Jeep Gladiator towing capacity varies by model year and factory configuration. From 2020 through 2023, the highest published towing capacity was 7,650 pounds. For 2024 through 2026 models, the highest published rating is up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.
The maximum figure does not apply to every Gladiator. Trim, engine, transmission, axle ratio, and factory tow equipment can produce different configuration-specific ratings. This guide compares Jeep Gladiator towing capacity by year and explains the configuration differences that determine the actual rating.
Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity by Year
| Model Year | Maximum Towing Capacity | Data Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7,650 lb | Maximum applies to a properly equipped configuration |
| 2021 | 7,650 lb | Verify trim, transmission, and tow equipment |
| 2022 | 7,650 lb | Engine and factory package affect the rating |
| 2023 | 7,650 lb | Maximum published rating |
| 2024 | 7,700 lb* | Verify exact configuration |
| 2025 | 7,700 lb | Maximum applies to properly equipped models |
| 2026 | 7,700 lb | Current maximum published rating |
From 2020 through 2023, the highest published Jeep Gladiator towing capacity was 7,650 pounds. From 2024 through 2026, the maximum published rating increased to 7,700 pounds.
These figures represent the maximum rating for each model year, not the standard towing capacity of every Gladiator. Base configurations, manual-transmission models, diesel models, and vehicles without the required factory tow equipment may have different ratings.
*The specific 2024 factory configuration and related footnotes should be verified against the final official source before publication.
2020–2023 Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity
From 2020 through 2023, the Jeep Gladiator reached a maximum published towing capacity of 7,650 pounds when properly equipped. For example, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator towing capacity depended on the specific engine, transmission, axle ratio, and factory tow equipment.This maximum did not apply to every trim, engine, or drivetrain configuration.
| Configuration | Engine | Transmission | Axle / Package | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base configuration | 3.6L V6 | Manual | Standard configuration | Verify by year |
| Standard gas configuration | 3.6L V6 | Automatic | 3.73 axle | Verify by year |
| Sport/Sport S Max Tow | 3.6L V6 | Automatic | 4.10 axle + Max Tow | Up to 7,650 lb |
| EcoDiesel configuration | 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 | Automatic | Year-specific | Verify by year |
| Rubicon automatic | 3.6L V6 | Automatic | 4.10 axle | Verify by year |
| Overland automatic | 3.6L V6 | Automatic | 3.73 axle | Verify by year |
The main rating differences came from the engine, transmission, axle ratio, and factory tow equipment. A base manual configuration could have a lower rating, while an automatic Sport or Sport S with the Max Tow Package and 4.10 axle represented the highest-towing setup in this period.
EcoDiesel and Rubicon models require separate checks because their towing ratings did not always match the gasoline Sport or Sport S Max Tow configuration. For example, some 2020 third-party data lists 6,000 pounds for the Overland and 7,000 pounds for the Rubicon, while a properly equipped Sport configuration with a 4.10 axle can reach 7,650 pounds. These figures should be verified against the specific model year’s factory data before use.
2024–2026 Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity
For 2024–2026 Gladiator models, the maximum published towing capacity is up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped. The 2025 Jeep Gladiator towing capacity can vary by trim and factory configuration, so the 7,700-pound maximum should not be applied to every model.This figure represents the highest configuration rating for the model year, not the towing capacity of every trim.
| Configuration | Engine | Transmission | Axle / Package | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport/Sport S standard | 3.6L V6 | Automatic | Standard axle | Verify by year |
| Sport/Sport S Max Tow | 3.6L V6 | Automatic | 4.10 axle + Max Tow | Up to 7,700 lb |
| Willys | 3.6L V6 | Automatic | Year-specific equipment | Verify by year |
| Rubicon | 3.6L V6 | Automatic | 4.10 axle | Verify by year |
| Mojave | 3.6L V6 | Automatic | 4.10 axle | Verify by year |
| Rubicon X | 3.6L V6 | Automatic | 4.10 axle | Verify by year |
| Mojave X | 3.6L V6 | Automatic | 4.10 axle | Verify by year |
Sport and Sport S models require a configuration check. A standard model may have a lower towing rating, while a factory Max Tow Package with the applicable axle ratio can support the model year’s highest rating.
Willys, Rubicon, Mojave, Rubicon X, and Mojave X models should also be checked against the specific model year’s factory specifications. A trim name alone does not confirm a 7,700-pound rating. The actual rating depends on the complete factory configuration.
