The Jeep Gladiator Willys Review

It’s essentially a mountain goat. We’re talking about the Jeep Gladiator Willys, of course. It’s been around for a little stretch, but the Jeep Gladiator Willys felt better than we remembered. It’s been about a year since we were last in one but it took no time to get reacquainted. For those not familiar, the Gladiator is a pickup based on the Jeep Wrangler. Napleton News wants to pick you up!

Whatchu talking about Willys?

Sorry about the reference to an 80s sitcom, but we couldn’t resist. The Jeep Gladiator Willys is designed for an owner who needs to drive everywhere, when, where and why they need to. A billy goat on four off-road wheels, it does more than just tame the outdoors. Think of this as the love child of a Wrangler and a Ram 1500.

Unlike previous years, there is only one engine choice for the Gladiator. It’s no slouch, but sometimes we wish it had a little more get up and go under the hood. Powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It’s no slouch but there’s no big block V8 in there, either. It used to be that a six-speed manual transmission was standard throughout the line, but that’s gone, too. It has been discontinued because frankly, the 8-speed Automatic did everything better. And nobody wanted a third pedal anyway.

Besides the Gladiator Willys kit, there are others:  Sport is the popular entry-level model while The Big Bear rides above that, followed by the Mojave and Rubicon. Any way you look at it, you are still getting a vehicle that is one of the choicest for going on and off roads. The Mojave is a standout as it’s equipped for desert running with dedicated Fox suspension components.  Besides dune running, it can also take a dip into a stream up to 30 inches deep.

What about the Gladiator’s looks? Anything new?

New for 2025 on the Jeep Gladiator are a couple of new colors. The Willys version is available in black, or a gray/olive hue that’s a throwback to military jeeps of the 1940s and 1950s. In keeping with tradition, the seven slots in the grille are still here, just as on every Jeep. The antenna is now hidden, lending to a sleeker look.

As with other Jeep Wrangler derivatives, there are plenty of removable parts. These include a fold-down windshield, the doors, and even the roof. It’s the perfect thing for those who like to drive al fresco, should the desire strike!

The inside line of the new Gladiator

The new 2025 Gladiator is largely carryover from 2024, with many of the same offerings. Power windows and locks are standard, as is the 12.3-inch touchscreen display. Here, you control the Willys’ Uconnect 5 infotainment system offering smartphone connectivity, Navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and more. Oh, and we can’t forget the Alpine premium audio system. We’ve enjoyed it in previous versions and it’s good to hear it here, too.

All models now bring power windows and door locks, regular air conditioning and manual seating. The rest of the Jeep features the type of creature comforts you would naturally find in a well-equipped SUV. There are cupholders everywhere, cubbyholes and pockets galore. Under the rear seat, there is even storage for small personal items.

Behind the wheel of the new Jeep Gladiator Willys!

It’s time to go big with the new Jeep Gladiator Willys! With this special edition, we have a Jeep that is more refined than ever before. The tires are relatively quiet, despite being big and knobby for off-road prowess. The antenna has been incorporated into the windshield Gorilla Glass, so it is not hanging out just waiting to be clipped by a branch or other obstacles on a tight trail. Jeep designers have even found a way to keep Interior noise to a minimum, thanks to some apparent sound deadening that has found its way into the cabin. Kudos!

What you will get in the new Gladiator Willys is an Army-inspired truck that doesn’t stop when the roads do. And it can carry plenty of stuff while doing it. The cargo bed has a payload capacity of 1,725 pounds. And if you hang a ball hitch on the back, it can tow up to 7,700 pounds.

A year ago, we said get. It. All. Day. Long. We still mean it!

2025 Jeep Gladiator Willys Specifications