- Jeep unveils a new High Altitude trim level for its iconic Wrangler SUV and Gladiator pickup truck.
- The top-of-the-line configuration marks the first time either model comes with 20-inch wheels from the factory.
- Both Jeeps also have a flashier appearance and a luxed-up interior that includes premium materials and desirable features.
Jeep caters to the off-road crowd with its rugged Wrangler and recently introduced Gladiator, but now those lineups have increased appeal to people who like big wheels and luxury feels. These nontraditional traits come courtesy of a new High Altitude trim level that the company introduced at the Chicago auto show.
Apparently, customers really wanted classier versions of the versatile SUV and 10Best-winning pickup truck. Jeep responds to that call with a top-of-the-line variant of each nameplate that spruces them up inside and out.
The High Altitude treatment brings color-matched bumpers, fenders, hard top, and other exterior pieces. The kit also includes extensive LED bulbs for the headlights, fog lights, and taillights. A pair of running boards with an integrated step and a matte black Trail Rated badge are standard, too. Perhaps most notably, both the Gladiator and Wrangler will roll off the assembly line on 20-inch wheels. These black-painted rims represent the first time either model is available with dubs from the factory.
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Swing open the Jeeps' removable doors, and fans familiar with the brand might think they're stepping into a Mercedes G-wagen. That's because Jeep jazzes up these High Altitude models with layers of black or gray leather throughout their cabins. The material covers their center consoles, dashboards, and door panels. The seats wear even richer nappa leather and feature attractive quilted stitching.
Every Gladiator and Wrangler with the High Altitude trim is loaded with desirable standard features. These include driver-assistance technology such as automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Its infotainment system boasts an 8.4-inch touchscreen, an Alpine audio system, built-in navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Owners won't have to fiddle with a fob to lock and unlock the doors, either, thanks to passive entry.
While we're not too interested with the reduced ruggedness of these luxed-up Jeeps, the company will find out how popular these particular High Altitude models are when they go on sale in the second quarter of this year.
Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si.
