2026 Gladiator Shadow Ops Limited Edition - official details & photos

[ShadowsPapa]

Produced. Ha. What’s the past tense for winging it? I wung it. I keep doing so.

That had me laughing - there's some pilots here, we'll have to ask them.

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[Jrgunn5150]

Many big updates coming my sources tell me

 

[Geoarch]

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.

I'm confused. While we don't have a cost yet, it's no different from a Rubicon only with a Warn winch and badging. You can get the winch for at least $500 less than this price. They're still not competing with the Tacoma Trailhunter if that's what they're going after. Oh, I forgot, they scrapped the 4XE Gladiator from political pressure or whatever Stellantis bases they're putative decision making on.

 

[Geoarch]

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

And easy to install. Even I did it.

 

[Geoarch]

Is Jeep allergic to 35in tires? All fluff!

No Gladiator will get 35s (or 315s) unless you're a Wrangler. Oops, Ford beat Jeep again with 315s on the Sasquatch etc.

 

[ChrisNLA]

That had me laughing - there's some pilots here, we'll have to ask them.

Literally LOL'd at 'wung'.

 

[ChrisNLA]

Many big updates coming my sources tell me

A sticker package a month to keep up with the Wrangler?

 

[bill61]

At least they made a special edition with lockers. I like that a lot.
I didn’t understand making a special edition out of a vehicle with no special axle features like lockers or tru tracks or something.

 

[JTGuy]

Sooooo, come up with a package we can charge more for that won't cost us anything to add. We can call it a limited edition just to add to the hype. Then next year we can call it he final edition.

 

[DanJT]

Reminds me of Recon hood decal on the JK.

I still want one

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I still want one

I want a Scrambler, I want a 1956-60 Willys 4x4 pickup, heck, I want a SC/Rambler and SC360 Hornet, too. Damn, I'm too old for all of these wants.
Can I go back 55 years and start over?

 

[Angler3]

V8 would’ve been awesome .
i would be first in line !

 

[RougeShot12er]

Comes with a special edition crate full of spare 3.6L cams and Dorman oil coolers.
I paid off my Gladiator last summer and would trade it in today for a V8 Gladiator and a new payment. Why are car manufacture's so damn tone deaf? I don't need factory fanboi sticker packages.
Things that I require in my rig....
Solid axels. 44s or better
Ability to run 37s
Lockers front and rear
A bed for gear
4 seats

Literally the only compliant I have about my gladiator is the 3.6L.
If it was a million mile engine I could overlook the low power, but the 3.6L reliability is questionable at best. Give us a V8 that doesn't eat cams every 40K miles and you will have people lined up for days. None of the other manufactures could match it.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Why are car manufacture's so damn tone deaf? I don't need factory fanboi sticker packages.
Things that I require in my rig....
Solid axels. 44s or better
Ability to run 37s
Lockers front and rear
A bed for gear
4 seats

Literally the only compliant I have about my gladiator is the 3.6L.
If it was a million mile engine I could overlook the low power, but the 3.6L reliability is questionable at best. Give us a V8 that doesn't eat cams every 40K miles and you will have people lined up for days. None of the other manufactures could match it.

They aren't tone deaf. . just that you have not read the reasons, and you aren't a majority.
Go back and read about the heat issues as well.
These are known to be engines that go hundreds of thousands as of miles. The internet and sheer anger from people makes it seem like it will happen to everyone.
There are members with well over 100,000 miles and no issues

A V8 may happen one day but not because "a majority" wanted it.

 

[JTGuy]

They can sell what they make just as it is. They can't even fix the crap they make so why change it. The oil cooler has been an issue since the 3.6 was introduced . Now we got cam issues. Rear locker issues and many more. Do they fix them,,,, no. But they will void your warranty if they see mods and wish you a merry Christmas.

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