The 2026 Jeep® Gladiator comes in twelve models, and every one shares the same 3.6L Pentastar® V6, eight-speed automatic and 4x4 drivetrain. So choosing a trim isn’t about the engine. It comes down to how you’ll use the truck: McLeod County gravel, a snowmobile trailer heading north, or a hunting weekend with the doors off.
I’m Jordan Malone-Forst, Assistant General Manager at Jay Malone CDJR in Hutchinson. This guide walks through every 2026 Gladiator trim, what Jeep says sets each one apart, and who it fits best. Everything here comes from Jeep’s 2026 materials. For the full picture, including towing, tops and tech, see our 2026 Jeep Gladiator buyer’s guide.
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How many trim levels does the 2026 Jeep Gladiator have?
Jeep lists twelve 2026 Gladiator models: Sport, Sport S, Willys, 85th Anniversary Edition, Sahara, Willys ’41, Rewind, Rubicon, Mojave, Shadow Ops, Rubicon X and Mojave X.
Every 2026 Gladiator uses the 3.6L Pentastar V6 (285 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque) paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic, and every one is a 4x4. Beyond that shared base, the lineup splits into everyday trims, limited editions with their own look, and two off-road families: the rock-crawling Rubicon and the desert-running Mojave.
What do the Gladiator Sport, Sport S and Willys offer?
Sport, Sport S and Willys are the core of the lineup. Each one is a 4x4 with the five-foot steel bed, the 12.3-inch touchscreen and the open-air top and doors that make a Gladiator a Gladiator.
Gladiator Sport
The Sport is the starting point of the 2026 lineup. You still get what defines the truck: the V6 and eight-speed automatic, a 4x4 drivetrain, a 60.3-inch steel bed with integrated tie-downs and an easy-lift tailgate, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Jeep says that’s the largest standard touchscreen in the Gladiator’s class.
Gladiator Sport S
New for 2026, the Sport S offers optional aggressive all-terrain tires. It’s also the model Jeep lists for the Gladiator’s headline capability numbers: up to 1,720 pounds of payload and up to 7,700 pounds of towing when properly equipped. If you tow boats, sleds or a UTV trailer, start here and talk to us about how to equip it.
Gladiator Willys
The Willys name honors the original World War II Jeep. Equipment can vary from truck to truck, so ask us for the window sticker on any Willys in stock and we’ll walk you through exactly what it includes.
What are the Gladiator 85th Anniversary, Willys ’41 and Rewind editions?
These three models put their own look on the Gladiator. Jeep offers each one in limited quantities.
85th Anniversary Edition (new for 2026)
The 85th Anniversary Edition celebrates 85 years of Jeep. On the outside, it gets Steel Oxide wheels, bronze tow hooks and Blue Agave decals and badges, in Black, White or Granite Crystal. Inside, it adds plaid seat inserts with an 85th logo seat tag, a plaid mid-bolster wrap and instrument panel vent cover, an 85th Anniversary shifter medallion and cupholder plaque, and Berber floor mats.
Willys ’41 (new for 2026)
The Willys ’41 pays tribute to the Kaiser Jeep M715 military truck. It wears ’41 Green paint with matching 17-inch wheels and body-color door handles. It also gets a performance hood with a retro hood decal, steel front and rear bumpers, a Mopar® triple hoop grille guard, a tan interior with a heritage plaque, and 32-inch Bridgestone® mud-terrain tires.
Rewind
The Rewind is a retro special edition inspired by the bright, bold Jeeps of the ’80s and ’90s. It gets 17-inch machined wheels with gold pockets, bronze tow hooks and bronze Jeep and Trail Rated® badges, a body-color hardtop, and hood and fender decals. Inside are unique seats with a tag, Iced Blue and Plum accents, and a unique cupholder plaque and shifter medallion.
What does the 2026 Gladiator Sahara offer?
The Sahara is new to the Gladiator for 2026. It’s the comfort-focused trim, with a body-color hardtop, leather-trimmed heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
Standard Sahara equipment includes a body-color three-piece hardtop and fender flares, 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires, McKinley leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, a 7-inch driver cluster, the 12.3-inch touchscreen, LED headlamps and fog lamps, remote start and remote keyless entry. Jeep plans a no-cost all-terrain tire upgrade, with later availability. For a Minnesota daily driver that is still every bit a Jeep, the Sahara is a strong place to look.
