Five Steps to Customize Your New Jeep Gladiator

When the new Jeep Gladiator was announced in November 2018, fans patiently waited to get their hands on the steering wheel of the 2020 model. 

Now that it’s officially been on the road for a while, Gladiator drivers are having a heyday with the powerful Jeep/pickup truck hybrid and its many customization options. 

For example, did you know that some Gladiator models come with a movable Bluetooth wireless speaker behind in the rear seat? Or, that the popular new truck can be configured to haul an 8-foot piece of plywood in the bed — even though the bed appears short?

James Randall, Sales Manager at Eide CDJR in St. Cloud, says that these are just a couple of the customization options many Gladiator shoppers are surprised about.

In fact, the options may even be overwhelming to some — especially those who crave complete customization control over their ride. That’s why our St. Cloud Jeep experts are here to break down several of the options you have when purchasing your new Jeep Gladiator in Minnesota. 

1. Choose Your Trim Level

The Jeep Gladiator offers a handful of different trim options. All shine in their own way; it really depends on what kind of driving you plan to do! Let’s take a closer look.

Gladiator Sport and Gladiator Sport S

The Jeep Gladiator trim options start off with the Sport and Sport S — both of which boast Trail Rated® 4x4 capability, and removable top and doors with lockable rear seat storage. The Sport S option offers additional features such as the advanced infotainment system, a removable Bluetooth® speaker, power windows, power locking doors, and more. 

Additionally, choosing the Sport S trim opens up more options for packages that aren’t available on the Sport, such as the Cold Weather Group with heated front seats and steering wheel, and the Dual Top Group with both a three-piece hardtop and soft-top. This is also the way to go if you want maximum towing ability from the Gladiator — 7,650-pound towing capacity with the Max Tow Package.

“A lot of people don’t realize at first how much they can tow in the Gladiator,” James says. “With that Sport S Max Tow Package, it can really tow a lot.”

Gladiator North Edition and Gladiator High Altitude

“These are fairly new within the last couple of months,” James explains. “These trim levels are both add-ons to the Sport package.”

The High Altitude trim adds body-colored fenders and painted wheels to the Sport package, while the North Edition has a different wheel option and it comes with an all-terrain tire.

Guess what else, Minnesota drivers? The North Edition comes standard with heated seats and remote start. You’ll love that in the winter!

Gladiator Overland and Gladiator Rubicon

If you plan to keep your Jeep Gladiator on the Minnesota streets more than on the trails surrounding our 10,000 lakes, the Overland is the more luxurious option of the Gladiator family. You’ll be comfortable behind the wheel with the optional leather seat trim and available Premium LED Lighting package or 8.4-inch Uconnect 4C touchscreen multimedia system.

The Gladiator Rubicon, conversely, is the pick for the serious off-roaders. Hit the trail with ease and capability thanks to the off-road equipment that’s packed into this ride, including large, 33-inch, off-road tires, an off-road camera, lifted suspension, a 4x4 system with a low crawl ratio, electric sway-bar disconnects, and more. Of course, you can still add tons of extras like LED lighting or adaptive cruise control. 

Gladiator Mojave — Coming Soon!

The Gladiator Mojave is another trim level to watch out for. James says it’ll start making appearances in Fall 2020, and is built for all-terrain/desert driving.

In fact, the Gladiator Mojave is the first-ever desert rated Jeep vehicle. So, if you plan to take your ride out of the Midwest into really rugged terrain, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the Gladiator Mojave.

2. Pick Your Powertrain

All Gladiator models come standard with the 3.6L V6 engine, which provides 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.

When it comes to the transmission, you get to choose between a 6-speed manual transmission — great for controlled off-roading thanks to the short-throw shifter — or an 8-speed automatic, which adapts shift points based on driving conditions to optimize efficiency.

Learn more about the performance and handling of the Jeep Gladiator in our 3-part blog series.

3. Design Your Perfect Exterior

Colors and Extras

You’ve got options with the Jeep Gladiator! Choose from:

• Black
• Granite
• Sting-gray
• Silver metallic
• Hydro blue pearl
• Firecracker red
• Navy green (gator)
• Tan (gobi)
• White 

Next, add a satin black grille if you’d like the extra class and choose between the standard All-Season tires or the All-Terrain tires. 

Tops, Covers, and Bedliners

It’s time to talk about the top! Gladiator shoppers have four options for their removal Jeep top:

1. The Dual Top Group (which comes with a Tonneau Cover)
2. The Premium Black Sunrider Soft Top
3. The Black Freedom Top 3-Piece Hard Top (The easiest hard top to remove!)
4. The Body-Color 3-Piece Hard Top

If you’d like a Tonneau cover for the top or for the bed, Jeep offers several solid, mesh, roll-up, hard, and soft options to choose from. 

Finally, add on a spray-in bedliner for extra protection in the back.

4. Create Your Dream Interior

Once you’re behind the wheel, you can select the color for your cloth bucket seats, or upgrade to seats with leather trim. 

Stay connected on the road with either the Uconnect 4 with 7.0-inch Touchscreen Display (standard) or upgrade to the Uconnect 4C NAV with 8.4-Inch Display. While you’re at it, you can even throw in the Alpine Premium Audio System — a nine-speaker system that includes a rear subwoofer. 

Learn more about the tech and safety features and comfort and convenience of the new Jeep Gladiator on our 3-part blog series.

5. Pick Additional Packages

Jeep doesn’t slow down in offering its pickup drivers customization choices. You can truly make the Gladiator yours by picking and choosing from the following packages and equipment groups:

• Trailer-Tow Package
• Premium LED Lighting Group
• Cold Weather Group
• 8.4-Inch Radio and Premium Audio Group
• Jeep Active Safety Group
• Adaptive Cruise Control/Forward Collision Warning+
• Auxiliary Switch Group
• Smoker’s Group
• Cargo Management Group with Trail Rail System
• Popular Equipment Package

James says that in St. Cloud, the most popular customizations the team is seeing are oversized wheels and tires, suspension lifts, tow hooks, rock rails, and step bars.

“If you don’t see exactly what you want on our lot, we’ll get it,” James says. “We can go right to the parts department and get any factory Jeep accessory or outfit available. If it’s out there, we’ll get it for you.”

With all of the available options, there’s certainly a new Jeep Gladiator for everyone here in St. Cloud. Take a look at our current inventory, and give us a call or stop by even if you don’t see exactly what you want. Our Jeep experts are here to help! 

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