Jeep already offers a Willys version of the Wrangler so it was inevitable that the trim level would eventually come to the Gladiator, the brand’s pickup truck. The 2021 Jeep Gladiator Willys features off-roading equipment without the hefty price tag of a Rubicon model.
“Building on the widely popular Wrangler Willys, we’re thrilled to announce the Willys model is joining the Gladiator lineup as another way for Jeep to connect with our customers,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – North America. “Gladiator Willys models harken back to the original Jeep lineup while offering an aggressive look and additional increased capability.”
The Willys name comes from the Jeep brand’s first home. The direct ancestor of what is now known as the Jeep Wrangler was born as a Willys Jeep in the early days of World War II. The Willys company was eventually purchased by Chrysler and the Jeep marque was born.
The truck gets unique wheels as part of the trim level.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC
The new truck’s exterior has a Willys hood decal, heritage 4WD tailgate decal, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels with gray pad print, and a gloss black sport grille. All-weather slush mats are standard.
The Gladiator Willys edition features a limited-slip rear differential, Rubicon cab rock rails and shocks, and 32-inch BFGoodrich KM2 mud terrain tires. This builds on top of the traditional offerings of the Gladiator, which include Jeep’s Command-Trac 4×4 part-time, two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio.
Each Gladiator Willys has the brand’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 under the hood and a cargo box out back. Like every other Gladiator, the Willys model is Trail Rated, meaning it has met Jeep’s standard of off-road prowess.
Jeep will sell the Willys in Sport and Sport S grades. The Gladiator Sport S Willys also has Jeep’s Technology Group, which includes a 7-inch radio with connective services, and the Convenience Group.
A four-wheel drive decal finds its way to the tailgate of the new model.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC
The Gladiator Willys edition is available in eight colors: Black, Granite Crystal, Sting Gray, Billet, Firecracker Red, White, Hydro Blue and Snazzberry.
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator Willys has a starting MSRP of $35,265 (plus $1,495 destination) and is available now.
