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TL;DR
- The Gladiator (JT) is Jeep's midsize pickup: a ladder frame, solid Dana axles front and rear, a 137.3-inch wheelbase and a 60.3-inch bed, built in Toledo, Ohio.
- For 2026 only the Rubicon gets the Rock-Trac case with a 4.0:1 low range, front and rear Tru-Lok lockers and the electronic sway-bar disconnect. Willys and Mojave lock the rear axle only.
- Every 2026 Gladiator has the 285 hp 3.6L V6 and an eight-speed automatic. The six-speed manual ended after 2024 and the EcoDiesel after 2023.
- Maximum ratings are 7,700 lb towing and 1,720 lb payload, both on a Sport with the 4.10 axle; a Rubicon is rated 7,000 lb and 1,100 lb.
- The biggest open issue is NHTSA 26V363 (June 2026): power-steering pump wiring on 2021–2025 Gladiators and Wranglers can overheat and start a fire even when parked, so Jeep says to park outside until it is repaired.
At a Glance
| If your 2026 Gladiator is a… | What its 4x4 does | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|
| Sport or Sport S | Part-time 4x4 with a 2.72:1 low range; open differentials (rear limited-slip available on Sport) | Snow, dirt roads, towing |
| Willys | Same part-time case, rear locker, 32-inch mud-terrain tires | Moderate trails on a budget |
| Mojave | Part-time case or optional full-time Selec-Trac, rear locker, FOX bypass shocks | Fast desert roads and washboard |
| Rubicon | Rock-Trac 4.0:1 low range, front and rear lockers, sway-bar disconnect | Slow rock crawling |
Generation and Model Years
There is one Gladiator generation, the JT. Jeep's 2026 specifications list a 2019 introduction date, and NHTSA's earliest Gladiator recall (19V636) covers 2020-model trucks, so the first model year is 2020. It is assembled at Toledo Supplier Park in Toledo, Ohio, alongside the Wrangler, with a ladder-type frame and an open steel-and-aluminum body.
The powertrain changed over the years. The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 arrived for 2021 with 442 lb-ft of torque and an eight-speed automatic, and Jeep marked its final production with the 2023 Gladiator Rubicon FarOut edition. The six-speed manual was offered with the 3.6L V6 through 2024; for 2025 Jeep made the eight-speed automatic standard on every Gladiator. The 2025 lineup had eight models (Sport, Sport S, NightHawk, Willys, Mojave, Mojave X, Rubicon and Rubicon X); for 2026 it is five: Sport, Sport S, Willys, Mojave and Rubicon.
4WD System by Trim (2026)
| Trim | Transfer case (low range) | Front / rear differential | Front sway bar | Factory tire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport, Sport S | NV241 Command-Trac, part-time (2.72:1) | Open / open; Trac-Lok limited-slip rear available on Sport | Fixed | 245/75R17 |
| Willys | NV241 Command-Trac, part-time (2.72:1) | Open / Tru-Lok electronic locker | Fixed | LT255/75R17 mud-terrain |
| Mojave | Command-Trac, or optional MP3022 Selec-Trac full-time (2.72:1) | Open / Tru-Lok electronic locker | Fixed | LT285/70R17 all-terrain |
| Rubicon | NV241OR Rock-Trac, part-time; full-time version available (4.0:1) | Tru-Lok / Tru-Lok | Electronic disconnect | LT285/70R17 all-terrain |
A part-time case locks the front and rear driveshafts together in 4H and 4L, with no center differential, so Jeep says to use it only on loose or slippery surfaces and return to 2H on dry pavement; turning on grippy ground makes the driveline bind, which shows up as a bang, shudder or tire scuffing. The Selec-Trac case adds an Auto position that can stay engaged on pavement. Jeep also warns that locking differentials should not be used on dry, paved roads.
Crawl ratio is first gear × low range × axle ratio. With the eight-speed's 4.71:1 first gear, a Sport with 3.73 axles crawls at 47.8:1, a Mojave with 4.10 axles at 52.5:1, and a Rubicon at 77.2:1, which matches Jeep's "up to 77:1" claim. Both axles are third-generation Dana heavy-duty units.
