[6] A two-door version of a Jeep Scrambler pickup based on a lengthened Wrangler was shown in 2003 at the National Automobile Dealers Association meeting.

The Gladiator concept was powered by a 3.0 L Common-Rail Diesel (CRD) engine produced by VM Motori (similar to the one used in some models of the Jeep Grand Cherokee), mated to a manual transmission, and four-wheel-drive.

The four-door, five-passenger mid-size Gladiator features exterior and interior styling cues from the Jeep Wrangler (JL).

[8] Because a truck is frequently used for both hauling and towing, the front grille slots were enlarged to allow for increased airflow and heavier-duty engine cooling.

[9] A front-facing trail cam, mounted in one of the front grille slots, is also available that displays an image on the touchscreen of what is directly in front of the vehicle (this feature requires one of the two larger U Connect touchscreen displays), and will assist in off-road maneuverability, such as water fording, as well as climbing over objects like logs and rocks.

Like the Jeep Wrangler (JL) on which it shares a platform, all Gladiator models come standard with four wheel drive.

For the 2025 model year, Jeep announced that they are bringing their 4Xe hybrid powertrain to the Gladiator as well, which will likely use the same 2.0L turbo 4 cylinder setup from the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4Xe.

For 2020, and again in 2023, a limited edition High Altitude trim level was offered, as the most expensive Gladiator model.

From 2022 trim levels were reduced to Night Eagle and Rubicon to bring the range in line with the Compass, Wrangler and Grand Cherokee portfolios in terms of variant names for that market.

[11][12] For the Middle Eastern market the Sport, Overland, and Rubicon models were sold in United Arab Emirates, and member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The Gladiator was withdrawn from the European market at the end of 2023 with the last models in FarOut trim, signifying the last use of the 3.0L diesel V6 engine.

Unique features on the Gladiator include a flat rear load floor for carrying longer and taller items inside the truck's interior.

As part of the "Lifestyle Adventure Package" there is secure and lockable storage underneath the rear bench seat, and a removable Bluetooth wireless speaker that charges when the vehicle is running, and the speaker is in its docking station located behind the rear bench seat.

From the front seats forward, the Gladiator features an interior design that is nearly identical to that of the Jeep Wrangler JL.

The Gladiator has most of the safety features that are also in the Wrangler JL including forward-collision warning with active braking and adaptive cruise control.

[20] The technical crash test report for those ratings was prepared by Calspan Corporation and was released on December 10, 2019.

Based on the luxury-oriented Overland model, the North Edition is marketed toward Gladiator buyers living in colder climates.

In addition to the standard equipment offered on the Overland, the Gladiator North Edition model adds features such as the U Connect 4C 8.4 touchscreen infotainment system with SiriusXM Guardian, satellite radio, and Travel Link services and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, the nine-speaker Alpine premium amplified audio system with subwoofer, the Cold Weather Group (which includes dual heated front bucket seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a remote vehicle starter system), a unique "North" emblem on the rear tailgate, and rubberized all-weather front and rear floor mats.

Features on the Mojave trim include 33-inch Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires (mud-terrain tires are also available as an option), unique seventeen-inch painted aluminum-alloy wheels, FOX brand 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs, a unique "Desert Rated 4X4" emblem in place of the "Trail Rated 4X4" emblem on both front fenders, unique "Mojave" decals on both sides of the hood, orange tow hooks, an "Off Road Plus" button on the center console for increased off-road capabilities, and the ability to lock the Gladiator's rear axles at high speeds when in 4WD High mode (a feature exclusive to the Mojave).

The Altitude features a body-color grille and fender flares, 18-inch Granite Crystal aluminum wheels, and a black hardtop along with blacked-out interior accents.

The Willys sport with a base price of $39260 features many of the same options as the higher-spec Rubicon, however, including standard Rock Rails, and beefy-looking 32-inch BF Goodrich KM2 mud-terrain tires.

It also gets a locking rear differential and Jeep's Command-Trac 4x4 part-time, two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio is also standard fare.

Based on the "Rubicon," the "FarOut" Edition featured a commemorative “Diesel 3.0L” hood graphic, exclusive tailgate badging, 17-inch low-gloss black polished aluminum wheels, 33-inch mud-terrain tires, steel front bumper, satin black grille, LED tail lights and other features.

There was a Stop-Sale Order issued for all affected Jeep Gladiator JT models still on dealership lots.