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I drove a $62,000 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon to see if the new pickup could steal some shine from midsize-truck rivals Ford and Chevy

Matthew DeBordApr 30, 2020, 01:07 IST
I drove a $62,000 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon to see if the new pickup could steal some shine from midsize-truck rivals Ford and Chevy

Business Insider

  • I tested a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, a Jeepified pickup truck that costs $62,020.
  • The Gladiator is an insanely capable offroad pickup, powered by a 3.6-liter V6 making 285 horsepower.
  • The Gladiator I tested was packed with cool features and enjoyed several premium upgrades to the interior.
  • Going up against a spate of competition in the midsize segment, the Gladiator might be too robust for customers who would be OK with a pickup from Chevy or Ford.
  • The Gladiator more naturally matches up with Chevy's most stout offroad choices for its Colorado pickup, and also the backwoods warriors made by Toyota and wearing the Tacoma nameplate.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The Jeep Gladiator was the one that got away in 2019.

Normally, we manage to sample just about every new, important vehicle that shows up in a given year, so that we can include the best of the best in our annual Car of the Year award competition.

We had the Jeep Gladiator, a hotly anticipated midsize pickup from the off-roading legend, all lined up. But there was a delay, and unfortunately, we couldn't hold the presses.

But no harm, no foul. We knew the Jeepified pickup would be available in 2020.

Jeep has done pickups before, including a few with the "Gladiator" moniker. The better-known models, however, were the 1980s and 1990s-vintage Scrambler and Comanche.

The midsize-pickup-truck segment, after being sort of abandoned by everybody except Toyota, has come roaring back in the past half-decade. You can now buy as many midsize pickups as full-size ... Wait! With the Gladiator on the scene, you can buy more!

Read the original article on Business Insider

So, what's the verdict?

So, what's the verdict?
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider

The Gladiator has been greeted by generally rapturous praise by reviewers, and that's understandable: Jeep lacked a pickup — and it lacked a midsize pickup, so the Gladiator filled two important gaps in the portfolio simultaneously. That's important for the brand, for consumers, and for Jeep's business. Nobody needs to remind the company that pickups have been hot sellers in the US market.

The Gladiator is also probably the coolest-looking and most capable midsize pickup money can currently buy. It's off-road cred is superior to the Chevy Colorado, although if you go for the ZR2 Bison trim level of the Chevy, you're giving the Jeep something to think about. As far as legacy players, the more crude and purposeful Toyota pickups are the Gladiator's natural foes, but those Tacomas — the TRD Pro and TRD Sport — are aging vehicles, lacking the Gladiator's pizzazz.

None of these positives mean that the Gladiator, like the Jeep Wrangler, is an even remotely practical pickup, if you aren't a hardcore outdoors person or committed weekend off-road-warrior. While the Colorado, the Ford Ranger, and the Honda Ridgeline all ride (sort of) like cars on normal public roads, the Jeep makes no such concessions. On knobby tires with off-road shocks and a suitable beefed-up suspension, it's a spine-rattler. More than once during my testing, I wondered if Jeep had A-B'ed the Gladiator against a farm tractor, just to make sure it wasn't suggesting anything too softly suburban.

Admittedly, this is the Jeep curse; even its benign crossover SUVs, which aren't ever likely to crawl a rock or ford a stream, are engineered to ride like Jeeps — which is to say, evoke the legacy of a homely military scout vehicle. Discomfort is a virtue.

As with the Wrangler, one adapts. But after a week of bouncing the Gladiator around the New Jersey 'burbs, I was ready to borrow a Ridgeline and realign the vertebrae in my lower back.

That said, if I were a full-time river guide, I'd be shopping for a Gladiator Rubicon. When it comes to a life lived outside, there's a reason why Jeeps have been so popular for so long. This pickup is insanely capable, and the addition of a bed just ups the versatility.

However, the Gladiator might be too much of a good thing. Jeep sold only about 40,000 last year, versus a quarter-million Wranglers. That somewhat makes sense, as the Gladiator competes most directly against the survive-anything versions of the Tacoma, not the more amenable midsizers from Ford and Chevy.