Mojave vs Rubicon
The two top trims are built for different terrain. The Mojave keeps the 2.72:1 low range and the fixed front sway bar but adds FOX 2.5-inch internal-bypass shocks with external reservoirs, reinforced front upper control arms with FOX hydraulic jounce bumpers, a larger rear track bar, and a 65-inch track front and rear. It has the best approach angle (44.7°) and ground clearance (11.6 in) in the lineup. The Rubicon gives up a little clearance (11.1 in) for the 4.0:1 low range, a front locker and the sway-bar disconnect, which help most at walking pace over rocks.
Towing, Payload and Dimensions
| 2026 model (3.6L, automatic) | Axle ratio | Max payload | Max trailer | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | 3.73 | 1,025 lb | 6,000 lb with tow package | 4,695 lb |
| Sport, Max Trailer Tow | 4.10 | 1,720 lb | 7,700 lb | 4,741 lb |
| Willys | 3.73 | 1,025 lb | 6,000 lb | 4,860 lb |
| Mojave | 4.10 | 1,050 lb | 6,000 lb | 5,042 lb |
| Rubicon | 4.10 | 1,100 lb | 7,000 lb | 5,031 lb |
The V6 makes 285 hp at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm on regular 87-octane fuel, and the tank holds 22 gallons. The truck is 218.0 inches long on a 137.3-inch wheelbase. The bed is 60.3 inches long with the tailgate closed and 81.3 inches with it down, 44.8 inches between the wheel wells, with 35.5 cubic feet of volume. Ground clearance is 10.0 inches on Sport and Willys, 11.1 on Rubicon and 11.6 on Mojave, and Jeep rates water fording at up to 31.5 inches.
For fitment, the Gladiator shares the Wrangler's front-end layout but not its length: a four-door Wrangler rides on a 118.4-inch wheelbase, 18.9 inches shorter. Rock rails, skid plates, rear bumpers and other parts sized to the body length are listed separately for each. Track width also varies by trim, from 62.9 inches on Sport and Willys to 64.4 on Rubicon and 65 on Mojave, which changes wheel-offset and fender fitment.
Recall History (NHTSA)
As of September 2026, NHTSA's recall database returns 18 campaigns that include a 2020–2026 Gladiator. Many also cover the Wrangler or other Stellantis models, so the unit counts below are campaign totals, not Gladiators alone.
| NHTSA campaign | Filed | Gladiator model years | Problem | Units (all models) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V363 | Jun 2026 | 2021–2025 | Electro-hydraulic power-steering pump wiring can overheat and start a fire, even with the ignition off; park outside until repaired | 1,076,999 |
| 26V531 | Aug 2026 | 2026 | Rearview camera image may not display in reverse (FMVSS 111); many Stellantis models | 844,027 |
| 23V116 | Feb 2023 | 2020–2023, manual transmission | Clutch pressure plate can overheat and fracture; replaces earlier campaign 21V028 | 69,201 |
| 22V767 and 23V263 | Oct 2022, Apr 2023 | 2021–2023, 3.0L diesel | High-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine | 60,413 and 45,832 |
| 24V652 | Sep 2024 | 2020–2024 | Instrument cluster can short internally and go blank (FMVSS 101) | 32,863 |
| 19V636 | Aug 2019 | 2020 | Rear driveshaft assembled without grease in the monoblock joint; can seize and fracture | 3,733 |
| 26V456 | Jul 2026 | 2026 | Steel wheels with walls too thin can crack or detach | 641 |
The clutch recalls apply only to manual-transmission trucks, and the fuel-pump recalls only to EcoDiesel trucks, so an automatic V6 Gladiator is outside both. The remedy for 26V363 is inspection and replacement of the pump and wiring as needed. Enter a VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether a specific truck has an open campaign; the tool below lists campaigns by year.
