Jeep Celebrates Eclipse with “Nighthawk” Gladiator, But It Doesn’t Come with Free Glasses

Today Jeep announced a limited-edition Gladiator, called the Nighthawk, to mark the occasion of the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Based on the most affordable trim level, the package is limited to 2000 units for the U.S. and Canada and costs $43,190 all-in.

We smell a missed opportunity. Gladiators are built in Ohio, at the Toledo Assembly Complex, which lies along the path of totality. Why not select all the Gladiators built on April 8, no matter the configuration, and call them Eclipse Editions? Even better: Those that leave the assembly line closest to 3:15 pm ET, the approximate time the moon will occlude the sun, become Totality Editions, and carry an upcharge.

Jeep almost gets there: "In the shadow of today's solar eclipse, the Jeep brand too, is going black, introducing the new NightHawk package for the new 2024 Jeep® Gladiator." Perhaps "in the shadow" refers to the location of the Jeep plant-if so, the reference is an oblique one, which is out of character for a brand that offers the Freedom Edition and paints vehicles bright pink.

We're only half serious about our Eclipse Edition: The logistics of operating a plant as large as Toledo Assembly are mind-blowing, and the build schedules are likely set months in advance. We are not suggesting that Jeep steal customer builds-at most, it could delay them a single day. In short, we are aware that our idea, while excellent, is far easier said than done.

Despite what you might think, the Nighthawk package doesn't black out your Gladiator. (How sensitive to those who don't live near the path of totality!) True, the 20-inch wheels are painted in gloss black, and the bumpers wear black accents, but you can spec a Nighthawk in any color you like. The fender flares and roof will be painted to match that color. The main reason to buy a Nighthawk, other than the eclipse connection, is the wheels: As of the 2024 model year, Jeep does not offer a 20-inch wheel on any Gladiator. (The last Gladiator to get the 20s was the 2023 model year High Altitude trim.) The 20s are standard on hybrid Wranglers.

Much of the cost of the Nighthawk package ($5295) is accounted for by the automatic transmission, usually a $2500 add-on. You also get a bunch of goodies that are only available on a Sport via the Max Tow Package ($1995): an anti-spin rear differential, Dana 44 front and rear axles, and all-terrain tires. You also get various convenient features only available on the next trim up (Sport S): Body-color fender flares, power windows and power locks, power heated mirrors, and deep tint sunscreen windows. Remote keyless entry, another Nighthawk add-on, is typically reserved for an even higher trim, the Willys.

Some quick math: $5295 minus $2500 for the transmission and another $1995 for the tow package leaves us at $800. … 800 for 20-inch wheels and a smattering of factory-added niceties? Sounds fair to us. What do you think? When you've come back inside and chucked your free eclipse-viewing glasses in the trash, drop us a comment.

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