Jeep Gladiator Gets a Factory 35-Inch Tire Option, but Only for a Limited Run

Jeep's Gladiator has been missing an option Wrangler buyers have had for about five years: a factory-installed 35-inch tire package. That gap is closing, though the timing comes with a catch that matters if you're shopping for one.

What the Launch Edition actually includes

On Monday, Jeep confirmed that buyers can now order the 35-inch Tire Launch Edition on Willys, Rubicon and Rubicon X trims. The tires arrive from the factory, not from a dealer's add-on shelf, and that distinction is the main reason to care about this package over a bolt-on setup.

The hardware goes well beyond the rubber. The package includes a 1-inch factory lift and high-clearance fender flares to accommodate the larger tires. Underneath, Jeep is adding upgraded brakes, a 4.56:1 rear axle ratio, heavy-duty Dana axles, and a full-time 4:1 transfer case in place of the part-time system you'd otherwise get. Jeep's Wrangler version of this approach uses a similar drivetrain package, so the Gladiator is getting the same sort of engineering rather than a wheel-and-tire swap.

Here's why that matters. Bigger tires effectively make the gearing taller, which dulls throttle response and strains the drivetrain at low speed. A numerically higher rear ratio like 4.56:1 works against that, restoring some of the pull you lose with 35s. The 4:1 transfer case multiplies torque at crawling speeds, which is the situation where a 35-inch tire is doing the most work. Factory-matched components like these tend to be sized together for that reason, which is the practical argument for ordering the package rather than assembling it yourself later.

The bronze is more than cosmetic

The styling package is heavy on bronze. The Launch Edition comes with bronze-painted 17-inch beadlock wheels, bronze badging and accents throughout the truck, and bronze tow hooks. Specific models also get a performance hood, and the edition carries its own graphics package. Some of the bronze trim is borrowed from the Sarge package that debuted last year, so if you already like that look, you're not getting something entirely new.

Beadlock wheels deserve a note for anyone planning serious off-road use. They're designed to keep the tire seated on the rim at low pressures, which is a common setup for rock crawling. Whether the Launch Edition's wheels suit your use depends on how hard you actually push the truck, so it's worth checking the spec sheet against your plans.

What it's likely to cost

Jeep hasn't shared pricing yet, and the company says it will update when it does. Still, there's a reasonable benchmark. The Xtreme 35-inch Tire Package costs $2,995 on the Wrangler. The Gladiator Launch Edition adds its own drivetrain upgrades and bronze trim on top of the tire package, so I'd plan for at least a $3,000 premium over the equivalent Willys, Rubicon or Rubicon X. That's an estimate, not a confirmed number, so treat it as a planning figure until Jeep publishes the window sticker.

Why the limited run matters

Jeep says the Launch Edition is a limited-run offering, which means this exact configuration could disappear. If you've been waiting to see whether the Gladiator would get a factory big-tire option at all, this is the moment to decide, because a later version may look different or cost more.

That said, the Wrangler's 35-inch package isn't going anywhere, which gives Jeep a template for the future. I wouldn't be surprised to see a 35-inch option return to the Gladiator under another name once the Launch Edition runs its course. The logic is simple. Owners who want big tires have always found an aftermarket route, and the company is clearly interested in keeping that money and customer loyalty in-house. A factory package also keeps warranty and fitment questions in one place, which is worth considering if you plan to keep the truck long term.

What to watch next

Three things will tell you whether this package is worth the premium. First, the final price, which should reveal how Jeep values the drivetrain upgrades separately from the tires and lift. Second, how the package is configured on each trim, since the performance hood is limited to specific models. Third, whether the 35-inch option returns after the Launch Edition period ends.

Until pricing lands, the practical advice is to compare the Launch Edition against a Gladiator you'd spec with aftermarket tires and gearing. If the factory package lands near the $3,000 mark and you were planning those upgrades anyway, the bundle may make sense. If you only want the tires, a 35-inch Wrangler-style setup elsewhere could cost less.

For more on the earlier Sarge trim that shares some of this styling, see the Sarge package coverage.