For 2026, Jeep lists a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds along with a maximum 4×4 payload capacity. These are vehicle-line maximums, so they should not be treated as fixed ratings for every 2026 Gladiator trim.
What Determines Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity?
The towing rating depends on the complete factory configuration. Trim, engine, transmission, axle ratio, and factory tow equipment can all affect the published rating. This is why two Gladiators from the same model year can have different towing capacities.
Trim and Factory Configuration
Trim affects the vehicle’s weight, tires, suspension, axle setup, and available tow equipment. It can also affect the vehicle’s GVWR and available payload. For this reason, buyers should not compare Sport, Sport S, Willys, Rubicon, or Mojave models by trim name alone.
Sport and Sport S models are often important when checking the highest conventional towing configurations, especially when equipped with the applicable Max Tow Package. Willys models require a year-specific check. Rubicon and Mojave models have strong off-road equipment, but that does not mean they always have the highest tow rating. X trims also require model-year-specific verification.
Engine and Transmission
The engine and transmission can affect the towing rating. Manual and automatic transmissions may have different ratings, even when they use the same engine. Gasoline and diesel configurations can also have different towing limits.
A towing figure should always be tied to the engine and transmission listed in the source. Do not apply an automatic gasoline rating to a manual or diesel configuration. Historical EcoDiesel ratings should remain within the 2020–2023 configuration data and should not be applied to later model years without verification.
Axle Ratio and Tow Package
The axle ratio and factory tow package can play a major role in achieving a higher towing rating. Depending on the model year, the Max Tow Package may include a 4.10 axle ratio, Class IV receiver hitch, upgraded axles, an anti-spin rear differential, heavy-duty engine cooling, and trailer wiring equipment.
For example, 2025 Gladiator factory material lists a 4.10:1 axle ratio along with Dana M210/M220 axles and an anti-spin rear differential as part of the relevant towing configuration.
An aftermarket hitch or another single aftermarket component does not automatically increase the vehicle’s official towing capacity. The maximum rating applies to the complete factory configuration that supports that rating.
Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity by Trim
Trim level can help identify a Gladiator’s intended use, but the trim name alone does not determine towing capacity. The engine, transmission, axle ratio, factory tow equipment, and other vehicle specifications also affect the final rating.
| Trim | Towing Position | Main Configuration Check |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | Standard rating may be lower; Max Tow can reach the model-year maximum | 4.10 axle and Max Tow Package |
| Sport S | Common maximum-towing candidate | Factory tow equipment |
| Willys | Balanced off-road and towing configuration | Year-specific rating |
| Rubicon | Technical off-road focused | Do not assume the highest tow rating |
| Mojave | High-speed off-road focused | Suspension and payload |
| Rubicon X | Higher-level off-road configuration | Exact model-year data |
| Mojave X | Higher-level desert-off-road configuration | Exact model-year data |
If maximum conventional towing is the main goal, check the Sport or Sport S configuration for the factory Max Tow Package and applicable 4.10 axle ratio. If off-road capability is also important, Rubicon and Mojave models use different equipment for technical or high-speed off-road driving. Their trim names alone do not confirm the highest towing rating.
Always compare the complete factory configuration for the specific model year. Use the towing tables above to verify the engine, transmission, axle, and tow equipment before treating a trim’s rating as the actual Jeep Gladiator towing capacity.
Jeep Gladiator Payload and Towing Capacity
Towing capacity and payload capacity measure different loads. Towing capacity is the maximum weight a Gladiator can tow with a properly equipped configuration. Payload is the total weight the vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, tools, modifications, and trailer tongue weight.
| Weight Item | Counts Toward |
|---|---|
| Loaded trailer | Towing capacity and GCWR |
| Tongue weight | Payload and rear-axle load |
| Passengers | Payload |
| Bed cargo | Payload |
| Running boards, winch, and bumpers | Payload |
For example, a loaded trailer may weigh 5,000 pounds and place about 500 pounds of tongue weight on the Gladiator. That 500 pounds counts against the vehicle’s available payload. Passengers, bed cargo, tools, and modifications also use part of the payload capacity.
A simple check is:
Passengers + Cargo + Modifications + Tongue Weight ≤ Payload Capacity
Gladiator Payload
A trailer can stay below the published towing capacity and still cause the vehicle to exceed its payload or axle limits. The practical towing limit therefore depends on more than the trailer's total weight. Payload, rear-axle load, and GCWR must also remain within the vehicle's rated weight limits
What Can a Jeep Gladiator Tow?
