Jeep Unveils Gladiator Shadow Ops Edition Featuring Built-In Winch

The Jeep Gladiator is going undercover. While the Wrangler has had its share of special editions, Jeep is now turning the spotlight on its midsize pickup with fresh, exciting variants. Leading the charge in Jeep’s new “Convoy” campaign is the Gladiator Shadow Ops Edition. This stealthy truck isn’t just a name—it’s a statement. The Gladiator Shadow Ops comes equipped with a factory-installed winch, making it the first midsize pickup to offer this feature, along with a host of other tactical, shadow-inspired upgrades.

Military-Inspired Pickups Make a Bold Entrance

Jeep is kicking off its Gladiator Convoy campaign with a military-inspired series of pickups. Unlike the airdropped Wrangler special editions, this first Gladiator takes a more grounded approach, arriving onshore with the help of a larger support truck. The quirky logistics might raise eyebrows, but what really matters is the Gladiator Shadow Ops Edition itself—tough, tactical, and ready for adventure.

The Jeep Gladiator Shadow Ops Edition comes loaded with rugged upgrades, starting with a factory-installed Warn winch at the front. While Jeep hasn’t confirmed the exact capacity, it appears to be the 8,000-pound Warn Zeon 8-S, the same model available on the Wrangler Rubicon and through Mopar. An even stronger 12,000-pound winch—like the one on the Power Wagon—is possible but likely overkill for this midsize pickup.

To accommodate the winch, Jeep equips the Shadow Ops with a new front steel bumper, paired with a reinforced rear bumper, both designed to withstand extra off-road abuse. These upgrades aren’t just for show—they’re built for serious trail performance, perfectly fitting the military-inspired, stealthy theme of the Shadow Ops.

The Jeep Gladiator Shadow Ops Edition adds both style and functionality with its three-piece Freedom Top hardtop, which can be removed in three separate sections for a customizable open-air experience. The body-colored fender flares enhance the truck’s sleek, stealthy appearance, while all-weather floor mats inside ensure the interior stays clean and durable during off-road adventures.

Subtle “Shadow” Styling Elements

Despite its name, the Gladiator Shadow Ops Edition doesn’t rely heavily on blacked-out components. The main “shadow” features are the satin black front grille and a series of Shadow Ops stickers on the hood, fenders, and tailgate. Jeep says the grille provides an “aggressive, tactical edge”, while the decals complete the military-inspired aesthetic.

While these touches may seem subtle, they resonate with Jeep enthusiasts who treat Wrangler and Gladiator ownership as a lifestyle, not just a vehicle choice. Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf emphasizes that the package is “built for our most passionate off-road enthusiasts”, highlighting its blend of style, functionality, and trail-ready capability.

The Gladiator Shadow Ops Edition adds $4,996 to the base price of a $52,000 Gladiator Rubicon (plus freight and fees). Jeep highlights that this is only $2,605 more than a Rubicon equipped with body-color fender flares and the Freedom Top, making it a smart value for the added winch, reinforced bumpers, and tactical styling. For reference, Jeep’s winch-capable front bumper alone costs $995, while the satin black grille is $395.

As a Rubicon, the Shadow Ops comes loaded with off-road performance features, including 4.10:1 gears, Dana 44 solid front and rear axles with locking differentials, an electronic sway bar disconnect, and a 4:1 low-range transfer case. Additional trail-ready equipment includes 33-inch Falken all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, and four tow hooks, while comfort and convenience features round out the package for everyday usability.

Like all Jeep Gladiator models, the Shadow Ops Edition is powered by a 3.6-liter Stellantis V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This midsize pickup offers serious utility, with a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,720 pounds. Jeep plans to deliver the first Gladiator Shadow Ops models to dealerships in February 2026.