What makes the Gladiator Rubicon, Shadow Ops and Rubicon X different?
The Rubicon family is built for slow, technical off-roading, starting with standard Rock-Trac® 4x4 and a segment-exclusive 4:1 transfer case.
- Rubicon: Rock-Trac heavy-duty part-time 4x4 with a 4:1 transfer case, steel rock rails that protect the cab and box, 33-inch all-terrain tires and Amazon Alexa Built-in standard.
- Shadow Ops: built on Rubicon and the first midsize pickup with a factory-installed winch. It adds steel front and rear bumpers, a Satin Black grille, dark hood and fender decals, a tailgate decal, trailer tow and auxiliary switches, and slush mats.
- Rubicon X: the top of the Rubicon family, with a body-color three-piece hardtop standard.
For woods, mud, snow and cabin trails around central Minnesota, the Rubicon’s low-speed control is the reason to choose it.
How are the Gladiator Mojave and Mojave X different from the Rubicon?
Mojave is the high-speed desert runner. It’s Desert Rated®, and Jeep says it’s the only Jeep Brand vehicle to earn that badge.
The Mojave adds a reinforced frame and axles, strengthened iron steering knuckles and a desert-tuned suspension. It rides on FOX® aluminum-bodied 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs and segment-exclusive front FOX hydraulic jounce bumpers. Mojave gets 33-inch all-terrain tires and up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance, the highest of any Gladiator. Command-Trac 4x4 is standard, full-time Selec-Trac is available, and its electronic locking rear differential can be locked in 4HI for higher-speed use.
The Mojave X is the top of the Mojave family. It’s also Desert Rated and comes with a body-color three-piece hardtop. Our Rubicon vs Mojave comparison goes deeper on which terrain favors which truck.
What are all the 2026 Gladiator trims at a glance?
Here’s the full 2026 lineup in the order Jeep lists it, with the quickest way to tell them apart.
| Trim | Best known for |
|---|---|
| Sport | The starting point: 4x4, V6, eight-speed automatic, steel bed |
| Sport S | Max towing and payload per Jeep; optional all-terrain tires |
| Willys | Heritage-named core trim; ask us for the window sticker |
| 85th Anniversary Edition | Anniversary styling with plaid interior details |
| Sahara | Comfort: standard hardtop, heated leather-trimmed seats |
| Willys ’41 | Military-heritage styling, steel bumpers, mud-terrain tires |
| Rewind | Retro ’80s and ’90s styling with a body-color hardtop |
| Rubicon | Rock crawling with Rock-Trac and a 4:1 transfer case |
| Mojave | High-speed desert and gravel with FOX shocks |
| Shadow Ops | Rubicon with a factory-installed winch and steel bumpers |
| Rubicon X | Top Rubicon with a body-color hardtop |
| Mojave X | Top Mojave, Desert Rated, body-color hardtop |
For current pricing and offers on any trim, call us at (320) 587-4748 or send us a message.
Which 2026 Gladiator trim is right for central Minnesota?
Match the trim to how you’ll actually use the truck. Here are the patterns we see on the lot in Hutchinson.
- You tow boats, sleds or UTVs: start with the Sport S, the model Jeep lists for the Gladiator’s 7,700-pound maximum towing. Our towing and bed guide covers how to size a trailer.
- You want a daily driver that’s still a Jeep: Sahara, with its standard hardtop, heated leather-trimmed seats and heated steering wheel.
- You want a woods, mud and snow tool: Rubicon, for Rock-Trac and the 4:1 transfer case. Choose Shadow Ops if you want a factory winch.
- You spend your time on fast gravel and washboard roads: Mojave, with FOX internal bypass shocks and up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance.
- You want something different from your neighbor’s truck: the 85th Anniversary Edition, Willys ’41 or Rewind, each offered in limited quantities.
