Extang Keeps Your 2021 Jeep Gladiator Covered

The year ‘2020’ probably will not be looked upon favorably by those who have lived through it. This year we’ve all been dealt a bad hand—fires, untimely deaths, scandals, politics, The Tiger King and, ya know, a once-in-a-generation pandemic.

On the other hand, give us a couple decades to recover and we might view 2020 in a positive light when reminiscing the truck and off-road segment. After years, if not decades of teasing, we once again are able to buy a Jeep truck fresh from showroom floors.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator had macho men and trail-seekers alike quivering with excitement. It’s everything we love about the Wrangler—the capability, the open air, the endless customization and aftermarket support—with a truck bed! Better yet, it’s time for the 2021 model-year Gladiator to fill dealer lots. While not a ton has changed from its inaugural year, there are some noteworthy additions we think you should know about.

The Diesel Has Landed

Probably the most anticipated update for 2021 is the availability of the 3.0L V-6 turbo-diesel variant.  This is the same EcoDiesel power plant available for the 2020 Wrangler, as well as the one found in the RAM 1500 for a few years now.

But it is Jeep’s first diesel-powered pickup in quite some time—following the 1986/1987 Comanche three and a half decades later. And, as you’d expect, this modern version fairs just a little better in the numbers department, compared to its 82 hp, 132 lb-ft. of torque Renault-made predecessor.

The EcoDiesel Gladiator packs 260 hp and a glorious 442 lb-ft. of torque. And while the RAM can coax a bit more out of this engine, it still safely boasts the highest torque number in the mid-size truck segment.

Of course, the fuel economy and the abundance of pavement-ready torque paint a nice picture, but let’s not forget that diesels make wonderful off-roaders as well.

The flat, predictable power curve provides plenty of capability without needing to kick up those RPMs. And for those of you needing to pull along toys to your adventure spot, the EcoDiesel offers a respectable 6500-pound towing load alongside an impressive range of 500+ miles.

If you’ve set your sights on the EcoDiesel, you’ll have only the Sport, Overland, and Rubicon trims to outfit it to. You can also expect to shell out a $6,000 premium. That’s $4,000 for the diesel itself, and an additional $2,000 for its required eight-speed automatic transmission stablemate. But with its bumped-up fuel economy, low-RPM prowess, and off-road chops, we think it’s well worth the money.

All the Trimmings

The Wrangler is well known for having quite the variety of trim levels to choose from. True to form, the 2020 Gladiator didn’t stray from its family tradition, even in the first model year of re-introduction:

2020 Gladiator Trims

• Sport
• Sport S
• Overland
• Altitude
• Rubicon
• Mojave
• North Edition (Discontinued for 2021)

Even causal Jeep fans recognized most of those names, as they can be found on Brother Wrangler. But for 2021, look for THREE new Gladiator trim levels to hit dealer lots, making potential shopper’s choices just a bit more difficult.

WILLYS

A name that Jeepers go nuts for, the 2021 Gladiator Willys Edition takes the Sport trim and breathes a bit of personality into it. Visually, the Willys comes with a bevy of black exterior accents, including 17-inch black wheels and mud-terrain rubbers. Color-matched fender flares provide a roof for that combo as well.

Bump up the smarts with the Technology and Convenience Package—featuring a 7.0-inch infotainment screen boasting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

While the Willys is offered without the Tech Package, we’d spend the $4,000 premium as we like what Jeep has been doing with their touchscreen setups as of late. Sticker pricing starts at $37K for the tech-less Willys and increases to $41K with the package.

80th ANNIVERSARY

This commemorative trim can be found across the entire Jeep lineup for 2021—celebrating the original World War II Willys MB Jeep put into production eight-decades ago.

On the Gladiator, the 80th package includes 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, plus the color-matched flares seen on the Willys trim. Inside, you’ll find a massive 8.4-inch infotainment screen housing in-dash navigation, plus an upgraded Alpine audio system.

Along with specific anniversary badging—which Jeep always does a nice job with—the 80th also features gray exterior accents, Berber floor mats, and remote start. Pricing comes in at $43,480.

HIGH ALTITUDE

If it’s luxury you seek in your Gladiator, the new High Altitude model has you covered.

More for the on-road adventurer, the High Altitude features 20-inch wheels and leather-cladded everything. It ditches the black exterior trim in favor of full color-matched accents. And as far as tech is concerned, if Jeep offers it, it’s in the High Altitude.

This plush, comfort-focused trim tops out at a whopping $53,240.

Extang Keeps Your Gladiator Covered

Whatever trim package or engine choice you decide on, you’ll still need to protect your investment. It’s been quite a while since you could shop for a tonneau cover…for your Jeep. But with the 7-bar brand back in the truck game, a quality tonneau should be at the top of your aftermarket wish-list.

Who better to cover your truck bed than Extang? They’ve been around since 1982—a half-decade prior to Jeep’s last pickup. And they continue to pace the industry with pack-leading innovation and a maximum strength warranty and customer service. As for your Gladiator, Extang has two top-notch offerings you should consider.

Trifecta 2.0

It’s the best-selling tri-fold cover for a reason. The Trifecta 2.0’s subtle curves and contoured design provide the lowest-profile soft-fold cover in the industry.

Just because your Gladiator is beefy doesn’t mean your tonneau has to be. The heavy-duty tarp with corner-tucking system keeps tension tight, but make no mistake, it can take a beating. An all-new frame, hinge configuration, and over-engineered corner design provide structural strength unmatched in the soft-fold category.

All this plus simple installation, minimal-effort operation, and an attractive price point make the Trifecta 2.0 a great first upgrade to your Jeep.

Solid Fold 2.0

If you’re in the market for a hard-fold cover, put Extang’s Solid Fold 2.0 at the top of your list. With 1” thick EnduraShield panels, patented Jaw-Grip and EX-Lock clamps, and innovative snap-on perimeter seals, this cover has bells and whistles you won’t find anywhere else.

But it’s not just for show, as you can pile up to 600 pounds evenly distributed on top of this cover no problem. And the automotive-grade polymer panel coating resists dents, scratches, and UV fading better than aluminum or fiberglass.

That matte-black textured finish doesn’t hurt either. We think it fits Jeep’s exterior black accents just perfectly.