2026 Gladiator Shadow Ops Limited Edition - official details & photos

[Chaos Theory]

So I've figured out that the way the box looks, and its size (dropped off by a deuce), this Shadow Ops Jeep is a Transformer.

More than meets the eye. It turns from a box to a box with wheels.

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[WILDHOBO]

Its just a Rubicon with a few stickers and a winch. It would have been better if it was a XR Gladiator.

Yep. Dumb.

 

[WILDHOBO]

How did the Gladiator climb the waterfall?

I’m guessing it was winched up from there.

 

[pte444]

I’ll hand it to them for finally offering the winch directly finally, but that should haven’t happened a long time ago. XR and 5.7, or at least 2.0T and I would give it a thought. Does Jeep need it spelled out in crayon what they people want? It’s looking more and more like they will wait for the next gen for the good stuff.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I’ll hand it to them for finally offering the winch directly finally, but that should haven’t happened a long time ago. XR and 5.7, or at least 2.0T and I would give it a thought. Does Jeep need it spelled out in crayon what they people want? It’s looking more and more like they will wait for the next gen for the good stuff.

They’ve been offering factory winches for years. The problem is they charge double for the same warn winch you can buy yourself.

 

[pte444]

They’ve been offering factory winches for years. The problem is they charge double for the same warn winch you can buy yourself.

I thought it was a dealer or accessory add on after purchase before? Could be wrong though

 

[Gatorized]

I thought this thread was going to be a breakdown of @ShadowsPapa finagling the build for his wife’s new wrangler…

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I thought it was a dealer or accessory add on after purchase before? Could be wrong though

Not sure when they started but it has been a factory option for at least three model years ....maybe longer?
Factory install, factory order code

 

[ShadowsPapa]

They’ve been offering factory winches for years. The problem is they charge double for the same warn winch you can buy yourself.

And it's a narrow spool winch

 

[WILDHOBO]

And it's a narrow spool winch

That I didn’t know. But I’m not surprised.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I thought this thread was going to be a breakdown of @ShadowsPapa finagling the build for his wife’s new wrangler…

Good one!

 

[Freems]

Limited edition Gladiator Shadow Ops was just revealed. It's based on the Gladiator Rubicon and based on the photos it looks like it has:

Steel front bumper
Steel rear bumper
WARN winch
Satin black grill
Hood and fender decals
Tailgate graphics decal
Trailer tow equipment
AUX switches
All-weather floor mats

That's just from what's visible. I'm sure Jeep will make an announcement with full details / specs.

Awesome another decal package...And get that decal dandy out of my favorite fishing hole!!!

 

[WILDHOBO]

I thought it was a dealer or accessory add on after purchase before? Could be wrong though

You could factory order them as well.

 

[Aj58]

Jeep Accounting - “we are overstocked on bumpers and our over priced winch.”

Jeep marketing - “throw it on a Rubi with a sticker and call it a special edition.”

 

[JAY]

Here's the official press release and photos on the Gladiator Shadow Ops edition:


2026 Jeep® Gladiator Unleashes Shadow Ops Special Edition as the First Mission in 'Convoy' Campaign

• “Convoy” campaign launches a new era of mission-ready special editions
• Jeep® Gladiator Shadow Ops is first midsize truck with a factory-installed winch — a Jeep brand exclusive
• Engineered on the Gladiator Rubicon platform for uncompromising off-road dominance
• Stealth-inspired blackout design features Satin Black grille and signature decals
• Offers heavy-duty steel bumpers with Trailer Tow Package for ultimate trail versatility
• Body-color Freedom Top and body-color fender flares available
• Limited-run edition hits dealerships February 2026, package price of only $2,605 MSRP over a comparably equipped model with body-color Freedom Top and fender flares

December 17, 2025 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Jeep® brand is pushing the limits of off-road capability and style with the debut of the Jeep Gladiator Shadow Ops, a striking new edition that makes history as the first midsize truck to offer a factory-installed winch. This limited-run package combines legendary Jeep performance with a bold, stealth-inspired design that demands attention, while serving as the spearhead of the “Convoy” campaign.

This initiative kicks off a new chapter for the brand, introducing mission-ready special editions that embody strength, unity and purpose. Leading the charge is Jeep Gladiator Shadow Ops, arriving not by air, but through a ground-led military convoy, delivering toughness and authenticity in unexpected ways.

“The Jeep Gladiator has always stood for freedom and capability, Shadow Ops elevates that legacy to a whole new level,” said Bob Broderdorf, CEO of the Jeep brand. “This package is built for our most passionate off-road enthusiasts, combining rugged functionality with a bold, covert look. Shadow Ops gives adventurers not just the tools, but the confidence and attitude to dominate any trail.”

Built on the proven capability of the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon platform, Shadow Ops delivers a distinctive blackout aesthetic and premium gear for serious trail conquerors. Key features include:

• Factory-installed winch for unmatched recovery capability
• Heavy-duty steel front and rear bumpers for extreme durability
• Satin Black grille for an aggressive, tactical edge
• Exclusive Shadow Ops hood and fender decals for a signature look
• Tailgate decal and theme package for authentic Jeep brand styling
• Body-color Freedom Top three-piece hardtop for open-air freedom
• Body-color fender flares
• All-weather slush mats for practical protection in rugged terrain

The limited-edition Jeep Gladiator Shadow Ops package is available for $4,995 MSRP on Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, representing a walk of only $2,605 MSRP over a comparably equipped Rubicon with body-color hardtop and body-color fender flares. Jeep Gladiator Shadow Ops will be available at dealerships nationwide beginning February 2026.

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