Torn between a Gladiator and a Wrangler? Our Gladiator vs Wrangler comparison walks through that decision.
Key Takeaways
- Twelve 2026 Gladiator models, all 4x4 with the 3.6L V6 and eight-speed automatic
- New for 2026: Sahara joins the Gladiator, plus the Willys ’41 and 85th Anniversary Edition
- Rubicon is the rock crawler (Rock-Trac, 4:1 transfer case); Mojave is the desert runner (FOX shocks, Desert Rated)
- Shadow Ops is the first midsize pickup with a factory-installed winch
- Body-color hardtop standard on Sahara, Rubicon X and Mojave X
- Jeep lists max towing (7,700 lb) and payload (1,720 lb) on Sport S models
Frequently asked questions about 2026 Gladiator trims
How many trim levels does the 2026 Jeep Gladiator have?
Jeep lists twelve 2026 Gladiator models: Sport, Sport S, Willys, 85th Anniversary Edition, Sahara, Willys ’41, Rewind, Rubicon, Mojave, Shadow Ops, Rubicon X and Mojave X. Every one is a 4x4 with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Which 2026 Gladiator trims come with a hardtop standard?
Sahara, Rubicon X and Mojave X come standard with a body-color three-piece Freedom Top hardtop. Shadow Ops adds a body-color Freedom Top, and the Rewind special edition includes a body-color hardtop. Other trims offer a choice of soft top or hardtop.
What is the difference between the Gladiator Willys ’41 and the 85th Anniversary Edition?
The Willys ’41 is a military-inspired tribute to the Kaiser Jeep M715 truck, with ’41 Green paint and wheels, steel front and rear bumpers, a Mopar triple hoop grille guard and 32-inch Bridgestone mud-terrain tires. The 85th Anniversary Edition celebrates 85 years of Jeep with Steel Oxide wheels, bronze tow hooks, Blue Agave decals and badges, and plaid interior details.
Which Gladiator trim is best for central Minnesota?
It depends on how you use the truck. Sahara suits drivers who want everyday comfort with heated leather-trimmed seats and a standard hardtop. Rubicon suits slow trails, woods and cabin roads with Rock-Trac 4x4 and a 4:1 transfer case. Mojave suits fast gravel and rough back roads with FOX internal bypass shocks. Sport S is where Jeep lists the Gladiator’s maximum 7,700-pound towing and 1,720-pound payload.
Is the Gladiator Shadow Ops a separate trim?
Shadow Ops is built on the Gladiator Rubicon. It is the first midsize pickup with a factory-installed winch, and it adds steel front and rear bumpers, a Satin Black grille, dark hood and fender decals, a tailgate decal, trailer tow and auxiliary switches, and slush mats.
Can I order a 2026 Gladiator in a specific trim and color?
Yes. If we do not have the exact trim, color or top you want on the lot in Hutchinson, we will track one down or help you place a factory order, and we never charge extra to locate or factory order a vehicle. Call (320) 587-4748 to get started.
There’s no wrong Gladiator in this lineup, just different trucks for different lives. The best way to choose is to drive the ones you’re considering back to back. Stop in at Jay Malone CDJR at 1165 Highway 7 West in Hutchinson and we’ll set that up, with no pressure and no fee to locate or factory order a vehicle. The Malone family has owned and operated Jay Malone CDJR since 2005, on a Highway 7 West corner that has been home to a Hutchinson dealership since 1980. That’s why Hutchinson voted us Best Place to Buy a Vehicle in 2026.
Last reviewed November 2026. Trim content is from Jeep and Stellantis 2026 Gladiator materials. Equipment and availability vary and can change, so confirm features on a specific vehicle with our team.
About the Author
I’m Jordan Malone-Forst, Assistant General Manager at Jay Malone Motors in Hutchinson, MN. I was named to the CBT News 40 Under 40, Class of 2026 and was the Hutchinson Area Chamber’s 2025 Young Leader of the Year. I’m proud to be part of the family business my dad Jay took over in 2005, and to serve the community I grew up in through the Hutchinson Ambassadors and the Chamber of Commerce. If you have questions about which 2026 Gladiator trim is right for you, reach out and I’d love to help.