The Jeep Gladiator can tow between 4000 lbs and 7650 lbs depending on the engine and package selected. If there is no appropriate trailer hitch receiver, however, the 2021 Gladiator can only tow 3,500 lbs.
All Jeep Gladiators require that you purchase the tow package if you plan to use this vehicle for towing as the base does not come with a trailer hitch receiver.
It is important that you always check your manual and specific specifications to ensure you are towing safe amounts. It all starts with the GCWR. This article lists the GCWR and max trailer weight for all engine, trim, and package options taken from the 2021 Jeep Gladiator owners manual and a 2021 Gladiator Brochure.
This is meant to be used as a reference, and you are responsible for making sure you are towing safely.
I wrote a full article on calculating towing capacity that walks you through the necessary steps to ensure you are not exceeding the towing or payload capacity.
Though I tried to make this information as accurate as possible, you should always check your manual or contact your local dealer to determine the appropriate towing capacity of your vehicle and necessary equipment.
How much can a Jeep Gladiator Tow?
All Jeep Gladiators can tow a minimum of 4000 lbs. Some options with tow packages can accommodate up to 7650 lbs.
The engine type, axle ratio, tow package, and transmission all affect the weight rating of the Jeep Gladiator.
What Jeep Gladiator should you buy for max towing?
The Sport or Sport S with an automatic transmission with the Max Tow Package will provide the highest towing capacity of 7650 lbs.
2021 Jeep Gladiator Engine Specs
3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine
The 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine, also known as the 3.6 L V6 24V VVT engine has a maximum horsepower of 285 and torque of 260 lb.-ft.
It has a manual and automatic version and is the base engine in all Jeep Gladiator trim levels.
It estimates to get 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
3.0L V6 EcoDiesel Engine
The 3.0 L V6 EcoDiesel engine also known as the 3.0 L V6 Turbo Diesel engine is an automatic-only engine offered as an option on every trim.
This supplies more torque for higher towing with a maximum torque of 442 lb.-ft but supplies less hp at 260. It does have better fuel efficiency than the Pentastar with an estimated 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
Transmissions
The Jeep Gladiator 3.6 L Pentastar engine comes in both manual and automatic transmission types. In every trim level, the automatic provides additional towing strength than the manual alternative.
The manual engine is a 6-speed transmission with code D478. The automatic transmission which is also equipped on the diesel Jeep Gladiator engines is an 8-speed transmission with the code 850RE.
Jeep Gladitor Features
Towing Features
The 2021 Gladiator has a feature called Trailer Sway Damping. This system monitors vehicle movement and changes brake pressure to improve handling when driving.
Bed Features
There is only a singular bed size for all Jeep Gladiators of 5 ft. It implements a three-position tailgate and 4 tie-down loops to ensure safe transport of your cargo (Brochure).
A full 115 bolt/400-watt power outlet is also installed in the truck bed to power small appliances on the go and when tailgating.
An additional special feature in the bed of the Gladiator is the Trail Rail System. This is a customizable and adjustable tie-down system that comes with various accessories from Jeep for maximum storage capacity and functionality.
Other Features
Just like other Jeeps, the Gladiator has 4 removable doors and options for both soft and hardtops.
It does however have a nice feature that adds a lockable storage bin under the rear passenger seats.
Packages
Trailer-Tow Package
The trailer tow package on the Jeep Gladiator simply allows the Gladiator to be used as a towing truck.
It adds a Class IV hitch receiver, trailer hitch zoom, 240-amp alternator, and a heavy-duty engine cooling system.
It does not increase the towing capacity of any of the trims it is added to. It is available as an add-on to all trim levels.
Max Tow Package with 4.10 Axle Ratio
The Max Tow Package offered by Jeep comes with the same features as the trailer tow package but adds:
- 4.10:1 axle ratio
- A/T tires
- wide fender flares
- GVWR of 6250 lb
It is only available on the Sport and Sport S trims and requires the 3.6 L Pentastar automatic engine.
Do you need a towing package?
If you plan to use the Jeep Gladiator for towing then you do need a towing package. Otherwise, you will not have the appropriate equipment to install a trailer.
Towing Capacity by Trim
As mentioned earlier the regular tow package does not affect the towing capacity of the vehicle, so all values listed below are for the Jeep Gladiator with or without a tow package.
