2025 Jeep Gladiator Dark Sky Edition

A Look at the New Jeep Gladiator Dark Sky Edition

If there's one thing that stands out about Jeep's approach to special editions, it's their knack for hitting that sweet spot between form and function. 

The recently announced 2025 Gladiator Dark Sky Edition continues that tradition. This new offering brings together a mix of aggressive styling and modern tech, as well as the now-expected trail capability of America's only open-air pickup.

The new Dark Sky Edition is Jeep's latest effort to expand the Gladiator's appeal without diluting what makes it special. 

Built on the Sport S trim, this Jeep has bundled some of the most requested features into a single package. Best of all? It makes a great ride for both daily driving and weekend trail runs.

Jeep Gladiator Dark Sky Edition – Quick Look

• What: New 2025 Gladiator Dark Sky Edition based on Sport S trim

• Price: $1,495 package brings total to $45,090 (Sport S starts at $43,595)

• Powertrain: 2.3L turbo EcoBoost (270 hp/295 lb-ft) with 7-speed manual standard, 10-speed auto optional

• Key Features: Mojave performance hood, 12.3" Uconnect 5 + 12" digital gauge cluster, adaptive cruise control, body-color fender flares, gloss black accents

• Capability: Heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, HOSS 1.0 suspension, 7,700 lb towing, 10" ground clearance, skid plates

• Availability: Late availability model - orders open but won't appear in initial 2025 production

What’s New in the Dark Sky Edition?

The first thing you'll probably notice about the Dark Sky is its more aggressive stance. Jeep has borrowed the performance hood from the Desert-rated Mojave model, which instantly gives the Gladiator Dark Sky a more purposeful look. 

But it's not just about aesthetics. Those body-color fender flares are functional, providing better coverage for larger tires while eliminating the traditional black plastic look.

The gloss black bumper inserts and darkened badges throughout create what Jeep calls a "stealth-ready" appearance. It's a subtle – but actually pretty effective –  transformation that gives the Gladiator a more premium look without going overboard on the blacked-out trend. 

For those of us who appreciate attention to detail, the dark-colored decals tie everything together nicely.

Perhaps the most significant visual upgrade is the option for a body-color hardtop on the Sport S trim, which is a first for this model level. 

This might seem like a small detail, but it completely changes the truck's profile, making it look more like a purposefully designed vehicle rather than a work truck with aftermarket additions.

Underneath the upgraded aesthetics and tech features beats the heart of a true Jeep. The heavy-duty Dana 44 axles front and rear remain standard, providing the durability needed for serious off-road use. The front axle disconnect system allows for better fuel economy on-road while maintaining the ability to lock in when the trail gets technical.

Power & Suspension

Power comes from the proven 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder, delivering 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. 

The standard seven-speed manual transmission includes a crawler gear for technical terrain, crank-in-gear capability, and hill descent control. For those who prefer automatic shifting, the 10-speed auto adds Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist to enhance off-road capability.

The Dark Sky rides on the HOSS 1.0 (High-speed Off-road Suspension System), which might be the base suspension setup, but it's still engineered for legitimate trail use. 

Combined with 10 inches of ground clearance and skid plates protecting the transmission and transfer case, you've got a truck ready to tackle obstacles that would leave most midsize pickups high-centered.

Towing 

The numbers tell the story: up to 7,700 pounds of towing capacity (best in the midsize truck segment) and a 4x4 payload rating of 1,725 pounds. 

Whether you're hauling a camping trailer to a remote site or loading up with gear for a week-long overlanding trip, the Dark Sky has the capability to handle it. Those 16-inch steel wheels wrapped in 255/70R16 all-season tires might look basic, but they're tough as nails.

Tech Specs

Inside, the Dark Sky balances capability with modern convenience. The 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen is complemented by a 12-inch digital gauge cluster – which is a significant upgrade from the previous eight-inch unit with an analog speedometer. 

Single-zone air conditioning keeps things comfortable (with rear HVAC standard on four-doors), while the uConnect system with 4G LTE hotspot capability means you're never truly disconnected, even at remote trailheads.

Worth noting: two-door models come with a Molded-in-Color hardtop in Carbonized Gray, while four-door models get a black soft top. Either way, you're getting the open-air experience that makes the Gladiator unique in the midsize truck segment. 

Still a Gladiator at Heart

As you can guess, the Dark Sky Edition joins what's already a crowded Gladiator lineup. 

Even after Jeep's trimming, buyers still face 10 different configurations before we even start talking about packages and options. The Dark Sky is a $1,495 appearance package on the Sport S trim, bringing the total to $45,090 before you add anything else.

What you're really paying for is convenience and cohesion. Those body-color fender flares, Mojave performance hood, and gloss black accents could all be added aftermarket, probably for less money. 

But here's where Jeep's strategy makes sense: not everyone wants to spend weekends installing mods or dealing with paint matching. The Dark Sky gives you a factory-coordinated look with a warranty, and for many buyers, that's worth the premium.

The addition of the body-color hardtop option without forcing the full $4,295 premium package is genuinely consumer-friendly. Previously, Sport S buyers who wanted that clean, color-matched top look had to spring for a package that pushed them near $50,000. Now they can get it à la carte with the Dark Sky.

Is A Dark Sky In Your Future?

The 2025 Gladiator Dark Sky Edition represents smart product planning from Jeep. By bundling popular upgrades at an attractive price point, they've created a variant that enhances the Gladiator's appeal without compromising its core mission. 

Naturally, it's still unmistakably a Jeep. It’s incredibly capable – but now has more of the modern conveniences and refined appearance that today's buyers expect. If you’re looking for a truck that can handle any terrain while still looking sleek and stylish, the Gladiator Dark Sky Edition might just be your perfect match.

Here at Goats Trail, we understand that mindset because we live it too. From our base here in the mountains to wherever your adventures take you, we're all about embracing that off-road lifestyle. 

Ready to gear up for your next adventure? Check out our growing lineup of off-road apparel today! (And if you’ve picked up a Dark Sky Gladiator, make sure to send us some pictures – you might just get featured on the Goats Trail socials!)

Shop the Goats Trail Collection