Few automakers can match Jeep’s rich history and enduring heritage. What began as a rugged military workhorse has evolved into a sprawling lineup of SUVs and trucks, yet the brand has never strayed far from its roots. The latest Gladiator Willys ‘41 pays homage to the Kaiser Jeep M715 military truck from the late 1960s, the ‘41 designation a nod to the year the original Willys MB entered service with the U.S. Army and cemented its place as one of the most iconic military vehicles in World War II.

The M715 was the military counterpart to Jeep’s civilian Gladiator pickup truck, distinguishable by its camouflage green attire. This 2026 model comes with identical kit, sporting 17-inch Olive Drab painted wheels and matching body colour, Mojave-sourced hood scoop, Mopar triple hoop grill guard, and retro-inspired hood decal. Notably, American vehicles receive the star spangled banner next to the 4X4/Willys script, whereas Canadian models are absent of any flags.

Steel bumpers and heavy-duty shock absorbers are equipped to reinforce the Gladiator’s rugged exterior, while Firestone Destination mud-terrain tires ensure it’s prepared for all types of military excursions. Inside, exclusive tan cloth seat inserts are added and amount to an overall package that blends into the jungle landscape with ease. But the Willys ‘41 remains a strictly cosmetic upgrade rather than a homologation special or a more capable off-road variant.

Though devoid of any actual performance enhancements or off-road hardware, the Gladiator Willys ‘41 remains a thoroughly capable and versatile truck, equipped with a 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6 that generates 285 hp and 260 lb-ft. of torque. Power is routed through an 8-speed automatic gearbox with selectable 4WD and a towing capacity up to 3,492 kg. Free from the complexity of forced induction, the V6 delivers authentic, accessible thrust anywhere in the powerband, though you will have to modulate the throttle more than usual if you’re accustomed to the effortless and convenient torque provided by a turbocharged competitor.

Compared to the Wrangler, the Gladiator’s longer wheelbase pays dividends in ride quality, but against a similarly equipped Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma, the Jeep struggles to keep pace, especially with its deafening mud-terrain tires. The level of road invincibility they impart on the driver is unquestionable, but living with them day to day is another matter entirely. The heavy steering requires manhandling at lower speeds, while the tire’s tendency to follow road imperfections and wander at high speeds requires full driver concentration. One moment they’re tracking straight, the next they’re off chasing something shiny. It’s par for the course when it comes to these knobby tires, but it’s worth emphasizing as the Gladiator rarely allows the driver to fully switch off.

The tires generate excessive noise when scrambling over any road, and the Gladiator’s inherent lack of cabin insulation doesn’t help with the unpleasantries, nor does the thin fabric top. We tried using our noise-cancelling AirPods to make the highway runs slightly more tolerable, but listening to podcasts is almost out of the question. Again, par for the course, and NVH refinement has never been central to Jeep’s charm or appeal, but it’s an important consideration for anyone migrating over from a road-focused crossover or SUV.

The Gladiator adopts Jeep’s familiar cabin formula with a short dashboard, narrow confines, and an army of waterproof buttons and knobs finished in rubbery, easy-to-grip textures. Beyond the silhouette icon on the gear shifter and displays, there’s little to distinguish it from the Wrangler’s interior. The wide 12.3-inch touchscreen carries over from last year, offering ample real estate and remains one of the most intuitive, responsive, and straightforward infotainment units around, particularly for first-time Jeep owners.

Arguably more capable than the military Jeeps that came before it, the Gladiator Willys ‘41 nevertheless pays proper tribute to its ancestors. The camouflage act is a convincing cosplay, as adding anything more would cross the line from tasteful homage to awkward Halloween costume. Beneath the nostalgia is still a focused mid-sized workhorse, and there’s a clear market for its domesticated and enthusiast duties despite cheaper and more effective truck alternatives. After all, none of the Gladiator’s rivals offer removable doors, an open-air cabin, or quite the same ability to disappear into the woods looking like it just rolled off a 1960s military convoy.

Specifications:

Model: 2026 Jeep Gladiator Willys ’41
Paint Type: ’41
Base Price: $50,495
Price as Tested: $68,730
Wheelbase(mm): 3,487
Length/Width/Height (mm): 5,539 / 1,875 / 1,857
Curb weight (kg): 2,246
Engine: 3.6-litre V6
Horsepower: 285 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, 4WD
Observed Fuel Consumption (L/100km): 15.1
Tires: Firestone Destination M/T2; LT255/75R17C