- The 2024 Jeep Gladiator gets a refresh that brings the same updates as the Wrangler.
- Along with a new version of the brand’s seven-slot grille, the Gladiator adds a 12.3-inch touchscreen and newly available power-adjustable front seats.
- Jeep’s truck also adds two top-tier models—Mojave X and Rubicon X—and there are new AEV upfit packages.
The Jeep Gladiator is basically the Jeep Wrangler, just with a longer wheelbase and a cargo bed. Earlier this year, the Wrangler received a refresh that was highlighted by a new-look grille and an updated dashboard design, so it was only a matter of time until the pickup truck benefited from the same treatment.
Gladiator Glow-Up
The 2024 Gladiator now sports a restyled version of Jeep’s trademark seven-slot grille. Along with being visually slimmer, its textured slots are said to help improve engine cooling. With Jeep discontinuing the optional diesel V-6, that leaves the 285-hp V-6 as the lone powerplant—at least for now, as the Gladiator is destined to get the brand’s 4xe plug-in-hybrid powertrain at some point.
The Gladiator’s other exterior changes aren’t as noticeable, but they’ll likely be appreciated. For instance, the antenna is now built into the windshield unlike the old one that could get caught on branches out on the trail or damaged in hands-free carwashes. Seven new wheel designs further help freshen up the truck that’s entering its fourth model year. A new soft-top is also now standard on the entry-level Sport trim.
Jeep has revised the Gladiator’s dashboard too. Not only does it now have narrow horizontal vents above the HVAC controls, but there are new soft-touch materials on the instrument panel. We all know Jeep loves Easter eggs, and the Gladiator adds them with markings on all four corners that represent the four cardinal points on a compass. On top of the dash is a bracket for mounting accessories (a feature already found on the Ford Bronco). The Mojave trim level also gets a new steering wheel with thumb contours; the seats have more bolstering too.
Without further ado, the crown jewel of the Gladiator’s updated interior is the horizontal 12.3-inch touchscreen. The big display is standard on every model and replaces the previous 7.0 and 8.4-inch units. The new infotainment screen uses UConnect5 software, which comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has improved voice commands and backlight technology that’s said to make the screen easier to see in direct light—like when the Jeep’s top is inevitably dropped.
As with the ’24 Wrangler, the Gladiator offers Jeep Adventure Guides that detail 62 trails via the navigation system, and there’s a “Follow Model” that provides trail information such as waypoints in real time. Plus, the subscription-based Trails Offroad add-on allows access to over 3000 trail guides.
Gladiator Advancements
Designed to take it slow off-road, the Gladiator still has a host of features for keeping occupants safe on the street. For 2024, every model adds side-curtain airbags in both rows. Jeep says it also made structural changes to improve side-impact performance, and the second row has outboard seatbelts. The Sport S and above also now have standard forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control.
It might surprise some, but the Gladiator hasn’t had power-adjustable front seats—until now. A set of 12-way power seats (Jeep says they’ve been tested for water fording) are offered for the first time. They’re included with two new models, the Mojave X and Rubicon X, which are billed as the most capable and luxurious Gladiators. They also have nappa leather to go with steel bumpers, steel rock rails for the bed corners, a full-time transfer case, and an integrated off-road camera.
AEV Packages
The 2024 Gladiator is also available with three upfit packages from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). The Upcountry and Upcountry+ includes a 2.0-inch suspension lift and 35-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires. While both setups have unique wheels and fender flares, the “+” package gets a beefy front bumper and a non-winch cover plate.
Opting for AEV’s Level II package gets more extreme, bringing 37-inch BFGs and a 2.5-inch suspension lift with Bilstein dampers. Other notable measurements include a 57-degree approach angle, a 26-degree breakover angle, and a 34-degree departure angle. The Level II kit also comes with the aforementioned front bumper, a front skid plate, and a Warn Zeon 10-S winch. The AEV upfits have to be placed through local Jeep dealers.
While Jeep hasn’t yet announced pricing for the updated Gladiator, we expect slight increases across the lineup, which previously started just under $41K and eclipsed $53K for the top-tier Mojave and Rubicon models. With orders now open, 2024 Gladiators will reach dealerships at the end of the year.
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Senior Editor
Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.
Source: Motor - aranddriver.com
