The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Willys ’41 combines military-inspired styling with the open-air personality and off-road equipment that make the Gladiator unlike any other midsize truck.
Finished in an Army-inspired olive green with matching accents, steel bumpers and special Willys ’41 graphics, this Gladiator looks ready to report for duty. It might be the most military-looking production truck I have ever reviewed.
What Is the Jeep Gladiator Willys ’41?
According to the window sticker, this is a 2026 Jeep Gladiator Willys ’41 4×4. It has a base price of $39,820, while the tested price climbs to $58,160 after its optional equipment and destination charge.
That is certainly not inexpensive, but I expected the final price to be even higher. Other heavily equipped midsize off-road trucks, including certain Toyota Tacoma models, can reach approximately $65,000.
The Gladiator Willys ’41 distinguishes itself primarily through its appearance. Its military-inspired exterior color is paired with Willys graphics, “41” hood decals and matching olive-colored accents on the wheels.
Jeep also equips this truck with a steel front bumper, a substantial front grille guard and a steel rear bumper. Firestone Destination tires help complete the rugged look.
I might have added another Willys ’41 graphic toward the rear of the truck, but that is a minor complaint. This special edition already has plenty of visual presence.
Familiar Jeep Gladiator Power
Under the hood is Jeep’s familiar 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, a powertrain that had a few owner complaints in our Jeep Gladiator known problems list. It is not the most powerful engine available in today’s midsize truck market, but outright power is not really the point of the Gladiator Willys ’41.
This truck is largely about its appearance, character and off-road capability.
A manually operated four-wheel-drive system reinforces that old-school Jeep experience. The Willys ’41 also has a rear locking differential for additional traction when traveling off pavement.
My observed fuel economy was 18.6 mpg. That closely matches the truck’s stated combined rating of 19 mpg, with ratings of 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
The tested truck’s payload rating appeared to be approximately 835 pounds. That is an important number for owners who plan to carry passengers, equipment or substantial tongue weight.
A Five-Foot Bed With Useful Equipment
Like other Jeep Gladiator models, the Willys ’41 has a five-foot bed. The tested truck also came equipped with a tonneau cover, spray-in bedliner and a power outlet in the bed.
The tonneau cover fits neatly and provides useful protection for tools or other equipment. It can also be folded when taller cargo needs to be carried.
Jeep includes a storage bag for the removable front roof panels. After removing the panels, owners can place them in the bag and carry them in the bed.
The Gladiator is approximately 218 inches long, making it longer than many midsize trucks measuring closer to 213 inches. That difference is worth remembering if you plan to park one inside a garage.
Doors and Roof Come Off
The ability to remove the roof and doors remains one of the Gladiator’s defining features.
The two front roof panels can be removed quickly for an open-air driving experience. Additional portions of the roof can also be taken off when owners want to go even further.
Jeep places the window switches in the center of the dashboard because the doors are removable. If the switches were installed on the doors, drivers would lose access to them every time the doors came off.
Removing the doors also removes the exterior mirrors. Mopar offers an accessory that allows mirrors to be repositioned, but this is one area where the Ford Bronco has an advantage. The Bronco’s mirrors remain attached to the vehicle when its doors are removed.
An accessory rail positioned above the Gladiator’s infotainment screen provides mounting points for GoPro cameras, DJI Osmo Action cameras and similar devices. That makes it easier to record trail rides without relying on windshield suction mounts.
A Rugged and Functional Interior
The military theme continues inside with cloth seats, contrasting stitching and a simple, functional layout.
Jeep provides physical controls for the climate system, heated seats and heated steering wheel. A large passenger-side grab handle is also present, which could become useful during an off-road trip with a particularly enthusiastic driver.
The traditional four-wheel-drive lever adds to the Gladiator’s mechanical feel. Between the switches, levers, buttons and gauges, the interior can resemble a small aircraft cockpit.
The tested Gladiator also had manual seats. While those fit the Willys ’41 theme, seating comfort was one of my concerns.
The Gladiator Requires an Engaged Driver
Driving a Jeep Gladiator is different from driving most modern midsize trucks.
Its steering requires more frequent corrections, particularly at highway speeds. I described it to my wife as requiring the driver to be a more active participant in the driving process.
The Gladiator is not the kind of vehicle where you simply set the cruise control and relax. Its steering can wander, and the driver must remain engaged.
There is also more wind and road noise than you will experience in a conventional pickup. That is partly caused by the Gladiator’s upright, squared-off design and its removable body panels.
The Corning Gorilla Glass windshield appeared to reduce some of the cabin noise compared with other Gladiator and Wrangler models I have driven. Still, this remains a relatively loud truck on the highway.
Ride quality, seat position and overall comfort also make it less appealing to me as a daily driver. None of those characteristics mean Jeep built it incorrectly. They are simply compromises that come with this truck’s unique design and capability.
Is the 2026 Jeep Gladiator Willys ’41 Worth It?
The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Willys ’41 will not be the right truck for everyone, and that is part of its appeal.
Someone looking for the quietest, smoothest and most comfortable midsize pickup will probably be happier elsewhere. I personally would not buy one because the seating position, road noise and driving characteristics do not match what I want at this point in my life.
However, a Jeep enthusiast, military veteran or buyer who loves the Army-inspired appearance could absolutely fall in love with this truck.
It has a distinctive design, removable doors, a removable roof, useful off-road equipment and more personality than most pickups currently on the market. Even if it is not the Gladiator I would put in my own garage, it is undeniably one of the coolest-looking versions Jeep has produced.
