Jeep Gladiator Shadow Ops: The Midsize Truck That Comes Equipped to Conquer

Daily Car

·

19/12/2025

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Jeep has revealed the Shadow Ops, a new special edition Gladiator pickup aimed at off road fans. It is the first midsize truck to leave the factory with a winch already mounted. The package starts with the Rubicon trim and adds both tactical looks plus useful hardware. Sales begin early next year.

Key Takeaways

The Gladiator Shadow Ops is the first midsize truck to carry a winch installed on the assembly line.
The Warn unit pulls about 8 000 lb.
Black steel bumpers and matte-black decals on the hood, fenders and tailgate are part of the deal.
The fender flares but also the three piece hardtop match the body paint.
The price jump over a standard Rubicon is modest for the extra equipment.

Unmatched Recovery Capability

The 2026 Gladiator Shadow Ops ships with a Warn winch bolted to the front bumper. No other midsize truck offers this from the factory. The unit is expected to rate at 8 000 lb, the same optional part used on the Wrangler Rubicon and it gives drivers a built in way to recover the truck if it becomes stuck.

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Tactical Styling as well as Practical Enhancements

The grille wears satin black paint - black graphics run across the hood, the fenders and the tailgate. Black steel bumpers replace the bright pieces and shrug off scrapes on the trail. The fender flares or the three piece hardtop are painted to match the body - the truck is not a total blackout. All weather slush mats trap mud and water.

Value Proposition

Jeep will charge an extra USD 4 995 for the Shadow Ops package when orders open in February. A Rubicon fitted with the body color hardtop also flares costs USD 2 605 less - the winch and the exclusive trim carry a modest premium. Canadian sales will also start early next year - pricing for that market has not been released.

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Future Special Editions

Jeep calls the Shadow Ops “Delivery #1” and says more mission ready special editions are on the way. Each will stress strength, unity next to purpose widening the Gladiator's reach among buyers who want factory built specialty trucks.

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