So in the end, you respect the crap out of the Gladiator. But maybe you get the Wrangler instead. And if you're an average human and not a proper back-to-the-wild type, you buy a more domesticated pickup.

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There are plenty of connectivity options, in both the front and rear seats.

There are plenty of connectivity options, in both the front and rear seats.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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Like other infotainment systems on the market, it comes with a suite of apps. My Gladiator also included an Alpine audio system that sounds fine, if less than premium.

Like other infotainment systems on the market, it comes with a suite of apps. My Gladiator also included an Alpine audio system that sounds fine, if less than premium.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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UConnect is an industry underdog, but we've found it matches up well against the competition. It does everything well, from GPS navigation to Bluetooth and USB device connectivity.

UConnect is an industry underdog, but we've found it matches up well against the competition. It does everything well, from GPS navigation to Bluetooth and USB device connectivity.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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The 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen is small by current industry standards. But the system runs Fiat Chrysler's excellent UConnect system.

The 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen is small by current industry standards. But the system runs Fiat Chrysler's excellent UConnect system.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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Refreshingly, the Gladiator has plenty of nice, big buttons and knobs.

Refreshingly, the Gladiator has plenty of nice, big buttons and knobs.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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The multifunction, heated steering wheel is leather-wrapped, and the instrument cluster is an analog-digital setup. This aspect of the Gladiator is pretty much on par with all other Jeep vehicles.

The multifunction, heated steering wheel is leather-wrapped, and the instrument cluster is an analog-digital setup. This aspect of the Gladiator is pretty much on par with all other Jeep vehicles.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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... Is deep and roomy, yet narrow.

... Is deep and roomy, yet narrow.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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And the glove compartment ...

And the glove compartment ...
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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There's a grab bar above the glove compartment.

There's a grab bar above the glove compartment.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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Interior storage is good, including a lockable compartment under the rear floorboard. The front doors have mesh pouches.

Interior storage is good, including a lockable compartment under the rear floorboard. The front doors have mesh pouches.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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A bit of jazzy branding found its way to the front seats, which were both leather-trimmed and heated.

A bit of jazzy branding found its way to the front seats, which were both leather-trimmed and heated.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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The back seats area bench design, and legroom is adequate, for a midsize pickup.

The back seats area bench design, and legroom is adequate, for a midsize pickup.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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The Gladiator Rubicon's interior was basic black, with some orange contrast stitching and a bit of brushed metal. Actually, rather premium for a Jeep!

The Gladiator Rubicon's interior was basic black, with some orange contrast stitching and a bit of brushed metal. Actually, rather premium for a Jeep!
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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The Gladiator has a helpful grab handle so that you can hoist yourself into the driver's seat.

The Gladiator has a helpful grab handle so that you can hoist yourself into the driver's seat.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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One thing I missed on the Gladiator Rubicon was a running board to ease climbing in and out of the cab. This feature can be a mud-magnet when off-roading, however.

One thing I missed on the Gladiator Rubicon was a running board to ease climbing in and out of the cab. This feature can be a mud-magnet when off-roading, however.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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The power can be sent through an optional eight-speed automatic, with four-wheel-drive capability. A six-speed manual is standard.

The power can be sent through an optional eight-speed automatic, with four-wheel-drive capability. A six-speed manual is standard.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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Fuel economy is not great: 17 mpg city/22 highway/19 combined.

Fuel economy is not great: 17 mpg city/22 highway/19 combined.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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That's a 3.6-liter V6, making 285 horsepower with 260 pound-feet of torque.

That's a 3.6-liter V6, making 285 horsepower with 260 pound-feet of torque.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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First, you have to unlatch the hood, which is secured against coming loose when busting around rugged terrain.

First, you have to unlatch the hood, which is secured against coming loose when busting around rugged terrain.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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Let's have a look under the hood.

