Jeep Gladiator Dark Sky Announced

[bill61]

I do like that they included the disconnecting sway bar. It would be better as others have said if it had 35’s as a choice too. Thats why I say optioning out a Rubicon or Mojave with a package like this and having 35’s in the selection too.
I remember seeing a conversation a few years ago about a hardtop roof that folded down into the bed. I said my prayers that that would be available. But…
I think a hardtop roof folding down into the bed would be very nice, although most likely making the bed only used for storing the roof when down would be a waste of the bed.

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[Aleph]

I think this is just Stellantis trying to use up surplus parts from other trims.

 

[RHINO79]

Not really liking the big block hood.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Not really liking the big block hood.

So you don't like the Mojave?

Oddly, that's one of the draws for many people - that hood.

 

[StevieY1]

“I like it a lot”. Dumb and Dumber

 

[StevieY1]

They could definitely work on the road handling. The problem is not entirely solid axle vs IFS or recirculating ball steering vs rack and pinion. The suspension either has a geometry problem and/or is unbalanced/mistuned and the factory steering gear (even the steel one) is crap. I've been throwing money at my JT to get it to handle and steer properly, or at least acceptably. Mopar long control arms, toe-in close to 0 degrees, Bilstein shocks, stiffer rear coils, Falcon steering stabilizer, and, most recently, a PSC steering gear. I'm not sure I'm done yet but it is so much more enjoyable to drive now. The PSC gear in particular made a big difference. It has no play in it, no dead spot. It is an excellent (but pricy) upgrade that makes a world of difference.

On the positive side for the JT, when I was looking in 2023, it was the only small truck I found with an adult-sized (or teen-sized) backseat area, with headroom and legroom. All others were suitable only for young kids or short kids with no legs. None but the JT had adult-sized (or teen-sized) headroom.

PSC steering gear - gotcha! Nice find!!

 

[RacerAV]

Dark badges, likely no "chromed" or "shiny" bits.
From the article -
Gloss black bumper inserts
Dark-colored badges and decals

I suppose it's like the "sport" versions of other vehicles, like my car - NO shiny bits. All trim is blacked out.

It also allows the body color roof and fender flares - one reason I've always skipped certain models. I want it all body color. Some just don't wear black well, IMO. Others will disagree, that's their personal preference, so be it. Some just don't look quite right to our family.

100% agree.

 

[Flyboy2109]

Looks remarkably like my Sport S. Same wheels, body colored fenders, and I like my plain hood much better. Special edition...not so much.

 

[StevieY1]

I’ve got a black gladiator sport S… 24 and those mods for $1400 are a steal. For all the complainers on this thread go enjoy ur here Toyoots and Fruds - see if us Jeep guys care! Haha yup. You’ll still pass by us with that look of envy ha ha

 

[RacerAV]

Other than a bigger engine (which everyone wants and Jeep will never deliver), what else would you change on a Gladiator?

Lockers/gears are my vote but they're already available in other trim packages so would be nothing new.

Dana 60, maybe?

I get it, but I'd imagine Jeep legal would say hard no to anything super cool, lol... bunch of idiots would buy those trucks, and smash them, then blame Jeep for bent frames, broken axles, etc... then people would be all in the comments saying Jeep is trash and yada yada yada...

It would be rad to see factory options like Dana 60s, Hemi, etc... that you can order new from Jeep. I'd imagine they'd make a ton of money too! How many crap shops install parts wrong, cheaply, etc... at $180/hour, lol... It would be awesome getting them from the factory, paying a little less, for an OEM touch.

 

[RacerAV]

It allows people like me, my family/wife/son, to buy one at the sport level with body colored bits instead of black. Blacked out badges - that's a good thing, IMO.
Some other bits like the ACC and FCW - are those otherwise a thing at the sport level? This comes with those.

I like that Jeep does these random editions. Mixes it up a little, fills those niche wants... absolutely right!

I love body colored tops, and love both body colored fenders and black plastic ones. On maybe a black Jeep, the black tops and fenders look fine... anything else, gotta be a body colored top for me. The rest is a toss up for me. I JUST ordered a few bits in Sarge Green for the exterior, tailgate handle, cowl, and NOW door handles for my half doors (that's a longer story lol)... even got some satin Sarge Green bits to replace some interior silver pieces (too many colors and textures inside the Jeep, getting rid of all the silver and gray stuff eventually. Just satin Sarge Green inside!

Oh, also never loved the lower sport fenders! Why? Same amount of plastic, work, etc... just do Rubi fenders across the board!

 

[Sweetums]

The Rubicon fenders catch more wind, the lower ones are more efficient

 

[Badunit]

The Rubicon fenders catch more wind

 

[DirkG]

Like some have said, it's Jeep marketing up a Sport S. We get these every year with varying levels of equipment / decals added. For '24, I was a sucker for the Jeep Beach Edition. Other Sport S "editions" off the top of my head (I may be missing some):

Sport S
Freedom Edition
Oscar Mike Edition
California Edition
High Tide
Dark Sky

Sport S / Willys
Big Bear Edition
Texas Trail
Jeep Beach

Rubicon
Launch Edition
FarOut Edition
Mopar Edition

Of course there were also Altitude, High Altitude, and Nighthawk models. Also appearance packages like the Jurassic Park decals. Can't think of any Mojave-based special editions off the top of my head.

 

[Gvsukids]

Some of that is the throttle mapping, not lack of power.

And maybe gears.

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