After 25 years in the automotive industry, I’ve driven everything from military-grade Humvees to six-figure luxury pickups. But every now and then, a vehicle comes along that tugs at the heartstrings of enthusiasts like us. The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Willys—and specifically the new Willys ’41 Special Edition—is exactly that kind of machine.
Jeep isn’t just selling a truck here; they are selling a time machine wrapped in modern capability. For 2026, the Gladiator drops the manual transmission (a moment of silence, please) but gains a slick new door-removal system and a “Willys ’41” buzz model that looks like it rolled straight out of a WWII history book. If you’ve been waiting for a midsize truck that prioritizes personality over pure spec-sheet dominance, this is the one.
2026 Jeep Gladiator Willys Specs
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 3.6L Pentastar V6 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic (850RE) |
| Drivetrain | 4WD with Rear E-Locker |
| MPG (Est.) | 17 City / 22 Hwy |
| Towing Capacity | 4,500 lbs (Standard) / 7,700 lbs (Max Tow) |
| Tires | 32-inch Mud-Terrain |
| Screen Size | 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 |
Design: A Salute to 1941
Let’s be honest: you don’t buy a Gladiator for its aerodynamics. You buy it because it looks tough. The 2026 Willys trim leans heavily into this, featuring a blacked-out grille, rock rails, and aggressive 32-inch mud-terrain tires that scream “trail-ready.”
But the real showstopper this year is the Willys ’41 edition. Jeep has draped this truck in a heritage “olive drab” military green paint that extends to the wheels—yes, 17-inch steelie-style aluminum wheels painted to match the body. It features authentic stencil-style hood decals and heavy-duty steel bumpers front and rear. It’s the closest thing you can get to driving a modern Kaiser M715.
Performance: Old School Muscle, Modern Tech
Under the hood, we still have the trusty 3.6L Pentastar V6. Critics might call it aging; I call it proven. With 285 horsepower, it has enough grunt to crawl over rocks or merge onto the highway, though it won’t win drag races against a turbocharged Ranger Raptor.
The Willys trim is the “sweet spot” for off-roaders. You get the Tru-Lok rear electronic locking differential and Jeep’s Off-Road+ mode, which adjusts throttle sensitivity and shift points for sand or rock crawling.
On the pavement, the solid axles remind you that this is a truck, not a crossover. The steering has that classic Jeep “wander,” and wind noise is a constant companion above 65 mph. However, the 8-speed automatic is smooth, and the suspension dampens bumps better than previous model years.
Features & Comfort: Rugged Meets Digital
The interior of the 2026 Gladiator Willys is a strange but delightful mix of 1940s aesthetics and 2020s tech. The centerpiece is the massive 12.3-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, which is arguably the best infotainment system in the class—crisp, fast, and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay ready.
For 2026, Jeep finally fixed a major pain point: removing the doors. A new hinge system allows you to pop the doors off without fumbling for a toolkit, making open-air freedom far more accessible. The Willys ’41 edition adds unique tan heritage cloth seats that look vintage but feel durable.
Pricing: The Cost of Cool
Nostalgia doesn’t come cheap. While the base Sport S models hover around the low $40k mark, the Willys trim commands a premium for its off-road hardware and aesthetic upgrades.
- 2026 Jeep Gladiator Willys: Starts approx. $47,225
- Willys ’41 Special Edition: Starts approx. $49,995
Is it pricey for a midsize truck? Yes. But you aren’t paying for utility alone; you’re paying for the only convertible truck on the market that can conquer the Rubicon Trail right off the lot.
Summary
The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Willys isn’t the most fuel-efficient or comfortable truck you can buy—but it might just be the coolest. The new ’41 edition is a masterful tribute to Jeep’s military roots, offering a visual package that turns heads everywhere. With the rear locker and mud tires standard, it remains a serious off-road weapon. If you can live with the wind noise and the price tag, this truck offers an ownership experience no Toyota or Chevy can match.