Let's have a look under the hood.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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The front bumper could easily support bulk — and has been beefed up so that a winch can be attached.

The front bumper could easily support bulk — and has been beefed up so that a winch can be attached.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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My Gladiator has a $350 towing package. It can manage 7,000 pounds. Other trim levels can tow more, up to 7,650 pounds.

My Gladiator has a $350 towing package. It can manage 7,000 pounds. Other trim levels can tow more, up to 7,650 pounds.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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It's switched on via a button in the cab. The package an $895 extra.

It's switched on via a button in the cab. The package an $895 extra.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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You have a 115-volt outlet back there.

You have a 115-volt outlet back there.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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The box has lights, tie-down points — and power!

The box has lights, tie-down points — and power!
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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The bed has a 1,600-pound capacity and could handle most of what its target customers would put in it, ranging from camping gear to mountain bikes. My review car didn't have a spray-on bedliner, but the cover somewhat eliminates the need for the additional protection.

The bed has a 1,600-pound capacity and could handle most of what its target customers would put in it, ranging from camping gear to mountain bikes. My review car didn't have a spray-on bedliner, but the cover somewhat eliminates the need for the additional protection.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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... Secure the cover with Velcro straps.

... Secure the cover with Velcro straps.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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Yank a pair of release chords and roll it up ...

Yank a pair of release chords and roll it up ...
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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It was a piece of cake to use.

It was a piece of cake to use.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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My test vehicle had a nifty tonneau cover, a $595 extra.

My test vehicle had a nifty tonneau cover, a $595 extra.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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No mistaking that this is a Jeep, by the way.

No mistaking that this is a Jeep, by the way.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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Let's check out the Gladiator's most notable feature: the bed!

Let's check out the Gladiator's most notable feature: the bed!
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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... And rear and you're basically ready to take on anything unpaved.

... And rear and you're basically ready to take on anything unpaved.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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Throw in FOX shocks front ...

Throw in FOX shocks front ...
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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There are heavy-duty front and rear axles that can be locked, a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive setup, a shielded gas tank, a shielded transfer case, and a front skid plate. All this for around $60,000 represents staggering off-roading capability.

There are heavy-duty front and rear axles that can be locked, a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive setup, a shielded gas tank, a shielded transfer case, and a front skid plate. All this for around $60,000 represents staggering off-roading capability.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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Perhaps you'll be rock-crawling at lower velocity, however. The Gladiator is prepared to subdue nature.

Perhaps you'll be rock-crawling at lower velocity, however. The Gladiator is prepared to subdue nature.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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... And roofless beats sunroof every time. But in practice, the Jeep's blocky aerodynamics makes for furious wind noise and turbulence at higher speeds. So proceed with caution.

... And roofless beats sunroof every time. But in practice, the Jeep's blocky aerodynamics makes for furious wind noise and turbulence at higher speeds. So proceed with caution.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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Taking off vehicle parts is always a lot of fun ...

Taking off vehicle parts is always a lot of fun ...
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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... And instructions.

... And instructions.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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It contains a wrench with some attachments ...

It contains a wrench with some attachments ...
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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Taking off the rest of the roof is more involved and requires this small tool kit.

Taking off the rest of the roof is more involved and requires this small tool kit.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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Hinges on the outside!

Hinges on the outside!
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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By the way, if you're feeling ambitious, you can loosen a few bolts and take the doors off, too.

By the way, if you're feeling ambitious, you can loosen a few bolts and take the doors off, too.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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I briefly stowed the roof panels in the back seat. But the vehicle comes with a padded storage bag.

I briefly stowed the roof panels in the back seat. But the vehicle comes with a padded storage bag.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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... You can be Jeepin' in the open air.

... You can be Jeepin' in the open air.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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... And in a few seconds, literally ...

... And in a few seconds, literally ...
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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... About a half-dozen in all ...

... About a half-dozen in all ...
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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Throw a bunch of interior latches ...

Throw a bunch of interior latches ...
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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The "Body Color Three-Piece Hardtop" is a $2,300 extra. Removing the roof panels over the front seats is easy.

