2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon: The $60K Adventure Truck That Stands Alone

Why the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Commands $60K

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon doesn't just flirt with adventure—it dives headfirst into it. Priced at nearly $60,000 when fully loaded, this midsize truck stands out not just for its unique convertible design and off-road prowess, but also for the unexpected blend of luxury, tech, and utility it brings to the table. While its MSRP starts at $45,040 (including destination), ticking the right boxes quickly escalates the cost. But for Jeep enthusiasts and off-road junkies, the price tag might just be justified.

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Interior Comfort Meets Rugged Utility

The Rubicon's cabin embraces adventure without sacrificing convenience. Flip-up rear seats reveal extra cargo space, and a dedicated bolt storage box ensures you don’t misplace essential hardware when removing the doors or windshield. Tech-wise, the base 7-inch touchscreen is functional, but upgrading to the 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with navigation and Alpine premium audio ($1,595) transforms the cabin into a refined command center. Extras like a $295 portable Bluetooth speaker, $495 proximity key fob, and $295 auxiliary switches make the experience feel high-end without losing its utilitarian roots.

Luxury Touches in a Trail-Ready Package

Although Jeep’s roots are in utilitarian design, the Gladiator Rubicon can feel unexpectedly upscale. Our test model included $1,495 leather upholstery, complete with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and brake handle, a full-length console, and enhanced door panels. A $995 cold-weather package provided heated front seats and a heated steering wheel—comforts often reserved for luxury SUVs. Even the hardtop came with a $555 insulating headliner for better cabin acoustics and climate control, proving that rugged doesn’t have to mean rough.

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Power and Performance Under the Hood

Every Gladiator comes standard with a 285-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. Our Rubicon tester featured the $2,000 optional eight-speed automatic transmission, which offered smoother shifts and slightly better city fuel economy (17 mpg city vs. 16 mpg for the manual). While acceleration isn't exhilarating, the powertrain is durable and dependable—qualities that matter more in a truck built for trails, not track days. A diesel option was expected, but the gasoline V6 remains the sole engine for this configuration.

Go-Anywhere Capability with Rubicon Hardware

The Rubicon trim is the apex of the Gladiator lineup in terms of off-road hardware. Key upgrades include:

• Rock-Trac 4x4 system with 4:1 low-range transfer case
• Electronic locking front and rear differentials (Tru-Lok)
• Heavy-duty Dana 44 axles
• Fox shock absorbers and front sway bar disconnect
• 33-inch Falken all-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels

The crawl ratio on automatics is an impressive 77.2:1, and a $695 steel bumper adds winch capability. These features cement the Rubicon as a true rock-crawler straight from the factory.

Towing and Payload: A Trade-Off for Capability

For those prioritizing towing, the Rubicon may not be the best trim. The max tow rating is 7,000 pounds with the eight-speed auto and tow package ($250), down from the Sport trim's 7,650-pound max. Payload is similarly lower, rated at 1,160 pounds versus 1,600 in lighter Gladiator variants. That said, the Rubicon can handle serious recreational towing, and features like camera hitch zoom and upgraded engine cooling improve usability.

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Bed Features Tailored for Adventure

The Gladiator's 5-foot bed isn’t the largest in class, but it’s intelligently designed. Our Rubicon had a $495 spray-in bedliner and a versatile three-position tailgate that accommodates up to 11 sheets of plywood. Tie-downs and bed lighting come standard, but higher-tier features—like a 115V power outlet—are part of an $895 cargo management package that also includes lockable under-seat storage and adjustable bed rails.

Essential Safety Tech—But It's Optional

Despite the Rubicon’s price, advanced safety features aren’t standard. Our tester had two key packages:

• $895 Active Safety Group: Blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors
• $795 Advanced Safety Group: Adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with auto-brake

While these features are crucial for daily commuting and urban driving, Jeep’s decision to make them optional raises eyebrows in a $60K truck.

Lighting and Visibility Upgrades

A $995 LED Lighting Group added high-performance headlamps, foglights, turn signals, DRLs, and taillights—all wrapped in Jeep’s iconic round housing. These not only enhance visibility and safety but elevate the Gladiator’s aesthetic appeal both on- and off-road.

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Convertible Freedom: A Pickup Like No Other

What truly sets the Gladiator apart is its open-air freedom. Our model featured a $2,295 color-matched three-piece hardtop with a rear sliding window and defroster. Cheaper alternatives include a $1,195 black Freedom hardtop or a $595 premium soft-top. Want both? An all-season dual-top package is available at the same price, catering to year-round adventurers.

What’s Missing in a $60K Gladiator?

Despite its impressive package, a few key features are still MIA. There's no Tow/Haul mode, integrated trailer brake controller, or rear bed step. Seats lack power adjustment—likely a concession to preserve the vehicle’s fording depth of 30 inches. A forward-facing trail camera would’ve added $595, and a hard tonneau cover ($495) remains a separate add-on.

Room to Customize with Mopar & Aftermarket Accessories

Like the Wrangler, the Gladiator has a vast ecosystem of Mopar and third-party accessories. Buyers can outfit their trucks with winches, roof racks, rock sliders, snorkels, and more. This modularity ensures that no two Gladiators are exactly alike, which adds value for customizers and weekend warriors alike.

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Final Verdict: Worth It for the Right Buyer

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is not for bargain hunters—but it doesn’t try to be. With iconic styling, true off-road chops, and convertible fun, it’s a lifestyle vehicle with real utility. While $60,000 is steep for a midsize truck, Jeep fans willing to invest in the Rubicon’s blend of trail dominance and open-air joy won’t be disappointed. For buyers seeking towing dominance or daily comfort, however, there may be better-value alternatives in the segment.

Explore More Jeep Reviews on MotorVero

Looking for more detailed reviews and comparisons of off-road trucks, Jeep SUVs, and performance pickups? Visit MotorVero for expert insights, pricing breakdowns, and hands-on evaluations of today’s most capable vehicles.

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