Thirteen years after introducing the Gladiator concept, Jeep finally came through on its word to launch a production model. The all-new, Wrangler-based Gladiator is a big deal, not just for Jeep, but for the entire pickup segment. We’ve already talked about the Gladiator numerous times in the last few days, but we’re back with another interesting nugget about the pickup. It’s an easter egg included inside the pickup that pays homage to its production roots.

2020 Jeep Gladiator Easter Egg

At this point, we know all about the Jeep Gladiator. We know that it rides on a traditional body-on-frame chassis. We know that it has high-strength aluminum doors, hinges, hood, fenders, windshield frame, and tailgate. The engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission. Jeep also said that the Gladiator will come with best-in-class towing of 7,650 pounds and a 4x4 payload of 1,600 pounds.

The Gladiator is shaping up to be, as Jeep says, the “most capable midsize pickup truck ever.”

All the same, those who end up buying the Gladiator will receive a unique little easter egg to go along with the pickup. Mind you; it’s not a literal easter egg; it’s the metaphorical one, the kind that automakers usually throw in as special nods to a person, a thing, or, at least in this case, some a place.

Look in the left-rear area of the Gladiator, and you’ll see a little heart monogram that’s accompanied by the numbers “4-1-9.” The numbers look random on the surface, but Jeep wouldn’t put it there without reason, would it?

What’s so important about Toledo, Ohio to the Jeep Gladiator? That’s where you'll find Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ 312-acre Toledo Assembly Complex. That’s where the Jeep Wrangler takes shape, and it’s also the facility where the Gladiator will be built. The little homage is a nice touch to what already is an impressive pickup. As it is, one area of the Toledo production facility — the south end — is responsible for preproduction examples of the Gladiator. The other end, the north end, is where Jeep builds the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. With the Gladiator expected to launch in showrooms sometime in the second quarter of 2019, expect that facility to run on full capacity in the first half of the year.

The Gladiator is an important model for Jeep, not only because it’s new, but also because it’s entering a market where Jeep hasn’t had a presence in since the Jeep Comanche was phased out in 1992 because of low sales and a disrupted hierarchy between Jeep and Dodge.

And as far as easter eggs go, the “heart 4-1-9” monogram isn’t as cool as Tesla’s psychedelic cowbell road or as engaging as the sketch pad on the touchscreen of the Model S, but it is a heartfelt nod to the facility where it takes shape and the people who make it happen.

2020 Jeep Gladiator specifications

Engine

3.6-LITER PENTASTAR V-6

Type and Description

60-degree, V-type, liquid-cooled

Displacement

(cu. in. / cc) 220 cu. in. (3,604 cu. cm)

Bore x Stroke

3.78 x 3.27 (96 x 83)

Valve System

Chain-driven DOHC, 24 valves and hydraulic end-pivot roller rockers

Fuel Injection

Sequential, multiport, electronic, returnless

Construction

Aluminum deep-skirt block, aluminum alloy heads

Compression Ratio

11.3:1

Power

285 HP @ 6,400 RPM

Torque

260 LB-FT @ 4,400 RPM

Wheelbase

137.3 (3,487)

Overhang — Front

29.7 (755)

Overhang — Rear

51.0 (1,296)

Track — Front

62.9 (1,598)/64.4 (1,636) – Sport Max Tow, Rubicon

Track — Rear

62.9 (1,598)/64.4 (1,636) – Sport Max Tow, Rubicon

Overall Length

218.0 (5,539)

Overall Width

73.8 (1,875)

Overall Height – Soft Top

75.0 (1,907)/76.1 (1,933) – Rubicon

Overall Height – Hardtop

73.1 (1,857)/74.1 (1,882) - Rubicon

Box Volume

35.5 cu. ft. (1.0 cu. m)

Box Length, Tailgate Closed

60.3 (1,531)

Box Length, Tailgate Opened

81.3 (2,067)

Cargo Width – Lift Gate

56.8 (1,442)

Cargo Height – Lift Gate

33.9 (861)

Liftover Height

29.7 (755)

Load Floor Height – Axle

33.3 (845)

Distances between Wheelhouses

44.8 (1,137)

Tailgate Opening Width

50 (1,270)

Open Tailgate to Ground

34.8 (885)


Further reading

Read our full speculative review on the 2020 Jeep Gladiator.

Read our full review on the 2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept.