2020 Jeep Gladiator Build
I ordered a Gladiator in late 2019 and I was careful to select certain items and let others go. Below are the options that I chose and why I chose them.
Rubicon Trim
To most people, I recommend purchasing a Sport Max Tow and building from there, but it depends on what you want out of the truck, how you'll use it, and how much cash you intend to burn during the build. If you're primarily concerned with looks, there's no need for a Rubicon. For me, the e-lockers, electronic sway bar disconnect, Dana 44s, 4.10s, and higher fender flares were what swayed me. Sure, air lockers are better than e-lockers, but they're also costly to install. I never intend to go larger than 37" tires, so the Dana 44s are sufficient, as is the 4.10 gearing (for now).
Gas 3.6, Automatic Transmission
Although the allure of the future diesel JT made me question the decision, I happily went with the Gas V6. Not only is it a great engine, but it operates on a fuel that you can find anywhere. I've coasted into a gas station in the middle of nowhere before and all they had was 85 Regular; no premium, no diesel. It's not like that happens all the time, but to put it simply, I felt comfortable with the 3.6 and knew it would suit my needs. As for the auto transmission, it pained me not to get a manual. I love driving stick, but the 8-speed automatic was perhaps the one thing that all owners universally loved, and I have to say that I am now one of them. It's the most perfect-shifting transmission I've encountered.
Sting Gray + Matched Top/Flares
I was always a huge fan of Toyota's Cement color. Sting Gray is similar, but is certainly darker. One of the cool things about this color is that it varies so greatly in different lighting. Above are two pictures of a sting gray Jeep in different lighting. While there's no additional cost for the sting gray color, there's certainly a cost to match the hard top and flares, which I did. I did this because I had a plan for vinyl wrapping various parts of the truck later on.
Saddle Leather
This was a must-have for me. After my last two vehicles being leather, there was no way I was going back to cloth. Additionally, I hated the red dash that came with the black leather. Love the color of these things, and it's also helpful that they rarely show dirt.
TrailCam
This was something I had always intended to install on my Tacoma but I never got around to doing it. While I'd say it's less necessary for a JT, which offers the driver a substantially better view than a 3rd Gen Tacoma, there have been so many times I needed this view. The sprayer was such a great addition, too. Ultimately, I could've added something like this aftermarket, but the sprayer was too great an idea to pass up.
Bed Liner
Off-roading and camping regularly, beds get torn up. With the many accessories I planned to add to the bed, this was an absolute necessity for longevity and prevention of gear sliding all over the place.
Keyless Entry, Remote Start, and Cold Weather Group
With cold winters in Colorado, remote start is such a nice way to warm up the truck. I paid for it aftermarket on my Tacoma and hated I had to pay so much for something that should've been included. I've also installed a remote start on another vehicle before and it was a huge pain in the ass. Remote capability, in addition to keyless entry, is something I'm accustomed to.
Adaptive Cruise Control
I had this on my Tacoma and was not willing to give it up. What's better on the Gladiator is its ability to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. On long road trips, this comes in so handy. However, what the JT lacks is the Tacoma's Lane Departure Assist. This feature roughly kept you between the lines, making a hours-long, windy trip to Moab a breeze.
Uconnect 8.4 + Alpine Premium Audio
I found the other screens to be far too small. This 8.4 should really be the standard. I also hate crappy car audio. The one surprising thing I'll say about the Alpine system is that it was far too bass-heavy. What I mean is that it was too "boomy," which is probably a product of the Jeep's interior. It's the first vehicle where my EQ adjustments have primarily been reducing bass. After taking a good 3 or more notches off, it was good to go.
Premium LED
This is something that should absolutely be included in the build, at least for the Overland trim and above. Stock lights look like crap and these LEDs are as crisp and clear as they come. Very happy with them; not happy I had to pay.
Aux Switches
After purchasing, I initially regretted adding these simply because I also intended to get a AAC Trigger 6. However, these have proven quite useful for devices I need to power but don't want to run through the firewall (such a pain in the ass). Right now, Aux 3 provides constant power to my bed lights (which operate on a different switch in the bed), and Aux 4 powers a dual USB port that supplies power for an Amazon Echo Auto and an iPad Mini.
Tow Package
Be it for towing a U-Haul or even just attaching a bike hitch rack, this was a necessity.
All-Weather Floor Mats
Not exactly a huge upgrade, but I did add the floor mats. The only reason I mention it is that I thought the drain plug was a nice touch. One of many thoughtful designs in the JT.
What I Intentionally Avoided
Winch Capable Front Bumper: I intended to purchase an EVO Bumper, so this would've been a waste of money. In any case, $850 for a bumper when alternatives exist for half of that seems crazy.
Satin Black Grille: Wrapped it myself for 1/10th the cost.
Polished Wheels: I had plans for Black Rhino Armory wheels, so this would've been a waste. I actually like the granite crystal wheels better, and you don't have to pay the $1,000 upgrade for those.
Hard Top-Related Stuff: I'm only ever going to have a hard top with my gear, so there was no need to spend any money on soft tops or anything like that.
Tonneau Covers: These are expensive and don't have the profile you get with an Access brand cover. Big waste of money, in my opinion. On my Tacoma, I had an Access Literider custom-cut to fit with an RCI bed rack. I considered it initially for the JT, but it's just not worth it.
Wireless Bluetooth Speaker: A $300 knick-knack when I already have numerous Bluetooth speakers seemed like a waste.
Headliners: I read that the quality was questionable. Paid less for Hothead Headliners and Sound Assassin strips, which I'm very happy with. Note: I do think that headliners are essential; they just need to be purchased aftermarket.
Cargo Management Group: $900 for a lockable storage bin I didn't need, a bed outlet I could run myself if I absolutely needed it, and a rail system I could get for $200 from Rebel Off-Road would've been a big waste.