Gladiator Owner Pages
- How to put jeep gladiator in 4wd
- Problems & Maintenance
- Mod Priorities
- Best Lift Kits
- Best Front Bumpers
- Best Roof Racks
- Best Tonneau Covers
- Best Leveling Kits
- Jeep accessory fitment hub
Check for Open Recalls
Look up open NHTSA recall campaigns for this model by year. This calls NHTSA's free, public recall API directly from your browser — nothing is sent to us.
Choose a year and select “Check Recalls”.
Data from NHTSA's public recall API — this lookup is not the official record and 4x4 & Overlanding is not affiliated with NHTSA. Always confirm current recall status at nhtsa.gov/recalls using your vehicle's VIN before assuming a vehicle has no open recalls.
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Sources
- Stellantis Media — 2026 Jeep Gladiator Specifications — 2019 introduction date, Toledo assembly, ladder frame; 3.6L V6 output and fuel; eight-speed 850RE gear ratios; Command-Trac, Selec-Trac and Rock-Trac cases by trim with low-range ratios; Dana axles and Tru-Lok lockers by trim; Rubicon sway-bar disconnect; Mojave FOX shocks, jounce bumpers and track bar; tires, track widths, wheelbase, length, bed dimensions, clearances, curb weights, payload and towing by trim.
- Stellantis Media — Press Kit: 2026 Jeep Gladiator (What's New for 2026) — 2026 five-trim lineup, 3.6L V6 with eight-speed automatic only, 7,700 lb towing, 1,720 lb payload, crawl ratio up to 77:1, 31.5-inch water fording, approach/breakover/departure angles.
- Stellantis Media — What's New for 2025: Jeep Gladiator — Eight-speed automatic standard (automatic only) for 2025; eight-model 2025 lineup including NightHawk, Mojave X and Rubicon X.
- Stellantis Media — 2021 Jeep Gladiator Fact Sheet — 3.0L EcoDiesel new for 2021 with 442 lb-ft and an eight-speed automatic; six-speed manual offered with the 3.6L V6.
- Stellantis Media — 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon FarOut marks final EcoDiesel production — The 2023 Rubicon FarOut edition marked the end of EcoDiesel production for the Gladiator.
- Stellantis Media — 2026 Jeep Wrangler Specifications — Wrangler wheelbase (96.8 in two-door, 118.4 in four-door) used for the Gladiator fitment comparison; Wrangler introduced fall 2017 as a 2018 model; transfer cases and Tru-Lok lockers on Rubicon.
- Jeep — 4x4 FAQ & Glossary — Part-time 4WD has no center differential and should not be used on dry pavement (binding, crow hop); full-time 4WD and AWD definitions; crawl ratio definition; locking differentials not for dry, paved roads.
- NHTSA — Recall 26V363 — 2021–2025 Wrangler, Wrangler 4xe and Gladiator electro-hydraulic power-steering pump wiring fire risk, park-outside advisory, 1,076,999 units; remedy inspects and replaces the pump and wiring.
- NHTSA — Recall 26V531 — 2026 Gladiator and other Stellantis models: rearview camera image may not display (FMVSS 111), 844,027 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 23V116 — 2018–2023 Wrangler and 2020–2023 Gladiator manual transmissions: clutch pressure plate can overheat and fracture, 69,201 units; replaces 21V028.
- NHTSA — Recall 22V767 — 2021–2022 Gladiator 3.0L diesel (with Wrangler and Ram 1500) high-pressure fuel pump failure and stall, 60,413 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 23V263 — 2021–2023 Gladiator 3.0L diesel (with Wrangler and Ram 1500) high-pressure fuel pump failure, 45,832 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 24V652 — 2020–2024 Gladiator and 2018–2024 Wrangler instrument panel cluster short circuit (FMVSS 101), 32,863 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 19V636 — 2020 Gladiator rear driveshaft assembled without grease in the monoblock joint; can seize and fracture; 3,733 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 26V456 — 2026 Gladiator and Wrangler steel wheels with walls too thin can crack or detach, 641 units.
- NHTSA — Datasets and APIs (Recalls API) — Recall campaign counts by model year and each campaign's reported number of potentially affected units, retrieved September 28, 2026.
- NHTSA — Recalls lookup by VIN — VIN lookup for open recall campaigns on a specific vehicle.