The Jeep Gladiator has been named the 2020 North American Truck of the Year by a panel of automotive experts in its debut year.
The winners were announced at a news conference earlier this week at the TCF Center in Detroit.
“The Jeep Gladiator is not only the world’s most capable midsize pickup, it’s now the North American Truck of the Year as well,” said Jim Morrison, head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America. “This honor is a testament to our customers who demand the very best and the Gladiator delivers with all of the 4×4 capability and versatility expected of a Jeep vehicle.”
The award winner is determined by 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada who serve as the voting jurors.
Jurors evaluate the finalists based on segment leadership, innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. The process, which started in June 2019 by determining a list of eligible vehicles, includes three rounds of voting.
The Gladiator is equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, a versatile cargo box, a variety of technology features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross path detection, adaptive cruise control and Forward Collision Warning-Plus.
All Gladiator models are trail rated with a badge indicating that the vehicle is designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording. Gladiator Rubicon models are equipped with signature red tow hooks, Rock-Trac 4×4 system, featuring a two-speed transfer case with a 4:1 low-range gear ratio, front and rear heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lok electric front- and rear-axle lockers, segment-exclusive electronic sway bar disconnect, cab and bed rock rails and standard 33-inch Falken Wildpeak All-Terrain off-road tires.
