When Quadratec unveiled their custom JTe at the 2022 SEMA show, it immediately captured attention with its unique two-door configuration and extended 6.5-foot bed. This vision of a 2-door Gladiator, a configuration not offered by Jeep themselves, seemed like the perfect blend of Jeep capability and truck utility. Built in collaboration with Greg Henderson of Unofficial Use Only, the JTe represented a forbidden fruit for Jeep enthusiasts. Recently, we had the opportunity to test drive this custom creation, and while the initial infatuation has tempered, our appreciation for the concept remains.
Rear view of the Quadratec JTe showing the tailgate with a trail cleanup map.
The Quadratec JTe was specifically designed as a trail cleanup vehicle, a mission it has effectively embraced. The tailgate proudly displays a map charting Quadratec’s “50 for 50 Trails” initiative, highlighting their commitment to hosting 50 trail cleanups across 50 states. To excel as a 4×4 trail cleanup machine, the JTe is equipped with robust steel bumpers, fabricated by Carnivore, at both the front and rear. Complementing these bumpers are Res-Q winches, providing substantial recovery and hauling power for removing obstacles and trail debris. The JTe’s off-road prowess is further enhanced by 37-inch tires and locking axles, ensuring it can navigate challenging rocky terrain and haul substantial, awkward loads from remote backcountry locations thanks to its custom-stretched bed.
Front three-quarter view of the Quadratec JTe showcasing the Carnivore front bumper and Res-Q winch.
However, the very attribute that makes the JTe visually distinctive – its regular cab configuration – also presents a significant practical challenge. The reason a regular cab Jeep pickup, like the JTe, might not be a mainstream choice mirrors why pickup truck buyers increasingly favor four-door models: cabin space, or the lack thereof. Embarking on a trip to the high desert in the JTe immediately highlighted this compromise. For two occupants, in-cabin storage is limited to small backpacks. A standard carry-on sized Pelican case for camera equipment proved too bulky for the available space, necessitating a gear reduction. This inherent space constraint is likely to deter many potential Wrangler or Gladiator buyers. Indeed, the popularity of the four-door Wrangler Unlimited, outselling the two-door Wrangler by a significant 3:1 margin, underscores this preference for practicality.
Interior view of the two-door Quadratec JTe showing limited cabin space.
While shorter drivers and passengers may find the JTe’s cabin adequately comfortable, taller individuals will encounter ergonomic compromises. The custom roll bar, constructed from OEM Jeep replacement components, presented a potential head-bump hazard with every road imperfection for a taller driver. Even with the seat lowered fully, repositioning it further forward and reclining it became necessary to create sufficient headroom. This adjustment resulted in the driver’s right knee being in constant contact with the dashboard – a less-than-ideal driving position, but preferable to repeated head contact with the roll bar.
Despite these initial ergonomic challenges for taller drivers, extended time behind the wheel of the JTe revealed a surprising adaptation. Similar to the way one adjusts to the confines of a sports car, the body seemed to acclimate to a more comfortable posture over time. Highway driving in the JTe is surprisingly pleasant. The hybrid 4XE powertrain effortlessly propels the truck, even with the substantial 37-inch tires, at highway speeds. The Lynx suspension, which provides a 2.5-inch lift to accommodate the large tires, delivered a comfortable highway ride, and the Nitto Recon Grappler tires exhibited surprisingly low road noise for their aggressive tread pattern. However, the JTe, being a Jeep, retains the aerodynamic profile characteristic of the brand. Wind noise becomes noticeable at speeds exceeding 50 mph.
Close-up of the Nitto Recon Grappler tire and Lynx wheel on the Quadratec JTe.
Off-road, the JTe’s wide 37-inch tires provide exceptional traction in challenging conditions. However, their considerable weight and the solid axle suspension setup mean that bumpy desert trails are best navigated at slower speeds, as the system reacts deliberately to sudden impacts. The JTe is not designed for high-speed desert running; its strength lies in its load-carrying and maneuverability. In this regard, it excels. With a wheelbase identical to a Wrangler Unlimited, the JTe retains impressive maneuverability, and the extended bed significantly enhances its cargo-carrying capacity for oversized items.
Quadratec JTe bed loaded with trash collected during trail cleanup.
During our test, unfortunately, we encountered illegally dumped refuse along the trail. This provided a practical opportunity to utilize the JTe for its intended purpose. We loaded the bed with discarded lumber, Venetian blinds, a stray shoe, and even a discarded toy electric Jeep, among other debris.
Another angle of the Quadratec JTe bed filled with collected trash.
While the regular cab Gladiator, as embodied by the JTe, may not appeal to the majority of pickup buyers, its allure for a niche segment is undeniable. If the concept of a 2-door Gladiator resonates with you, you are not alone, even if you are in the minority. Although Jeep is unlikely to produce a regular cab Gladiator in the near future, commissioning a custom build like the JTe remains a viable option. Personally, an extended cab Gladiator with slightly more cabin space and improved rear visibility for trail navigation seems like an ideal configuration. Perhaps the lingering influence of Jeep’s 2005 Gladiator concept, or simply the appeal of something unique, fuels this desire. To experience the JTe firsthand and participate in a trail cleanup initiative, or even organize your own, visit Quadratec’s website.