The "Body Color Three-Piece Hardtop" is a $2,300 extra. Removing the roof panels over the front seats is easy.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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Time to have a little fun. Usually, I don't dismantle my Jeep review vehicle. But you can! Some are designed to have roofs and even doors that can be taken off.

Time to have a little fun. Usually, I don't dismantle my Jeep review vehicle. But you can! Some are designed to have roofs and even doors that can be taken off.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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My tester was outfitted with 33-inch all-terrain tires. But obviously, the Gladiator's wheel-arches could accommodate bigger rubber. The wheels were 17-inch "Granite Crystal" aluminum jobs, and they were standard.

My tester was outfitted with 33-inch all-terrain tires. But obviously, the Gladiator's wheel-arches could accommodate bigger rubber. The wheels were 17-inch "Granite Crystal" aluminum jobs, and they were standard.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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Now about that bed, which of course gives Gladiator its pickup-truck status. It's a five-foot box, which is typical for the crew-cab midsize segment.

Now about that bed, which of course gives Gladiator its pickup-truck status. It's a five-foot box, which is typical for the crew-cab midsize segment.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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The hood vents are also borrowed from the Wrangler.

The hood vents are also borrowed from the Wrangler.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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... Impromptu field table on which to perch a hot beverage.

... Impromptu field table on which to perch a hot beverage.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/BI
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That fender does provide a convenient ...

That fender does provide a convenient ...
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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... And rear.

... And rear.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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The fenders are borrowed from the Wrangler, and they have built-in running lights. They're part of a $1,045 LED lighting package, adorning the front ...

The fenders are borrowed from the Wrangler, and they have built-in running lights. They're part of a $1,045 LED lighting package, adorning the front ...
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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Luckily, Jeep's most committed customers don't want the brand to change nuthin.' That said, the front end has been updated, technologically, for the 21st century.

Luckily, Jeep's most committed customers don't want the brand to change nuthin.' That said, the front end has been updated, technologically, for the 21st century.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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It's hard to mess around with design DNA that runs that deep.

It's hard to mess around with design DNA that runs that deep.
Marines try to pull a bogged-down jeep out of mud on Bougainville island, a Japanese stronghold in the Solomon islands, November 1943. AP Photo
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And when you get right down to it, modern Jeeps continue to look a lot like the original Willys Jeep from the World War II era.

And when you get right down to it, modern Jeeps continue to look a lot like the original Willys Jeep from the World War II era.
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What we're really dealing with here is the blessing/curse of the Jeep design language. Up front, the Gladiator of course looks very, very much like a Wrangler.

What we're really dealing with here is the blessing/curse of the Jeep design language. Up front, the Gladiator of course looks very, very much like a Wrangler.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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You might think that, like certain Jeep pickups of the past, the Gladiator is simply a Wrangler with a bed bolted on. Not so! The Gladiator sits on its own, dedicated pickup-truck frame.

You might think that, like certain Jeep pickups of the past, the Gladiator is simply a Wrangler with a bed bolted on. Not so! The Gladiator sits on its own, dedicated pickup-truck frame.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/BI
Read the review.
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The Jeep family resemblance is unmistakable.

The Jeep family resemblance is unmistakable.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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My 2020 model tipped the cost scales at $62,020, and it was well-optioned. Base, it was $43,545. The cheapest Gladiator is the Sport, stickering at $33,545.

My 2020 model tipped the cost scales at $62,020, and it was well-optioned. Base, it was $43,545. The cheapest Gladiator is the Sport, stickering at $33,545.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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If you're going to get a 2020 Jeep Gladiator, go for the Rubicon 4x4 trim level and go for the orange paint job — or "Punk'n," as Jeep has cleverly named it.

If you're going to get a 2020 Jeep Gladiator, go for the Rubicon 4x4 trim level and go for the orange paint job — or "Punk'n," as Jeep has cleverly named it.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Matthew DeBord/Insider
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