Sport & Sport S Towing Capacity
| Max Towing Capacity | GCWR | Max Payload Capacity | Axle Ratio | |
| Manual | 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) | 9100 lb (4128 kg) | 1225 lbs 1,700 lbs (Sport S) | 3.73 |
| Automatic | 4,500 lb (2,041 kg) | 9650 lb (4377 kg) | 1200 lbs | 3.73 |
| Diesel-Automatic | 6,500 lb (2,948 kg) | 12,100 lb (5,488 kg) | 1325 lbs | 3.73 |
| Automatic (Max Tow Package) | 7,650 lb (3,470 kg) | 12,800 lb (5,806 kg | 1600 lbs | 4.10 |
Rubicon
| Max Towing Capacity | GCWR | Max Payload Capacity | Axle Ratio | |
| Manual | 4,500 lb (2,041 kg) | 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) | 1300 lbs | 4.1 |
| Automatic | 7,000 lb (3,175 kg) | 12,450 lb (5,647 kg) | 1250 lbs | 4.1 |
| Diesel-Automatic | 6,000 lb (2,722 kg) | 11,800 lb (5,352 kg) | 1075 lbs | 3.73 |
Overland
| Max Towing Capacity | GCWR | Max Payload Capacity | Axle Ratio | |
| Manual | 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) | 9,100 lb (4,128 kg) | 1175 lbs | 3.73 |
| Automatic | 4,500 lb (2,041 kg) | 9,650 lb (4,377 kg) | 1150 lbs | 3.73 |
| Diesel-Automatic | 6,500 lb (2,948 kg) | 12,100 lb (5,488 kg | 1275 lbs | 3.73 |
Mojave
| Max Towing Capacity | GCWR | Max Payload Capacity | Axle Ratio | |
| Manual | 4,500 lb (2,041 kg) | 9,900 lb (4,491 kg) | 1200 lbs | 4.1 |
| Automatic | 6,000 lb (2,722 kg) | 11,450 lb (5,194 kg) | 1200 lbs | 4.1 |
High Altitude
| Max Towing Capacity | GCWR | Max Payload Capacity | Axle Ratio | |
| Automatic | 6,000 lb (2,722 kg) | 11,100 lb (5,035 kg) | 1075 lbs | 3.73 |
| Diesel – Automatic | 6,500 lb (2,948 kg) | 12,100 lb (5,488 kg) | 1175 lbs | 3.73 |
Jeep Gladiator Payload Capacity
The payload capacity of the Gladiator ranges from 1050 to 1600 lbs.
This means that the Gladiator can hold an extra 1050 to 1700 lbs in the bed and cab in cargo weight safely.
Check the chart below if you need the specific payload capacity of your Gladiator.
| Max Payload | |
| Sport/Sport S 3.6 L Manual | 1,225/1,700 lbs |
| Sport/Sport S 3.6 L Automatic | 1,200 lbs |
| Sport/Sport S 3.6 L Manual Trailer Tow Package | 1,225 lbs |
| Sport/Sport S 3.6 L Automatic Trailer Tow Package | 1,200 lbs |
| Sport/Sport S 3.6 L Automatic Max Tow Package | 1,600 lbs |
| Overland Automatic/Manual | 1,500/1,175 lbs |
| High Altitude Automatic/Manual | 1,050/1,075 lbs |
| Rubicon Automatic/Manual | 1,250/1,300 lbs |
| Mojave Automatic/Manual | 1,200/1,200 lbs |
Rear Step Bumper Towing vs Hitch Receiver Towing
Towing always requires some type of hitch, but the Jeep Gladiator can allow for bumper towing.
As you will notice, the tow package added to any Gladiators does not affect the towing capacity. This is because this package only adds a hitch receiver. You have the option to add your own hitch receiver if you don’t buy the tow package.
If you do not buy the tow package or install a hitch receiver, the max towing capacity is 3,500 lbs and the tongue weight max load is 350 lbs. This weight is limited to a bumper-mounted ball.
This means that all of the listed towing capacities above for everything over 3,500 lbs require a trailer hitch receiver or tow package.
Need a hitch receiver?
Curt 13434 Class 3 Trailer Hitch 2 in. receiver
Amazon Affiliate Link
- Class 3 Hitch Receiver
- Compatible with Jeep Gladiator JT
- Tows up to 5,000 lbs
