Jeep Gladiator's Second Convoy Edition Adds Two-Tone Retro Look

Jeep is making a major effort to update its current vehicles with more attractive colors and trim packages as the company tries to recover from lagging sales. One of the models getting some much-needed love is the 2026 Gladiator. The second mission in the Jeep Gladiator’s “Convoy” campaign, following Shadow Ops is the 2026 Gladiator Whitecap Edition. It is heritage-inspired with a two-tone color scheme. It is similar to the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Whitecap Edition. The two-tone paint evokes the tallest and coldest mountain peaks, while also paying tribute to 1941 when the first Jeep versions were created.

“As the second mission in our Convoy campaign, the Jeep Gladiator Whitecap acknowledges where we’ve been," said Bob Broderdorf, Jeep CEO. "It offers a clear nod to Jeep heritage, rooted in 1941, and built for today’s adventurers who value authenticity, individuality and real capability. We continue to listen to our customers, and their feedback is guiding us toward offering more colors, more customization and more flexibility across the lineup.”

2026 Jeep Gladiator Whitecap Edition

Up until now, most of the Gladiators looked pretty similar, but the Whitecap adds a little two-tone flair and throws it back to what some of the first Jeeps looked like decades ago. Whitecap also has updated pin-striping on the sides. Jeep’s first Convoy edition was a more sinister-looking Shadow Ops Gladiator. Whitecap changes it up looking more playful with the white roof and stripes. 

A version of the Gladiator’s sibling, the Jeep Wrangler has been around for 85 years. Some of the earliest versions had contrasting roofs. The new Whitecap Gladiator brings the contrast back without giving up the Gladiator’s great capability out on the trails. 

Signature Whitecap elements include:

• Bright White painted roof
• Bright White painted iconic seven‑slot grille
• Bright White 1941 side‑stripe decal
• Bright White hood decal on Rubicon, Rubicon X, Mojave and Mojave X

Available across Gladiator Sahara, Rubicon, Rubicon X, Mojave and Mojave X trims, starting at only $495 MSRP

Other New Features for the 2026 Jeep Gladiator

• The Gladiators have a new door hinge system that makes it even easier and quicker to take off the doors. Jeep takes great pride in allowing drivers and passengers open-air freedom.
• There is also a new Willys ‘41 model pays tribute to the Kaiser Jeep M715 military truck with more rugged styling.
• Jeep has also added optional more aggressive all-terrain tires.
• New limited-edition exterior colors, include Reign and  Goldilocks. 

Proven Jeep Capability

If you are committed to off-roading but need more room than the Jeep Wrangler provides for cargo, you’ll get a kick out of the Gladiator. It has the same commitment to conquering the trails. The interiors are comfortable but not plush. It is designed to be capable but not luxurious. The truck is easy to clean and prepared to take you over plenty of obstacles. 

All of the Jeep Gladiators carry the 3.6-liter V-6 engine. It has 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The Gladiator offers four advanced 4x4 systems: Command-Trac, Rock-Trac (part-time and full-time) and Selec-Trac. The Gladiator is Jeep’s only pickup. The midsize truck has 7,700 pounds of towing capacity, with a payload of 1,720 pounds. Very few trucks have the capability the Gladiator has, especially the ability to tow ATVs or other recreational vehicles out to the trail or lake. The Gladiator’s capability is unmatched. It can manage up to 31.5 inches of water fording. The Gladiator has an approach angle of 44.7 degrees, a departure angle of 26 degrees and breakover angles of 20.9 degrees. It has 11.6 inches of ground clearance which is on par with the Wrangler. 

The Gladiator has a 5‑foot steel bed with integrated tie‑downs and an easy‑lift tailgate. Buyers can also get lockable and removable rear‑seat storage bins for added interior flexibility. The Gladiator is the only open‑air pickup in the industry with a removable roof and doors, a feature unique to the Jeep brand.

The Gladiator is built at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio.

Jeep Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

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