The Gladiator lineup rolls into 2026 with no adjustments save for one in a special edition trim. The Sport and Sport trims share the same mechanical foundation and the familiar open-air Jeep personality, but the Sport S adds a little more convenience and safety equipment to the Jeep truck to make the step up worth considering. Here's how the Sport and Sport S compare for the new model year.
Key Takeaways
- The Sport is the base trim; the Sport S is just above it in the lineup.
- Aside from the addition of a special Willy's, the Gladiator lineup remains the same.
- As of December 11, 2025, Gladiator trims start at $41,420 for 2026.
The only major addition to the lineup this year is the Gladiator Willys '41 Buzz, a throwback special edition that taps into Jeep's military heritage. Paying homage to the Kaiser Jeep M715 of the 1960s, this version leans heavily into the vintage theme with its green exterior paint, matching Olive Drab 17-inch wheels, and steel bumpers.
A Mopar triple-hoop grille guard and a hood with a functional scoop and Willy's graphics add a little extra attitude, while mud-terrain tires give it real bite off pavement. Tan seat inserts tie the whole theme together.
Pricing begins at $41,420, and the rest of the trims continue unchanged.
How Does the 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport Compare with the Sport S?
The Sport trim sets the foundation for the Gladiator family. Its hardware supports all the signature Gladiator traits like removable doors, a fold-down windshield, and an open-air feel, thanks to its premium soft top. It rides on 17-inch steel wheels with 32-inch tires and includes push-button start, cruise control, and an eight-speaker audio system. Jeep's 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto modernizes what is otherwise a very classic Jeep interior.
The Sport S builds on all of that by adding a handful of features that make daily use easier. Power-adjustable side mirrors replace the manual units on the Sport, the steering wheel gets leather wrapping, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking comes standard. Adaptive cruise control allows you to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead.
Engine Power, Towing, and Fuel Economy in the 2026 Gladiator
Every Gladiator sticks with the 3.6-liter V-6 for 2026, delivering its familiar 285 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic to all four wheels.
Max towing reaches 7,700 pounds when properly equipped, and every Gladiator can move at least 4,500 pounds, which covers most small-to-medium trailers. Payload capacity depends on trim and configuration, ranging from 950 pounds to 1,725 pounds.
Fuel-economy estimates for 2026 are unknown as of this writing, but with no expected changes to the powertrain, ratings should mirror the 2025 model at 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
Which Gladiator Trim Will You Choose?
The Sport and Sport S offer two accessible entry points into the Gladiator lineup, and choosing between them comes down to how much convenience tech you want in your day-to-day drive. Both trims deliver the full open-air Jeep experience and the same core capability, but the Sport S adds a bit more comfort and safety tech. When you're ready to experience the Gladiator for yourself, contact Thunder CDJR to test drive one or both trims before making your final decision.