2020 Jeep Gladiator: Performance and Handling

There's never before been anything like the new 2020 Jeep Gladiator, so many Bismarck drivers are asking, "how does it drive? Is it a Jeep, or is it a truck?"

Well, it's 100% both.

It's a true pickup truck backed by the Jeep capability you know and love, and in part two of this three-part series, we'll get into the details of how exactly this unmistakable new model performs.

Did you miss part one, Comfort and Convenience of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator? Catch it here!

The Only Trail Rated® Pickup Truck Ever

Many drivers choose Jeep because of the the off-road capability, proudly denoted by the Trail Rated® badge. To earn this badge, a vehicle is put through a series of grueling tests over tough terrain to test the ability to withstand harsh conditions and provide incredible off-road capacity. 

That's why the Jeep Gladiator is such big news — it's the only existing pickup truck that has earned this badge. When you're behind the wheel, you can be confident that you're in the most off-road capable pickup truck ever, thanks to the following testing capabilities:

• Traction — All four wheels are working to drive the truck forward, which is essential when off-roading.
  
  
• Water Fording — Onward through creeks and streams! Thanks to the high air intake and special water sealing, you'll drive right on through depths of up to 30-inches.
  
  
• Maneuverability — Tight spots? No problem. You'll be swift around narrow gaps and rocks, logs, or equipment thanks to the precision steering and optimized wheelbases.
  
  
• Articulation — You'll find rough terrain in a lot of places, like in the field or in a construction zone. With good articulation, the Gladiator's wheels remain engaged and stable when one or more tires are off the ground.
  
  
• Ground Clearance — Driving over rocks or logs? No problem. Trail Rated^®  vehicles like the Gladiator have plenty of room between the underside of the vehicle and the terrain, so you don't have to worry about acquiring any damage.

Powerful Truck Capability

North Dakota drivers love their trucks; that's no secret. And for the same reasons drivers choose trucks around here, the Gladiator is going to be a popular (and powerful) choice.

Housed within the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is the 3.6L Pentastar^® V6 engine (similar to what's standard in the RAM 1500). Capabilities include: 

• 285 horsepower
• max torque of 260 lb-ft.
• 7,650 pounds towing capacity
• 16/23 city/hwy gas mileage

Yep.  It's definitely a truck!

Additional handling technology includes heavy-duty Dana^® 44 front and rear solid axles, which come standard. These have extra-thick tubes to provide impressive strength a durability. 

If you find a less capable vehicle stuck (sometimes it's muddy off-road!), you'll get them out of trouble quickly as heavy-duty forged front and rear tow hooks come standard in the Jeep Gladiator. You'll be a hero, and you'll look good doing it.

The Best of Both Worlds

When it comes to the performance and handling of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, it's like having a strong truck and an adventurous Jeep rolled into one. What more could you ask for?

Keep an eye out on our final post of this three-part series on the Gladiator when we fill you in on the Safety and Technology features. In the meantime, browse our Gladiator inventory or, better yet, schedule your test drive!

Shop the 2020 Jeep Gladiator