New Premium Version of the Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep company has expanded the model range of the Gladiator pickup by introducing a completely new, more luxurious trim level called Sahara. This version, which was sorely missing from the lineup, finally fills the gap, as the Sahara name has been used to denote top-tier modifications of the Wrangler SUVs since 1988.
Exterior and Standard Equipment
The new model features a number of exterior updates. Standard equipment includes LED headlights and taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as body parts painted in the vehicle’s color—the wheel arches and the hardtop roof.
The interior of the Gladiator Sahara has received comfort options that were previously only available for an additional fee. Heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch multimedia system are now standard. The vehicle also has a remote engine start system and keyless entry.
Price and Trim Cost
The starting price of the new Jeep Gladiator Sahara is $47,125, excluding the destination fee. This amount is significant, yet it is still lower than the price of the all-wheel-drive GMC Canyon Denali pickup. Compared to the base Gladiator Sport S version, the new Sahara is approximately $5,100 more expensive, but this difference is fully justified by a significantly wider list of standard equipment.
As brand representatives note, the new Sahara trim essentially combines options that for the Sport S version were only available as part of separate packages. These include options such as the Premium package with leather seats and a colored roof, as well as the Convenience package, which includes heated steering wheel and seats, remote start, and colored fender flares. The total cost of these options, if added separately, exceeds $4,500.
Availability and Prospects
The new Jeep Gladiator in the Sahara trim is already available for order as a 2026 model. Although the exact start dates for customer deliveries have not yet been announced, they are expected to begin fairly soon.
The introduction of the Sahara trim for the Gladiator is a logical step for Jeep, allowing it to fill the niche between the base and extreme off-road versions oriented towards the Rubicon. This makes the model more attractive to those buyers who value not only capability in a pickup but also everyday comfort and a premium appearance. Such a strategy allows the brand to compete with other luxury pickups in the segment by offering customers a ready, well-equipped option without the need to study long lists of additional equipment.