Jeep Gladiator 2024: Updates to the Interior and Grille
The midsize truck market is more competitive than ever, but the 2024 Jeep Gladiator remains a unique standout by blending true convertible freedom with serious pickup utility. For the 2024 model year, Jeep has aligned the Gladiator with the recently refreshed Wrangler. This update brings significant changes to the cabin technology, safety features, and front-end styling. If you have been waiting for a more refined version of this off-road truck, the 2024 refresh addresses many of the previous model’s shortcomings.
A Modernized Look: The Seven-Slot Grille
The most obvious exterior change is the redesigned seven-slot grille. While it retains the iconic Jeep look, the slots are now slimmer and feature a textured black mesh. This design change is not purely aesthetic. The new shape improves engine cooling, which is vital for slow-speed rock crawling or towing heavy loads in hot weather.
Jeep also removed the traditional steel mast antenna that used to whip around on trails. It has been replaced by a “stealth” antenna integrated directly into the windshield. This seemingly small change eliminates a common snag point for off-roaders who drive through dense brush or low-hanging branches.
The Interior Overhaul: Uconnect 5 and 12.3-Inch Screen
The snippet you read highlighted the new touchscreen, and this is arguably the most substantial upgrade for 2024. In previous years, lower trims were stuck with small, low-resolution displays. For 2024, every single Gladiator trim, from the base Sport to the top-tier Rubicon X, comes standard with a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen.
This screen runs the Uconnect 5 system, which is five times faster than the previous generation. It features:
- Wireless Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now connect without cords.
- improved Visibility: The screen utilizes local dimming technology to remain visible even when the top is off and the sun is shining directly on the dashboard.
- Dual Phone Connectivity: You can connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
Trails Offroad Integration
Jeep has integrated “Jeep Adventure Guides” featuring Trails Offroad directly into the navigation system. The vehicle comes pre-loaded with comprehensive guides for the 62 “Jeep Badge of Honor” trails. If you want more, you can subscribe to access over 3,000 detailed trail guides. This system provides difficulty ratings, route descriptions, and waypoints directly on the center console.
Power Seats Designed for Water
For the first time, the Gladiator offers 12-way power-adjustable front seats. Putting power motors in a vehicle designed to cross rivers seems risky, but Jeep engineers developed brackets that seal the electronic components. These seats are tested to function even when the floorboards are submerged during water fording up to 34 inches deep.
Safety Upgrades: Side-Curtain Airbags
Safety has been a primary focus for this refresh. The structural integrity of the Gladiator has been reinforced to improve side-impact performance. Most notably, standard side-curtain airbags are now included for both the first and second rows.
These airbags are integrated into the roll bars (sport bars). This placement ensures that passengers are protected even when the doors are removed. Furthermore, the second-row outboard seats now feature seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters, bringing the rear safety tech up to par with the front seats.
On the Sport S trim and above, advanced driver aids are now standard equipment. This includes:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Advanced Cruise Control with Stop
New Trims: Mojave X and Rubicon X
Jeep introduced two new luxury-focused off-road trims for 2024: the Mojave X and the Rubicon X. These models sit at the top of the lineup and include nearly every available option as standard equipment.
If you opt for an “X” model, you receive Nappa leather seats, the steel bumper group, an integrated off-road camera, and a body-color hardtop. The transfer cases remain specialized for their specific purpose, with the Rubicon utilizing the Rock-Trac 4:1 low range for crawling and the Mojave utilizing the Command-Trac 2.72:1 system for high-speed desert running.
Performance and Powertrain
Under the hood, the 2024 Gladiator relies exclusively on the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. This engine produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can still choose between a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission.
It is important to note that the EcoDiesel V6 option has been discontinued for the 2024 model year. Jeep marked the end of the diesel engine with a limited “Rubicon FarOut” edition in 2023.
Despite the engine carryover, the Gladiator maintains best-in-class statistics for gas-powered midsize trucks:
- Max Towing: Up to 7,700 pounds (on Sport models with the Max Tow package).
- Max Payload: Up to 1,725 pounds.
Pricing and Availability
The updates have resulted in a slight price increase across the lineup. The base Sport model starts around $37,895, while the new Rubicon X and Mojave X trims can push the price tag well over $63,000. These vehicles are currently arriving at dealerships across North America.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the 2024 Jeep Gladiator get a new engine? No, the 2024 Gladiator uses the same 3.6L Pentastar V6 as previous years. The 3.0L EcoDiesel engine is no longer available.
Are the power seats waterproof? Yes, the new 12-way power seats are designed to be water-resistant. They have been tested for water fording up to 34 inches deep to ensure the electronics remain functional.
Is the 12.3-inch screen standard on all models? Yes, unlike previous years where screen size varied by trim, the new 12.3-inch landscape touchscreen is standard equipment on all 2024 Gladiator models, including the base Sport.
Can you still take the doors off the 2024 Gladiator? Yes, the doors and roof are still removable. The new side-curtain airbags are integrated into the roll bars, so they provide protection even when the doors are off.
What is the “Stealth Antenna”? The radio antenna is now integrated into the windshield glass rather than being a metal mast on the fender. This prevents the antenna from getting caught on branches during off-road driving.