Jeep’s New Gladiator Shadow Ops Features Something No Other Midsize Truck Has

This model is called the Jeep Gladiator Shadow Ops and features a military-inspired theme. However, it's not all about the looks, as this is one very capable machine off the beaten path that features something no other midsize truck has from the factory: a winch. Therefore, the recovery capability has significantly increased compared to the lesser versions, and not only, and the changes do not end here.

Jeep's new Gladiator Shadow Ops also benefits from a heavy-duty steel bumper at the front, which was also replicated at the rear. You can easily recognize it thanks to other special features, such as the bespoke Shadow Ops hood and fender decals that give it a distinctive look. It also has a tailgate decal and what the company calls the theme package, as well as a satin black grille, body-colored fender flares, and the three-piece hardtop that was also finished in the same color as the exterior.

One might expect the 2026 Jeep Gladiator Shadow Ops to also feature plenty of dedicated goodies on the inside that would further separate it from the rest of the range, like exclusive upholstery and trim, dedicated door sills, and a few other bits and bobs. However, the automaker decided to draw the line at the all-weather slush mats, so that is the only special feature that you will find once opening the door. 

Jeep says that the new Gladiator Shadow Ops builds on the famous Rubicon, which has an MSRP of $52,000 for the 2026 model year, sitting between the Sport, Sport S, and Willys, and the Mojave, Rubicon X, and Mojave X. Pricing for the normal Jeep Gladiator Rubicon starts at $52,000 (MSRP), which is identical to the Mojave. The Rubicon X and Mojave X have the same starting price of $59,995, and the lesser Willys, Sport S, and Sport can be ordered from $45,230, $42,025, and $38,830, respectively, excluding destination.

The Shadow Ops is a special package available for the 2026 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, and it has an MSRP of $4,995 attached to it. Jeep says that it represents a walk of only $2,605 compared to a similarly-equipped Rubicon that features the body-colored hardtop and fender flares. As a result, the MSRP of the 2026 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Shadow Ops is set at $56,995, and those who must have it in their lives will have to wait until February 2026, as that is when the automaker will officially open the order books for it at dealerships nationwide.