Jeep Finally Brings the Sahara Trim to the Gladiator

Author: |

The Jeep Gladiator shares much of its DNA with the Wrangler, yet despite their close relationship, the midsize pickup has never previously been offered with the well-known Sahara trim. This absence has long stood out, especially considering that the Sahara nameplate dates back to 1988 and has traditionally been associated with more refined, upscale versions of Jeep’s legendary off-road SUV. Until now, that premium designation had remained exclusive to Wrangler models, leaving the Gladiator lineup without a comparable luxury-oriented option.

Jeep Gladiator Sahara

Jeep has finally closed that gap by introducing the all-new Gladiator Sahara, a more comfort-focused version of the rugged pickup. Pricing for the new trim begins at $47,125, before adding a $1,995 destination charge. While that places it firmly in the upper range of the midsize truck segment, the Gladiator Sahara still manages to undercut the four-wheel-drive GMC Canyon Denali by a substantial $5,875. Compared to the Gladiator Sport S, the Sahara carries a $5,100 premium, but that increase is offset by a generous list of standard features that significantly elevate both appearance and comfort.

On the exterior, the Gladiator Sahara distinguishes itself with body-color fender flares and a matching body-color hardtop, giving the truck a cleaner and more cohesive look. LED lighting elements come standard, enhancing visibility while adding a modern touch. The truck rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels, and buyers can choose between all-season or all-terrain tires at no additional cost, allowing some flexibility depending on intended use without impacting the price.

Although Jeep has not yet released official interior images, the company has confirmed that the Gladiator Sahara receives a well-appointed cabin. Standard equipment includes a heated steering wheel and heated front seats trimmed in McKinley leather, reinforcing the model’s upscale positioning. Technology also receives a boost, with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Convenience features such as remote start and remote keyless entry are also included, adding everyday usability.

Jeep

While Jeep has stopped short of publishing a full breakdown of standard equipment, it appears the Sahara draws heavily from the Gladiator Sport S options catalog. Notably, the Sport S offers a $4,295 Premium Package that bundles leather seating, a body-color hardtop, and 18-inch wheels—many of the same features now standard on the Sahara. In addition, the new trim incorporates elements from the Sport S’ $1,795 Convenience Group, which includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start, body-color fender flares, and a digital gauge cluster.

Jeep has acknowledged this overlap, stating that the Gladiator Sahara includes $4,685 worth of content that would otherwise require optional packages on the Sport S. This consolidation of popular features into a single trim level simplifies the buying process and may make the Sahara an appealing choice for customers seeking a well-equipped Gladiator without navigating a complex options list.

The Gladiator Sahara is currently open for orders, though Jeep has not yet announced a specific delivery timeline. Given that it is classified as a 2026 model, customer deliveries are expected to begin in the near future. For buyers who want a Gladiator that blends rugged capability with a more premium feel, the new Sahara trim could represent a compelling middle ground in the lineup.

What do you think?