When you're shopping for a midsize truck that balances daily utility with classic military-inspired heritage styling, the 2022 Jeep Gladiator Willys stands out immediately. It bridges the gap between the bare-bones Sport S and the heavy-duty Rubicon, giving you genuine capability without the six-figure price tag or over-engineered rock-crawling equipment you might never touch.
Underneath its rugged exterior, this model relies on the proven 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, pushing out 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. You can pick between a six-speed manual or a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, or opt for the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 if low-end torque is your priority. It’s built for drivers who want factory-installed off-road hardware—like 32-inch mud-terrain tires and a limited-slip rear differential—straight off the showroom floor.
Exterior Styling and Off-Road Hardware
The Willys package draws heavy visual cues from the legendary original Willys MB jeeps, mixing vintage styling with modern truck utility. You'll spot the matte black grille, distinct hood decals, and body-color fender flares that give it an aggressive stance compared to standard trims.
It rides on 17-inch black aluminum wheels wrapped in meaty 32-inch Goodyear Wrangler Mud-Terrain tires. These tires bite deep into loose dirt, mud, and sand, making it a capable companion for weekend trail runs. Jeep also bolts heavy-duty cab rock rails directly to the frame to protect the rocker panels from flying rocks and jagged ledges.
Underneath, the truck features heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles, coupled with a Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential that automatically transfers power to the wheel with grip when traction gets sketchy. The Command-Trac part-time four-wheel-drive system offers a 2.7:1 low-range gear ratio, giving you precise low-speed control over steep inclines and rough terrain.
Cabin Comfort and Interior Technology
Opening the doors reveals a cabin built to handle mud, dirt, and wet gear. Jeep equips every Willys model with all-weather slush mats standard, meaning you can hose out or wipe down the footwells after a muddy trail excursion.
The interior layout balances utility with everyday comfort. Depending on the specific option packages selected, you get power windows, power locks, and heated outside mirrors. The infotainment system runs on a responsive 7-inch touchscreen featuring Uconnect 4, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Storage options include lockable underseat bins in the rear to keep recovery gear secure when you drop the soft top or remove the doors. Speaking of open-air freedom, the Gladiator remains the only midsize truck on the market with a fully removable top and fold-down windshield, letting you experience the outdoors directly from the driver's seat.
Towing, Payload, and Practical Performance
While extreme rock crawlers like the Rubicon sacrifice some payload capacity for suspension articulation, the Willys retains solid truck credentials. Properly equipped models with the automatic transmission can tow up to 7,650 pounds, putting it near the front of the midsize class for hauling trailers, boats, or camper setups.
Payload capacity reaches up to 1,600 pounds depending on your configuration, giving you plenty of capacity to load the five-foot steel bed with camping gear, firewood, or toolboxes. The bed features an easy-lower three-position tailgate and integrated tie-down loops to keep cargo secure on washboard dirt roads. Fuel economy hovers around an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway with the standard gasoline V6, which is typical for a heavy 4x4 truck rolling on mud-terrain rubber.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buyers often jump into buying off-road trucks without considering how they plan to use them day-to-day. Keep these pitfalls in mind:
- Overlooking daily road noise: Those factory 32-inch mud-terrain tires look incredible and grip loose surfaces well, but they produce noticeable tread hum on highway pavement compared to all-terrain or highway tires.
- Confusing Willys Sport and Willys packages: Make sure you verify whether you are looking at the base Willys Sport or the standard Willys. The standard Willys builds on the Sport S, adding key convenience features like power windows, remote keyless entry, and better tech options that the stripped-down Willys Sport leaves out.
- Assuming manual transmissions max out towing: If you want maximum towing numbers, you need to check axle ratios and transmission choices carefully, as certain configurations require the automatic transmission and specific tow packages to hit peak ratings.
For more details on current vehicle lineups and official brand specifications, you can check the Jeep Official Site or research configuration options through automotive resources like Car and Driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Gladiator Sport and the Willys?
The Willys adds serious off-road and cosmetic upgrades over the base Sport, including 32-inch mud-terrain tires, 17-inch black aluminum wheels, a Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential, cab rock rails, heavy-duty red shocks, and distinct Willys hood decals.
Can you remove the doors and roof on the Gladiator Willys?
Yes. Like every Jeep Gladiator, the Willys features a removable top (soft top or hardtop options), removable doors, and a fold-down windshield for an authentic open-air driving experience.
What engine options came with the 2022 Willys?
The standard engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 making 285 horsepower, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 was also available for buyers wanting high low-end torque.
How much can the 2022 Jeep Gladiator Willys tow?
When properly equipped with the automatic transmission and the appropriate towing package, the Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 pounds, making it practical for towing campers, utility trailers, and recreational toys.
