The FOX-equipped 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon has been named FOUR WHEELER magazine’s "2020 Pickup of the Year." The award is given annually by the editors of the opinion-leading off-road enthusiast publication.
"The new Jeep Gladiator is the truck many buyers have been waiting years for," said FOUR WHEELER Editor Ken Brubaker. "After a week of testing in a variety of challenging environments, the Gladiator proved that it is all truck and all Jeep, which is a formidable combination. Mix in the impressive Rubicon package that includes Tru-Lok differential lockers, Rock-Trac transfer case with 4:1 low range, front disconnecting stabilizer bar and full skidplating, and it's clear the Gladiator is at the front of the class."
Over the course of a week, FOUR WHEELER's judges conducted a variety of tests spanning more than 1,000 miles of varied terrain that included pavement, gravel, dirt, sand, rocks, mud and snow. A loose-dirt hillclimb and water crossings were included in testing as well. Night driving was also integrated into the competition to gauge each vehicle's lighting equipment. Judges included staff from various 4x4 media brands, including FOUR WHEELER, 4-WHEEL & OFF-ROAD, and JP MAGAZINE.
"When the Gladiator was first announced, there was concern that it would be too much truck and not enough Jeep, or too much Jeep and not enough truck," said MOTORTREND GROUP Content Director Sean P. Holman. "If anything, our testing has proven that Jeep has hit the sweet spot with the Gladiator, giving customers one of the finest off-road-capable midsize trucks on the market."
FOUR WHEELER's Pickup Truck of the Year award event – now in its 31st consecutive year – is an invitation-only competition that is only open to all-new or significantly revised pickup trucks for the upcoming model year.
"Our all-new Gladiator Rubicon is the world's only truck that delivers legendary Jeep 4x4 off-road capability, open-air freedom and authentic Jeep design," said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America. "The Gladiator is 100 percent Jeep and 100 percent truck – the perfect combination of rugged utility, versatility and functionality that our loyal Jeep customers have been asking for."
