Online configurators allow us to see what the vehicle we’re lusting after would look like in the color, trim, and with the options that interest us most. Though very, very far from the real thing, playing around with these sites allow us to “build” a vehicle the way we would want to. They also happen to be fantastic marketing tools, but that’s beside the point. For us enthusiasts, they’re just simple and mindless fun.
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator has been among the most discussed vehicles of the year. It finally debuted recently at the Los Angeles Auto Show, after years of spy photos and speculation. And today, to make us drool even more, Jeep launched the Configurator. You can now go to Jeep’s Build and Price site and create a virtual Gladiator of your own.
It really does seem like the Gladiator will be very much a JL Wrangler with a pickup bed. Many of the options are identical, with exception of the Tow package and bed-related options. This isn’t a bad thing, as the JL is a fantastic vehicle, but it leaves a little to be desired from what could differentiate the Gladiator from its Wrangler brethren. And while the Configurator doesn’t show pricing (expect it to be slightly more expensive than comparable JL-prices), it does allow us to see how trims, packages, colors, wheels, and even tires would make our very own Jeep pickup look. You start with models and choose from Sport, Sport S, Overland, or Rubicon and go from there.
Logically, I skipped over all of the lower trims and went straight for the most off-road worthy. Mine would absolutely have to be a Rubicon with 8-speed automatic (better for off-roading), Trailer Tow Package, LED Lighting Group, Cold Weather Group, Premium Audio, Auxiliary Switch Group, Cargo Management Group, Dual Top Group, WFN wheels, mud tires (which I believe are Falkens as opposed to the JL Rubicon’s mandatory BFG KO2s), steel front bumper, spray-in bedliner, and keyless entry. Of course, it would have to be Firecracker Red. The diesel option isn’t available yet, otherwise mine would absolutely have it. Suddenly my imaginary Gladiator is nearly a $60k truck, but that’s the upside of it being entirely imaginary.
How would you spec yours? Hit the link to build your own Gladiator, and let us know in the comments.
