Dark Warrior: Jeep Unveils a Special-Edition Gladiator

Jeep has decided not to keep its special-edition program exclusive to the Wrangler. The Gladiator pickup is now getting its own dose of exclusivity under the new Convoy campaign. Leading the charge is the Gladiator Shadow Ops—a name that sounds like it was pulled straight from a video game universe. Behind the dramatic branding, however, are very real and serious off-road upgrades.

Unlike some of the military-themed Wrangler variants, this Gladiator isn’t about battlefield cosplay. The Shadow Ops is more about stealthy movement and a tactical look. More importantly, it’s not the decals that matter here—it’s the hardware.

The most significant and valuable upgrade is a factory-installed Warn winch. Jeep doesn’t officially list its pulling capacity, but its design and similarity to the unit used on the Wrangler Rubicon suggest a rating of around 8,000 pounds. Integrating the winch required a newly designed heavy-duty front bumper. Out back, the truck also gets an upgraded steel rear bumper, improving protection when navigating rough terrain.

Visually, the Shadow Ops stands out with a matte-black grille, body-color fender flares, and subtle graphics on the hood and fenders. A removable three-piece Freedom Top hardtop completes the look. Inside, the cabin is fitted with all-weather floor mats designed to handle mud, water, and abuse. According to Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf, this package was created specifically for the brand’s most dedicated off-road enthusiasts.

It’s important to note that Shadow Ops isn’t a standalone model—it’s a package built on the existing Gladiator Rubicon. That means all the Rubicon hardware carries over, including solid Dana 44 axles with front and rear lockers, a 4:1 low-range transfer case, and an electronic front sway bar disconnect. Riding on 33-inch Falken all-terrain tires, it’s trail-ready straight from the factory. Power comes from the familiar 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, producing 285 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Gladiator retains a strong payload rating of up to about 1,720 pounds and can tow trailers weighing up to roughly 7,700 pounds.

In Australia, where the Shadow Ops package was first announced, it adds the equivalent of about $3,300 USD to the price of a Gladiator Rubicon. For context, a winch-capable bumper alone can cost around $1,000 in the U.S., with the grille adding another $400. For buyers who value factory-engineered solutions and limited-run packages, the deal looks well balanced. Deliveries of the first Shadow Ops-equipped Gladiators are scheduled to begin in February 2026.