Jeep Rolls Out Special Edition Gladiator And Wrangler Models

Jeep has shown up at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show with special edition Gladiator and Wrangler models, all of them scheduled to arrive in dealerships in the second quarter of this year.

There are three trucks in total, with Mojave and High Altitude versions of the Gladiator, plus a High Altitude Wrangler as well. The two specs are very different though and we’ll start with the “Desert Rated” one.

Gladiator Mojave

For starters, this is the first ever ‘Desert Rated’ Jeep 4×4, said to represent the ultimate in high-speed off-road capability and performance.

“4×4 capability has always been the foremost pillar of the Jeep brand and the new Gladiator Mojave is a natural extension of our legendary Trail Rated 4×4 capability leadership,” stated Jim Morrison, head of Jeep Brand. “Jeep Gladiator is already the most capable midsize pickup on the planet and, with the addition of the new Mojave model, we are delivering our most passionate customers a new level of capability with the ability to master high-speed desert and sand terrains.”

Boosting this truck’s ability to tackle rough terrain are the specially-tuned FOXTM 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs, the front hydraulic jounce bumpers, reinforced frame, one-inch front suspension lift with silver front skid plate, stronger axles with cast-iron steering knuckles, aggressive front seats with integrated upper bolsters, plus the standard 33-inch Falken Wildpeak All-terrain tires.

Jeep has also added Performance Parts to the Mojave spec, such as step sand slider side rails, and the previously-mentioned silver front skid plate. The Gladiator Mojave can take on up to 1,200 lbs (544 kg) of payload and tow up to 6,000 lbs (2.7 tons).

Then there’s the ‘Off-Road Plus’ button, which once pushed, will help you adjust throttle, transmission shift points and traction control for “peak performance on higher speed passes on sand terrain, as well as during low-speed rock crawling.” This new drive mode will also let you lock the rear axle at high speed while in “4H” – a feature that will debut later this year.

Powering the Jeep Gladiator Mojave is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 285 HP and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque. Buyers can either go for the six-speed manual transmission or the optional eight-speed automatic.

As for its interior, there are upgraded bolstered seats (leather or cloth with orange accent stitching and embroidered logos), an available forward-facing off-road camera and a competition-inspired leather steering wheel.

Wrangler & Gladiator High Altitude

Also making their debuts in Chicago are High Altitude versions of the Wrangler and Gladiator, said to represent the top of the line in Jeep luxury and capability.

“Our new Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator High Altitude are in direct response to customers who continue to ask for even more luxurious materials, premium content and technology in two of the most capable vehicles that we’ve ever offered,” stated Morrison. “We’ve taken the most capable SUV and midsize pickup on the planet and delivered a pair of truly unique vehicles, inside and out, so there’s clearly no compromise between luxury and capability.”

Separating these High Altitude models from the rest of the range are their new 20-inch fully painted gloss black alloy wheels, full suite of exterior LED lights, body-color treatments (hardtop, fender flares, mirrors, door handles, tailgate handle, bumpers) and the ‘Trail Rated’ badge.

Inside, there’s a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dashboard, center console and door panels, while Nappa leather covers the seats. As for tech features, they include the 8.4-inch touchscreen display with Alpine premium audio system, 4G LTE wi-fi, automatic high-beam headlight control, GPS navigation, remote proximity keyless entry, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection and ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines.

The Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator High Altitude are available in the following colors: Billet Silver, Black, Bright White, Gobi (Gladiator exclusive), Granite Crystal, Ocean Blue (Wrangler exclusive) and Snazzberry (late availability).