Jeep has expanded the trim options for its Gladiator pickup truck by introducing a Sahara variant, marking the first time this nameplate has been applied to the Gladiator since its debut nearly four decades ago.
This new trim shifts the focus toward enhanced comfort and everyday usability, rather than prioritizing extreme off-road capability.
The Sahara name has been part of the Jeep lineup since 1988, traditionally offered on the Wrangler SUV. It now extends to the Gladiator pickup, positioning itself as a middle-ground option.
Unlike the hardcore, off-road-oriented Rubicon trim, the Sahara is designed to provide refinement and daily comfort without directly competing with the higher-tier Gladiator Rubicon X.
This approach mirrors mainstream pickup trims like the Ford F-150 XLT, targeting buyers who seek an upscale presence and practicality at a more accessible price point.
Externally, the Jeep Gladiator Sahara sets itself apart with body-colored fender flares and a matching body-colored three-piece hardtop, moving away from the black accents common on more rugged trims. It rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires, with an available no-cost option for all-terrain tires.
The interior upgrades emphasize comfort and convenience. It features McKinley leather-trimmed seats, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard equipment also includes LED headlamps and fog lamps, remote start, and remote keyless entry.
While the official press release does not provide full powertrain details, the Sahara is expected to retain the Gladiator’s standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine.
This engine produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. A previously planned plug-in hybrid 4xe variant for the Gladiator was canceled earlier this year.
The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sahara starts at $47,125, not including a $1,995 destination charge. This price positions it approximately $5,000 below the Rubicon trim.
Jeep states that the Sahara package includes $4,685 worth of equipment typically found on the Sport S trim, but for an additional cost of only $2,210, representing what the automaker calls a 53 percent value advantage.
Alongside the introduction of the Sahara, Jeep is also offering a new off-road package called Shadow Ops for the model year. Based on the Rubicon, the Gladiator Shadow Ops comes equipped with heavy-duty steel bumpers and a factory-installed winch.
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