2021 Jeep Gladiator is a burly jack of all trades
With new EcoDiesel power and fresh Willys and 80th Anniversary trims, Jeep's midsize truck powers into its sophomore year.
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is one of the more versatile trucks on the market, equal parts pickup, SUV and convertible.
This is the new-for-2021 80th Anniversary Edition model.
It looks largely the same as other Gladiator models, no?
It's a pretty modest trim package, including 18-inch Granite Crystal alloy wheels, body-color fenders, gray trim bits and commemorative badging.
The interior gets black diamond-embossed cloth seats with special 80th Anniversary tags, along with features like the larger 8.4-inch UConnect infotainment system and Berber floor mats.
Pricing for the 80th Anniversary Edition starts at $43,235 including $1,495 for delivery.
While this model is shown in Granite Crystal, this special edition is also offered in Bright White, Firecracker Red, Granite Crystal, Hydro Blue, Sarge and Snazzberry paint colors.
In other Gladiator news, now entering its second model year, Jeep's do-it-all truck will be available with the 3.6-liter EcoDiesel V6 that became available in the Wrangler last year.
Yes, you really can drive it places like this, diesel or no diesel.
Speaking of which, the new EcoDiesel power plant is rated at 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque.
The EcoDiesel is rated at 22 miles per gallon city, 28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined in Sport and Overland guise.
The chunkier Rubicon with its oversized tires and taller ride height land at 20 city, 25 highway and 22 combined.
No matter which model you choose, that's a substantial increase over the gas 3.6-liter Pentastar automatic's best-case-scenario of 17 city/22 highway/19 combined.
The Gladiator's best model for towing is still the base Sport model equipped with the 3.6-liter gas engine and the 4.10 rear-end. That model can tow up to 7,650 pounds.
The best the EcoDiesel can muster? 6,500 pounds, as available in Gladiator's Overland and Mojave trims.
Pricing for the EcoDiesel engine has not been announced, but if the Gladiator's kin is anything to go by, it's going to be very expensive: It's a $4,000 premium in the Wrangler.
In addition to the new diesel engine, for 2021, the Gladiator will also receive a couple of new trim looks: Willys and a special 80th Anniversary edition.
You're looking at a Gladiator Rubicon model here.
Not so bad, is it?
Other changes include optional LED headlamps becoming available on the base Sport model, as well as Overland models getting an optional forward-facing Trailcam camera for better off-road visibility.
Keep clicking or scrolling for more images of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator family, including Mojave and Overland models.