration to drive. If you crawl, it is the Rubicon. If you want the daily driver, the new Sahara was built for that. Our sales team at Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram of Ontario can walk you through the differences side by side and set up a test drive, and you can explore more models in our Jeep research hub.
Ways to Get Started
- Visit us at 1202 Auto Center Dr, Ontario, CA 91761
- Call our sales team at 909-757-0698
- Browse current 2026 Gladiator inventory and compare trims in person