2026 Jeep Gladiator Willys, Willys '41 & Texas Trail: Manahawkin Buyers Guide

The trim that actually adds off-road hardware, not just paint

A lot of mid-trim pickups are appearance packages wearing an off-road name. Willys isn't that. Stepping up from Sport S adds a standard rear locking differential, which genuinely changes what the truck can do when one rear wheel loses traction — a real difference on a soft sand access road or a rutted fire trail through the Pine Barrens, not a cosmetic one. Willys also picks up 33-inch all-terrain tires in place of Sport's 32-inch all-seasons, additional underbody skid protection, and a Class IV hitch receiver, which is rated for meaningfully more than the Class II hitch on Sport and Sport S — worth knowing if towing a boat or camper is part of the plan.

Texas Trail runs on the same Sport/Willys mechanical platform with its own badging and appearance content, positioned as a value trail trim that sits below Willys and the '41 in comfort features while keeping similar off-road-oriented equipment. It's the pick for a buyer who wants the trail hardware without chasing every heritage or comfort option on the sheet.

Willys '41: the heritage buzz model

New for 2026, the Willys '41 takes the standard Willys mechanical package and adds a tribute paint and graphics package referencing Jeep's WWII-era roots — Olive Drab-finished wheels, retro '41 graphics, a steel front bumper and a triple-hoop grille guard. It's built on Willys bones, so the off-road capability underneath matches the plain Willys; the '41 is about how the truck looks parked at a Barnegat Bay boat launch on a Saturday morning, not additional trail hardware you're paying extra for.

What buyers here say

Manahawkin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram's sales team has a long track record with Gladiator buyers specifically, and reviews consistently point to the same low-pressure, do-it-once approach. L Gar's five-star review summed up a straightforward deal: "The sales department was very very good. Easy to work with. Woody the sales manager was excellent. Our salesman Brian was also excellent. No Hassle. Live my new gladiator too." Both names check out against the dealership's staff directory — Greg "Woody" Woodington as Jeep Sales Manager and Brian Gardner as a Jeep Sales & Leasing Professional — and it's the kind of two-name mention that shows up more than once in this dealership's history.

Buying one here

Willys-family trucks are popular with buyers who actually use the Route 72 causeway and back-bay boat ramps regularly, and inventory on the value off-road trims moves at a steady clip. Call the sales desk at 609-631-3392 or check current new inventory to see which of the three — Willys, Texas Trail or Willys '41 — is physically on the ground at 188 NJ-72.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Willys trim add over Sport S?

A standard rear locking differential, 33-inch all-terrain tires, additional underbody protection and a Class IV hitch receiver. It runs the same 285-hp V6 and 8-speed automatic as every other 2026 trim.

What's the difference between Willys and Willys '41?

The '41 is a heritage appearance package — Olive Drab wheels, retro graphics, a steel front bumper — built on the standard Willys platform. Mechanically and off-road, they're the same truck; the '41 costs more for the styling, not for additional capability.

How does Texas Trail compare to Willys?

Texas Trail sits on the same Sport/Willys mechanical base with its own badging and a value-focused equipment list, generally positioned below Willys and the '41 in comfort content while keeping a similar off-road-capable footprint.

Can a Willys tow a boat?

Willys and the '41 both come with a Class IV hitch receiver standard, a step up from the Class II on Sport and Sport S, which makes them a more capable factory choice for towing a boat or camper without an aftermarket upgrade. Confirm the exact rating for the specific configuration with the sales team.

Is Willys enough truck for actual trail or beach driving?

For sand roads, fire trails and permit-based beach driving on stretches like Island Beach State Park, a standard rear locker and 33-inch tires cover most of what a typical weekend requires. Buyers planning technical rock trails or serious high-speed off-road running should look at Rubicon or Mojave instead.

The bottom line

Willys, Texas Trail and Willys '41 are where the Gladiator lineup starts adding real off-road hardware instead of just options-sheet content, without jumping all the way to Rubicon or Mojave pricing. Buyers who want that hardware in a more comfort-forward package should look at the Sahara guide next.