by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
Jeep has certainly been no stranger to larger-than-life vehicle debuts. In 2006, firemen hosed down a mountain of dirt to uncover the first-generation four-door Jeep Wrangler JK during the New York Auto Show.
In 1986, during the Chicago Auto Show, the first-ever YJ Wrangler appeared at the top of a rock pile, sporting square headlights and refinements that would forever change the off-road landscape.
Well, at the 2023 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, there wasn’t that level of excitement. Instead, Jeep used the event Wednesday to offer a more low-key unveiling of its new Gladiator offerings. Sure, there was still plenty of smoke, lighting and a succession of videos that displayed plenty of ways this vehicle could fit into buyers’ lifestyles, but it didn’t push the vehicle forward at all into the realm of electrification.
At least, not yet.
Instead, Jeep rolled out numerous cosmetic and design changes to the Gladiator that freshened up the look, enjoyment and performance of the vehicle. These mostly mirrored the same facelift Wrangler underwent earlier this year.
Also, the show served to display two new Gladiator models, the Mojave and Rubicon X, that offer a few different options than standard production editions.
However, despite speculation that a 4xe Gladiator would take the stage in Detroit, the brand instead elected to punt on bringing hybrid electrification to its Jeep truck edition for now. Additionally, it severed the diesel powerplant earlier this year — leaving the 3.6L engine as the lone option in 2024.
“The new 2024 Jeep Gladiator epitomizes the power of the Jeep community and how it continues to push for greater capability, advanced technology and more refinement,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. “The new Gladiator makes the best even better, with a more advanced and comfortable interior with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and available power seats tested for water fording, more safety and technology, including standard side-curtain airbags, and a fresh exterior with a new seven-slot grille, seven new wheel designs and a windshield-integrated trail-ready antenna.
”Combine all of that with its folding windshield, three roof choices, two different door options or taking the doors off altogether, and Gladiator is the only truck in the business that can celebrate this kind of open-air freedom and still do real truck stuff.”
As far as cosmetic differences, the 2024 Gladiator will match what has already been unveiled for the ’24 Wranglers, namely, a new seven-slot grille, deletion of the whip antenna in favor of one integrated into the windshield, plus seven new wheel designs.
Moving to the interior, there is still the same new wrapped instrument panel reconfigured with round outboard vents and slim rectangular ones in the center to leave room for a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display. It features a full array of local dimming technology that makes it way easier to see in direct sunlight, especially when the roof is off and windshield folded down. Additionally, the system offers the new Jeep Adventure Guides that details 62 ‘Badge of Honor’ trails around the country. This can be upgraded via subscription to over 3,000 trails nationwide.
Other new features include a bracket on top of the dash for mounting accessories, as well as power-adjustable front seats.
Finally, just as Wrangler did earlier this year, the 2024 Gladiator will also offer AEV upgrade packages that include suspension lift, tire, wheel, fender flare, bumper and winch combinations.
The 2024 Jeep Gladiator will be available in Sport, Willys, Mojave and Rubicon models and are currently available to order. Jeep said it expects vehicles to arrive at dealerships by the end of the year.
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