Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity: Complete Guide by Trim

The Jeep Gladiator brings together the rugged off-road capability of a Wrangler and the utility of a pickup truck. With its unmistakable style and solid engineering, the Gladiator stands out in the midsize truck market. But beyond its trail-rated credentials, one of the most important aspects for potential buyers is towing capacity.

Whether you're pulling a boat, camper, or a utility trailer, understanding the towing limits of the Jeep Gladiator—by trim and configuration—is essential for safety, performance, and getting the job done right. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of towing capacities across all Gladiator trims and the features that impact towing capability.

Why Towing Capacity Matters

Towing capacity is more than just a number—it determines what your vehicle can safely handle when it comes to hauling trailers, boats, campers, and equipment. Exceeding your Jeep Gladiator’s limits could lead to mechanical damage, compromised handling, and safety hazards.

Each Gladiator trim offers different capabilities based on engine choice, axle ratio, transmission, and whether it includes the Max Tow Package. So, knowing the specifics of your trim is critical.

Gladiator Engines and Towing Overview

Before diving into trims, let’s take a quick look at the two main engines available and how they impact towing:

1. 3.6L Pentastar® V6 (Gas)

• Horsepower: 285 hp

• Torque: 260 lb-ft

• Max towing capacity: Up to 7,700 lbs (with Max Tow Package on Sport trim)

2. 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (Diesel)

• Horsepower: 260 hp

• Torque: 442 lb-ft

• Max towing capacity: Up to 6,500 lbs

The gas-powered Pentastar V6 engine is the top choice if maximum towing is your priority. The diesel option offers excellent torque and fuel economy but slightly lower towing ratings.

Towing Capacity by Jeep Gladiator Trim

Let’s break down the towing capacity for each trim, starting with the most work-capable.

1. Gladiator Sport

• Standard Towing Capacity: 4,000 lbs

• Max Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs (with Max Tow Package)

• Available Engines: 3.6L V6

• Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic

• Axle Ratio: 3.73 standard, 4.10 with Max Tow

The Sport with Max Tow Package is the highest-rated Gladiator for towing. It includes heavy-duty axles, 4.10 rear axle ratio, trailer hitch, and wider fender flares to accommodate larger wheels.

2. Gladiator Willys & Willys Sport

• Towing Capacity: 4,000 lbs (standard)

• Max Towing: Up to 4,500 lbs (with automatic transmission)

• Engines: 3.6L V6 only

• Axle Ratio: 3.73

These trims are more trail-oriented than tow-oriented, offering off-road tires and upgraded shocks. While they can tow small trailers or toys, they're not meant for heavy-duty hauling.

3. Gladiator Sport S

• Standard Towing: 4,000 lbs

• Max Towing: 7,650 lbs (with Max Tow Package)

• Engines: 3.6L V6

• Max Tow Package Available: Yes

The Sport S is a sweet spot between base utility and comfort. When properly equipped, it rivals the base Sport in towing ability, making it a popular choice among utility-focused buyers.

4. Gladiator Freedom

• Towing Capacity: Up to 6,000 lbs

• Engines: 3.6L V6

• Transmission: Automatic only

• Axle Ratio: 3.73

The Freedom edition is built more for style and patriotic trim details but still has decent towing capabilities if you don't need the Max Tow.

5. Gladiator Overland

• Standard Towing: 4,000 lbs

• Max Towing: Up to 6,000 lbs

• Engines: 3.6L V6 or 3.0L EcoDiesel

• Axle Ratio: 3.73

The Overland is a luxury-oriented trim, trading off-road features for comfort. The diesel version is popular for those who value torque and highway efficiency while towing mid-size campers.

6. Gladiator Rubicon

• Towing Capacity: 4,000–7,000 lbs (depending on configuration)

• Engines: 3.6L V6 or 3.0L EcoDiesel

• Axle Ratio: 4.10

• Transmission: Manual or automatic

The Rubicon is optimized for off-roading with locking differentials and performance shocks. While capable, the heavy-duty suspension isn't optimized for max towing, but automatic-equipped Rubicons can tow up to 7,000 lbs when properly configured.

7. Gladiator Mojave

• Towing Capacity: 4,500–6,000 lbs

• Engines: 3.6L V6

• Axle Ratio: 4.10

Built for high-speed desert performance, the Mojave isn’t tailored for maximum towing, but still manages respectable ratings for moderate trailers and gear.

8. Gladiator High Altitude

• Towing Capacity: Up to 6,000 lbs

• Engines: 3.6L V6 or 3.0L EcoDiesel

• Focus: Luxury and tech

This top-trim Gladiator is about style and premium features. It comes standard with an automatic transmission and good towing figures for casual towing needs.

What Is the Max Tow Package?

If towing is your primary reason for buying a Gladiator, the Max Tow Package with 4.10 Axle Ratio is a must. Available only on Sport and Sport S trims, it includes:

• Class IV receiver hitch

• 4.10 rear axle ratio

• Heavy-duty Dana 44 axles

• Wide-track axles

• 245/75R17 all-terrain tires

• Upgraded cooling

• Trailer brake controller (dealer-installed accessory)

• Increased payload and GCWR

Towing Equipment and Features

Every Gladiator comes with a few essential towing features, including:

• Trailer Sway Damping

• Integrated Trailer Hitch (with tow package)

• Backup Camera with Hitch Zoom

• Available Trailer Brake Controller

• Heavy-duty suspension (in select trims)

What Can a Jeep Gladiator Tow?

Here are a few examples of what you can tow with the Gladiator based on towing capacity:

Under 4,000 lbs

• Small utility trailers

• Jet skis

• Small boats

• Pop-up campers

• Motorcycles or ATVs

4,000–6,000 lbs

• Small travel trailers

• Medium boats (up to 20 ft)

• UTVs

• Small horse trailers

6,000–7,700 lbs

• Large campers (single-axle or lightweight double-axle)

• Heavier boats

• Enclosed cargo trailers

• Medium-sized construction equipment

Towing Tips for Gladiator Owners

1. Always Check Your Owner’s Manual: Confirm your specific trim and configuration for exact towing limits.

2. Know Your GVWR and GCWR: Don’t just look at trailer weight—factor in passengers and gear in the truck.

3. Use a Weight-Distributing Hitch: Especially for loads above 5,000 lbs, this improves stability and safety.

4. Get a Brake Controller: Required by law in many states for trailers over 3,000 lbs.

5. Watch Payload: Towing capacity doesn’t equal payload. Your bed's payload includes trailer tongue weight, so stay within limits.

Conclusion

The Jeep Gladiator offers serious towing muscle in a midsize pickup truck frame—especially when equipped with the Max Tow Package. While trims like the Sport and Sport S can tow up to 7,700 lbs, others like the Willys and Rubicon are designed more for off-road adventures than heavy hauling.

Choosing the right Gladiator trim for towing depends on your specific needs. If towing is a top priority, stick with gas engines, opt for automatic transmission, and check for the Max Tow Package. For lighter loads, most trims will do just fine.

No matter your adventure, the Jeep Gladiator gives you the freedom to tow confidently—on the road or off it.