Is the 2023 Jeep Gladiator Redesigned?
Most vehicles get some changes for each and every model year. However, some models get a complete redesign, offering a new version under the same name. Is the 2023 Jeep Gladiator redesigned? The automaker implemented a new special edition, prices, and more, but it’s not a completely redesigned midsize truck. Just a few years ago, the Gladiator was born as a modified pickup version of the Jeep Wrangler. If it’s not redesigned, what’s new for the 2023 model year?
What’s new with the 2023 Jeep Gladiator?
According to Cars.com, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator has one significant change for the new model year. It’s getting a Freedom Edition model, paying homage to the U.S. military. It adds a special Oscar Mike badge to the rear tailgate and an American flag decal on the side. Additionally, LED headlights and foglights are standard. The special edition model also comes with steel front and rear bumpers that can be outfitted with winches to enhance the Gladiator’s capability. Finally, the Freedom Edition has steel rock rails that help protect it from rocks and other hazards while trail riding.
Next, there’s an entirely new Capability Package for the High Altitude trim level. As you might guess from the name, it enhances the capability of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator in a few ways. For example, the steel front bumper and rock rails found on the Freedom Edition. In addition, the front-mounted camera offers visibility of any obstacles in front of the vehicle that might be challenging to spot on a trail.
Lastly, the Willys trim has standard keyless entry, remote start, and a new color option. Snazzleberry is a new color that’s replaced the High-Velocity yellow in the color lineup for this model.
Same Gladiator engines, new price
Unfortunately, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator uses the same engine as the previous model year. Fortunately, few people have complained about the potent Gladiator base engine. It remains a 3.6-liter V6 paired with a six-speed manual transmission, good for 285 horsepower. The base model starts at $40,570, including destination charges. An eight-speed automatic transmission is optional for the base trim, which only comes with a standard manual. Some trims can also get a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine that’s good for 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.
The standard engine gets a combined 19 mpg, while the diesel variant allows the Gladiator a cool 24 mpg combined. Neither is wildly impressive, but the diesel option is certainly more viable today.
| 2023 Jeep Gladiator trim | Price |
| Sport | $40,570 |
| Willys Sport | $42,880 |
| Sport S | $43,970 |
| Willys | $48,015 |
| Overland | $48,375 |
| Freedom Edition | $49,265 |
| Rubicon | $52,790 |
| Mojave | $52,790 |
| High Altitude | $55,875 |
Why isn’t the Gladiator redesigned?
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator is not redesigned for the new model year. While automakers can undoubtedly redesign a vehicle any time they want, they usually wait at least a few years before doing so. The Gladiator is still considered brand new in the automotive industry. The Jeep Gladiator first went on sale again in the Spring of 2019, making 2023 only its fourth year in production. For comparison, the Toyota Tacoma, a close Gladiator competitor, hasn’t been redesigned since 2016. We’re likely another few years away from seeing a total overhaul of the Jeep midsize truck.
In conclusion, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator did not get a redesign. Additionally, it isn’t refreshed, either. If you’re a buyer who didn’t like the design or feel of the midsize truck, keep waiting. It isn’t changing enough to be particularly differentiated from the 2022 model year version. Instead, there’s just a new Freedom Edition to honor the U.S. military, a new High Altitude package, and a few upgrades to the Willys trim. Other than that, the 2023 Gladiator and 2022 Gladiator are identical.