A Jeep Gladiator can tow many types of trailers, but the right choice depends on the trailer's loaded weight and the vehicle's specific configuration. The maximum Jeep Gladiator towing capacity does not mean every trailer near that weight is suitable. The Jeep Gladiator tow capacity only shows the maximum rating for a specific factory configuration, so you should also check payload, tongue weight, and GCWR before towing.
| Trailer Type | Typical Loaded Weight | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Small utility trailer | 2,000–3,000 lb | Payload and hitch rating |
| Teardrop camper | Around 4,000 lb | Loaded weight and tongue weight |
| Fishing boat trailer | Around 5,000 lb | Boat, engine, fuel, and equipment |
| Enclosed equipment trailer | 5,000–7,000 lb | Configuration, GCWR, and brakes |
| Travel trailer | 3,000–7,000 lb | Loaded weight, not dry weight |
| Horse trailer | Around 7,500 lb | Exact VIN-specific rating |
These weight ranges are examples, not universal approvals. A trailer should be evaluated using its loaded weight, tongue weight, the Gladiator's available payload, and its configuration-specific towing rating.
A trailer that weighs less than the published maximum can still exceed the vehicle's payload or axle limits. Always use the actual loaded trailer weight instead of the dry weight shown in a trailer specification sheet.
How to Verify Your Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity
A model year's maximum towing figure does not replace the rating of a specific vehicle. The actual Jeep Gladiator towing capacity depends on the vehicle's model year, trim, engine, transmission, axle ratio, and factory equipment.
Use these steps to verify the rating for your Gladiator:
- Confirm the model year.
- Identify the trim.
- Check the engine and transmission.
- Verify the axle ratio.
- Confirm the factory tow package.
- Review the VIN-specific vehicle information.
- Check the original window sticker.
- Read the driver-side door-jamb label.
- Consult the correct owner's manual.
- Weigh the loaded trailer and measure tongue weight.
If third-party sources show different towing numbers, use VIN-specific factory documentation, the owner's manual, and the vehicle's door-jamb information as your main references. These sources can confirm the equipment and weight limits for the specific vehicle.
The 7,650-pound and 7,700-pound figures discussed in this guide represent maximum published ratings for certain model years and factory configurations. They do not mean that every 2020–2026 Gladiator can tow that amount. Your vehicle's actual rating may be lower based on its specific configuration and weight limits.
Do Electric Running Boards Affect Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity?
Electric running boards do not increase the Jeep Gladiator’s official towing capacity. The towing rating depends on the model year, trim, engine, transmission, axle ratio, and factory tow equipment. Adding power running boards does not change the vehicle’s GVWR, GCWR, or maximum trailer rating.
Electric running boards do add weight to the vehicle. You should include that weight in the payload calculation with passengers, cargo, tools, winches, bumpers, and trailer tongue weight. For example, if a Gladiator has 1,200 pounds of available payload and the running board system weighs 100 pounds, about 1,100 pounds remain for passengers, cargo, and tongue weight. The actual numbers depend on the vehicle and running board system, so check the product specifications and the driver-side door-jamb label.
For Jeep owners looking for power steps, MaxRunningBoards offers Jeep power running boards with model-specific fitment. The electric steps provide easier entry and exit without changing the Gladiator’s factory towing configuration.
Gladiator owners can also check the Jeep Gladiator power running boards collection for compatible options. Before purchase, confirm the model year, four-door JT fitment, trim, product weight, step load rating, wiring, and mounting points. Check clearance around the exhaust, hitch wiring, frame, and skid plates. A retractable design can also help maintain side and ground clearance when the steps are closed.
Conclusion
Jeep Gladiator towing capacity depends on the model year and factory configuration. From 2020 through 2023, the highest published rating reached 7,650 pounds, while 2024 through 2026 models can reach 7,700 pounds when properly equipped. Always check your specific vehicle’s trim, engine, transmission, axle ratio, tow package, payload, and loaded trailer weight before towing.
If you also want easier access to your Gladiator, MAX Running Boards offers model-specific Jeep Gladiator power running boards with retractable steps for daily driving and off-road use. Contact MAX Running Boards for a suitable electric running board solution for your Gladiator.
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