What's New in the 2026 Jeep Gladiator vs. 2025

The 2026 Jeep Gladiator arrives with meaningful updates focused on accessibility, capability, and heritage-inspired design. Jeep made significant moves for 2026, including a substantial price reduction across the lineup, a new heritage-inspired special edition, and practical improvements to the door removal system.

Pricing Repositioned for Better Value

The most significant change for 2026 is pricing. Jeep reduced MSRPs across the Gladiator lineup by up to $11,400 compared to 2025 models. The entry-level Sport S now starts at $49,995 MSRP ($52,290 including destination and fees), making it more accessible to Manitoba buyers who want open-air pickup capability.

This repositioning affects every trim level while maintaining the same powertrain and core capability that made Gladiator a standout in the midsize truck segment.

Enhanced Door Removal System

Jeep improved the door hinge system for 2026, making door removal quicker and simpler. This practical update matters for drivers who frequently remove doors to maximize open-air freedom during Manitoba's warmer months. The enhanced hinges require less effort and time compared to the 2025 system.

New Willys '41 Special Edition Joins Lineup

The 2026 model year introduces the Willys '41 special edition, a heritage-inspired variant that pays tribute to the Kaiser Jeep M715 military truck. This model includes:

• Exclusive 17-inch Olive Drab painted wheels
• Mojave hood with retro-inspired hood decal
• Willys '41 tan seat inserts with Mantis Green cloth-wrapped mid-bolster
• Steel front and rear bumpers
• Mopar triple hoop grille guard
• Mud-terrain tires for enhanced trail performance

The Willys '41 starts at $60,700 MSRP ($62,995 including destination and fees), slotting between the standard Willys and Mojave trims.

New Exterior Colour Options

Two new limited-edition colours join the 2026 palette:

• Reign (available now)
• Goldilocks (late availability)

These additions complement the existing colour lineup, which includes Anvil, Black, Bright White, Granite Crystal, Hydro Blue, Mojito!, and Mojave '41.

Optional All-Terrain Tires for Sport S

The Sport S trim gains optional aggressive all-terrain tires for 2026. This addition gives entry-level buyers better off-road traction without stepping up to higher trims, making the base model more versatile for drivers who occasionally venture off pavement around Brandon.

What Stayed the Same

Several core elements remain unchanged from 2025 to 2026:

Powertrain: The 3.6-litre V-6 engine continues producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with the eight-speed automatic transmission.

Capability Specifications:

• Maximum towing: 3,492 kg (7,700 lbs)
• Maximum payload: 780 kg (1,720 lbs)
• Maximum crawl ratio: 77:1
• Water fording depth: 80.0 cm (31.5 in.)
• Ground clearance: Up to 29.4 cm (11.6 in.)

Four 4x4 Systems: Command-Trac, Rock-Trac (part-time and full-time), and Selec-Trac remain available depending on trim selection.

Trim Lineup: Sport S, Willys, Mojave, Mojave X, Rubicon, and Rubicon X continue unchanged (with the addition of Willys '41).

2026 vs. 2025: At a Glance

Is the 2026 Gladiator Right for You?

The 2026 Gladiator makes sense if you prioritize:

• Better value: The reduced pricing makes capability more accessible
• Open-air driving: The improved door removal system simplifies the process
• Heritage styling: The Willys '41 special edition offers distinctive military-inspired design
• Proven capability: The same powertrain and off-road systems from 2025 continue delivering Trail Rated performance

The 2026 Jeep Gladiator combines reduced pricing with practical improvements and new design options. From the heritage-inspired Willys '41 to the value-focused Sport S and the Trail Rated Rubicon, the latest model year delivers open-air pickup capability for Manitoba drivers.