The Jeep faithful had been longing for a pickup to return to the line-up since the Comanche departed in 1992. So, when the Gladiator was launched, many embraced it right away. Others, however, looked at the awkward proportions of the bed line and said, no thanks. But, that does not mean that it is any less a Jeep. You know Jeep, right? The company that pumps out legendary, all-weather, off-roading workhorses sound familiar? Well, the Gladiator fits right in with that company heritage. In fact, the New England Motor Press Association just gave the Gladiator a notable award that speaks to the truck’s family resemblance.

The Jeep Gladiator is the Swiss Army Knife of Jeep

John Paul, the President of the New Gland Motor Press Association, said, 

“The Jeep Gladiator is the Swiss Army knife of Jeep, it is a serious off-road vehicle, useful pickup truck, comfortable passenger vehicle, competent highway cruiser that easily dominates winter in New England,” 

He continued, 

“The Jeep Gladiator proves itself as the best all-around pickup truck and makes it the clear choice as the 2020 New England Motor Press Association Winter Pickup Truck of the Year.”

According to the organization’s website, 

“Vehicles selected by NEMPA as ‘best for winter driving in New England” are those that offer a combination of winter-specific features and options plus the dynamic qualities that make for safe, enjoyable and competent all-weather driving.” 

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, FCA, the parent company of Jeep, provided a little more insight into the competition. From their press release, 

“NEMPA members evaluated a wide variety of vehicles from various manufacturers that covered several categories. Journalists cycled through each vehicle throughout New England leading up to the official day of testing and scoring that took place in February at NEMPA headquarters in Middleborough, Massachusetts.”

Sold before arriving on dealer lots

The Jeep Gladiator was once a hot commodity. Dealers were selling them before they even arrived on the lot. In fact, when the trucks first hit the market, some dealers were selling them with a mark-up of several thousand dollars. At this time, however, according to Truecar, the market average has dropped below the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. So, many Gladiators are being sold with rebates. FCA even has employee pricing currently available on them, which could mean over $5,000 off of the sticker price. 

About the Jeep Gladiator

The Gladiator is available in several trim levels. The Sport, Sport S, Overland, North Edition, Rubicon, Mohave, and High Altitude editions. MSRP starts at $33,545 and rises over $50,000 for the top trim. It comes with a 3.6-liter V6, can tow 7,600 lbs, and can handle a payload of 1,700 lbs. A 4-cylinder diesel engine is also available. 

The Gladiator’s legendary Jeep Wrangler heritage and ruggedness mated to the utility of a pickup truck bed have come up as an award-winning combination for FCA. The consumers have loved it, and now the press is showing some love as well. The New England Motor Press Association’s Winter Pickup Truck of the Year award can now be added to the Gladiator trophy case that also includes the 2020 North American Truck of the Year.