Jeep Rolls Out Moparized Gladiator Special Edition, Only 250 Available Stateside

But first, care to guess how many Gladiators were sold in the United States in the first quarter of 2024 and in all 12 months of 2023? The answer is 12,989 and 55,188 units, respectively, meaning volume changes of -4 and -29 percent, respectively. In addition to the antiquated 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, another obvious reason why Jeep can't move sufficient pickups is the very high starting price.

$37,895 for the 4x4- and soft top-equipped Sport grade is a lot of money in the mid-size truck segment, money that otherwise gets you the four-wheel-drive Colorado Trail Boss or the rear-wheel-drive Tacoma TRD PreRunner. In any case, let's turn our attention back to the Mopar '24 Gladiator.

Gifted with exclusive interior and exterior goodies, the special edition is limited to 250 units. Currently en route to select dealers, Mopar '24 Gladiator is based on the off-road-ready Rubicon trim level. Finished in black paint beautified by topographical Rubicon trail graphics on the sides of the bed, tailgate, and hood, this fellow also stands out from the standard Rubicon through red exterior garnish.

While on the subject of exterior, Mopar '24 Gladiator content further includes a triple-hoop guard for the front grille, a three-piece hardtop in same color as the bodywork, a hard tonneau cover, spray-on bedliner, heavy-duty rock rails with step assist, and a custom Mopar badge on the tailgate.

Opening the driver's door reveals Katzkin leather-wrapped seats in Maraschino red and black, seats embossed with Omega M Mopar logos in the front. Maraschino red carries over to the central armrest and seat bolsters, while red stitching is present on the seats, instrument panel, and steering wheel.

All-weather mats, black door sill trim, and a head liner from the Mopar division are included as well. The final touch comes in the form of Falken all-terrain rubber on 17-inch aluminum wheels featuring black pockets. However, despite starting at more than seventy grand, Jeep Performance Parts are optionally available at somewhat high prices.

A 2.0-inch lift kit with shocks from Bilstein, for example, adds $2,095 to the final price. A branded tool kit is a staggering $543, whereas tube doors will set you back $1,545 for all four doors. The problem is, why spend this many dollars on a spruced-up Rubicon when a 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is $55,620 before destination and options?

One can further make a case for GM's Bison-ed Colorado ZR2, which levels up from the 33 inches of the Ranger Raptor and Mopar '24 Gladiator to 35-inch mud terrains on beadlock-capable wheels from AEV. To whom it may concern, the hugely capable Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison currently retails at $60,540 (including the $1,595 freight charge).