Sam Krahn 
The Jeep Gladiator lineup has been updated for 2021 with some new models, including the Willys and Willys Sport models. Both give some great off-road performance options and retro touches, while still providing great value. To many people, they’re the best trucks in the nine trim spread. And now, you can configure each on Jeep’s website. Here’s all the options you need to know.
At the basic level, the Willys and Willys Sport get the same off-road components, only the Willys Sport lacks some of the technology and features of the regular Willys. This leaves room for a $3,750 difference in the MSRP, with the Willys actually being the more expensive of the two, at $39,240. The regular Willys can also add more optional extras, whereas its little sibling only has a few.
The pair get an identical exterior design, with a gloss black grille, wheels and badging, plus black plastic grille. To designate these models, there’s a black “WILLYS” grille badge and “4 Wheel Drive” graphic on the tailgate. The design harkens back to the original Willys Jeep, and looks all the better for it.
The Jeep Gladiator Willys models are very off-road capable, too. They have 32 inch mud terrain tires, 4×4, and a limited slip rear differential. Willys customers can upgrade the 4×4 system to the Selec-Trac full time 4wd system for $695. Powertrain options are familiar to any Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator, with the Pentastar V6 or new for 2021 EcoDiesel V6 available. The gas engine can have either a six speed manual or eight speed auto, whereas the diesel is auto only.
Both are offered in the same eight color palette, and come standard with a black soft top. The Willys models can also option side rails, a spray in bedliner, and three tonneau bed cover options. On the inside, the pair offer black or tan cloth seats, a $350 Trailer Tow Package, a $295 Auxiliary Switch Group, a $40 Windshield Tie Down Strap and $30 Smoker Group.
The main differences between the Jeep Gladiator Willys models are in equipment. The Willys Sport comes with a 5.0 inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system, whereas the Willys gets a 7.0 inch system as standard. The Willys can option a $1,995 8.4 inch infotainment package, $1,295 Alpine Premium Audio System, $995 Active Safety group, $795 Adaptive Cruise and Collision Warning pack and $695 Cold Weather pack. The Willys Sport doesn’t get any of those optional packages.
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator Willys Sport starts at $35,490, and can just hit $40,000 with the Pentastar V6, automatic transmission, and most options. The diesel, on both models, costs you $4,000 plus the $2,000 for an automatic over a manual. The Gladiator Willys has a $39,240 base price, and will climb considerably with the many options to over $50,000. Be smart with the options, however, and a Gladiator Willys will likely run you somewhere in the mid-$40,000 range. Both models are a great addition to the lineup, and should be considered if you want a Gladiator with unique styling and impressive off-road capability without breaking the bank as much as some other trim levels.
