There are those who love to spend their weekends getting dirty on trails with their Jeep. Those people will enjoy the power the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport brings with it. This trim package could be ideal for those who want a Jeep that’s not just a Jeep but a pickup truck, too, just in case you need to do some work.
What are the special features of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport?
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport is a fun pickup vehicle. It combines some key features of the hard-working truck, with decent infotainment and tech, and a solid 4,000 pounds of towing capacity. As the base model from Jeep’s Gladiator lineup, it’s a good combination of getting-stuff-done and looking cool while you do it.
Because the Jeep Gladiator is one of those vehicles with a lot of fun behind it, let’s take a closer look at what the Gladiator S has to offer today’s driver. You may find this vehicle has everything you need and then some, though it does have a few key drawbacks. Really want to know what people think? Check out the Jeep Gladiator’s Vehicle History.
What’s the 2020 Gladiator Sport Have to Offer?
When it comes down to it, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator was supposed to be that much-anticipated vehicle, the one that took the boring old pickup truck to the next level. The Jeep Gladiator does that. However, as a base option, the Jeep Gladiator Sport doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles you may be looking for in a vehicle.
Check out this video. It’s a clear breakdown of what the 2020 Gladiator Sport has to offer.
When you take a look at this vehicle, you’ll instantly love the look of the Jeep Gladiator. It’s a true combination of the iconic Jeep look with the mid-size pickup truck design. You can have both. The look itself is important – and there are changes such as a bit of extra lighting on the fender flare to offset the round headlight that is so well-recognized.
The front is simple and clean, with some lighting on the bumper along with tow hooks. The bumper material is also nicely positioned. An interesting change this year is how you open the hood. There are two bump stops on the middle of the hood. The reason? Oh, just to allow you to kick out the windshield if you feel the need. You just fold it down!
A versatile and capable truck, the fun 4×4 setup is what really makes this vehicle a standout. You’ve got the bed in the back, but you also have the same off-roading fun upfront.
The truck comes with a 17-inch steering wheel. There’s nothing too elaborate or fancy about the wheel, but that’s Jeep for you. Right above the wheel, there are nice little details like the side venting. Check out the hinges on the doors, too.
One of the keys to this vehicle is that it has a truck bed in the back. That’s what makes the Jeep Gladiator Sport a truly unique new version. When you go to open the tailgate, it has a built-in soft release, so you don’t have to worry about slamming it down. Inside the bed – which is a 6-foot bed – there are tie-downs to hold in place anything you plan to bring with you. The bed also has LED lighting, which is a nice touch.
Let’s Get Under the Hood Next
The Gladiator Sport is your trim base model, which means there are lots of additions you could have. This model offers a 3.6-L V6 engine. It has a six-speed manual transmission and provides up to 4,000 pounds of towing capacity. That’s the standard engine. You can upgrade to an eight-speed automatic 850RE transmission if you want more power. This engine provides 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s a capable truck.
It offers a heavy-duty Dana 44 wide front axle and rear axle, while also providing a Trac-Loc Anti-Spin Rear Differential. That helps give it its off-roading capability even with that body style.
When it comes to fuel economy, the EPA estimate for the 3.6-L engine is 17 city and 22 highway for a combined 19 miles per gallon. Is that great? It’s not bad for a heavy truck.
We could go on about the exterior and powertrain of this truck, but let’s take a step inside because there are some nice upgrades in the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport as well.
You could go with the black interior color or switch it out for the black and heritage tan interior colors. One drawback – the seats are not heated in this trim model.
It also features the Uconnect 3 with a 5-inch touchscreen display. It has a solid picture-like quality. Sirius XM is available. Drivers can also select from several safety and security options, including Selec-Speed Control, Trailer Hitch Zoom, and daytime running lights – these are available, not included, features (which is somewhat of a letdown).
What’s worse is that most of the company’s driver assist features aren’t available for upgrades either. However, this vehicle did get a solid rating for most specs from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Is it Worth it?
We think so. The base trim model – the Sport – has a base price point of $33,545. The vehicle is solid and has good options for engine and performance. Yes, it’s a good-looking truck that offers the playful styling of the Jeep. If you love Jeep, you want this truck.
Before you dive in and buy the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport, check out the other trim options, including the Sport S, Altitude, Overland, Rubicon, Mojave, and North Edition. Prices hit around $45,000 at their base level.
Don’t stop there. Take one more step and check out what consumers are saying over at Vehicle History for your 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport .
