Exhaust Guide
Best Exhausts for the
2018 – 2026 Jeep Gladiator JT: Every Cat-Back Compared
A complete comparison of cat-back exhaust systems for the 2018–2026 Jeep Gladiator JT — covering the 3.6L Pentastar V6. Sound profiles, materials (304 vs 409 stainless), pipe diameter, ground clearance, pricing, and fitment notes from AWE, aFe, Flowmaster, MagnaFlow, Borla, and CORSA.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Kit | Sound Profile | Pipe | Material | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aFe ROCK BASHER | Aggressive | 3" | 409 SS | 3.6L V6 |
|
SHOP → |
| aFe Apollo GT | Sport | 2.5" | 409 SS | 3.6L V6 |
|
SHOP → |
| AWE Tread Edition | Touring | 3" | 304 SS | 3.6L V6 |
|
SHOP → |
| Flowmaster Flow FX | Moderate | 2.5" | 409 SS | 3.6L V6 |
|
SHOP → |
| MagnaFlow Overland | Sport | 2.5" | 304 SS | 3.6L V6 | $987 | SHOP → |
| Borla ATAK Climber | ATAK (Loudest) | 2.75" | 304 SS | 3.6L V6 |
|
SHOP → |
| CORSA Sport | Sport | 3" | 304 SS | 3.6L V6 |
|
SHOP → |
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
Cat-Back Coverage
The 2018–2026 Jeep Gladiator JT is cat-back only — no axle-back systems are marketed. A cat-back replaces the mid-pipe and mufflers from the catalytic converter back. Full performance gain, improved ground clearance with hi-tuck designs.
Ground Clearance & Exit Style
Gladiator exhausts offer side exit, turn-down, or rear exit. Climber and Hi-Tuck designs improve departure angle for off-road. Turn-down tips protect the exhaust from rocks. Choose based on your trail use.
Materials: 304 vs 409 Stainless
304 stainless is most corrosion-resistant; critical for salt and off-road moisture. 409 stainless is budget-friendly and durable. For overlanding and long-term ownership, 304 SS is the better choice.
Emissions & Warranty
Cat-back systems install behind the factory catalytic converters, so they’re 50-state emissions legal. No tuning required. Borla offers Million-Mile Warranty; Flowmaster has Lifetime Limited Warranty on many systems.
AFE ROCK BASHER Cat-Back Exhaust System: Jeep Gladiator 3.6L V6 2020 – 2025
aFe ROCK BASHER is the most affordable cat-back in this guide. 3-inch 409 stainless, pre-axle turndown for improved ground clearance. Aggressive tone. Fits 2020–2024 Jeep Gladiator JT 3.6L V6. Direct bolt-on. USA-made.
Designed for off-road use — the turndown tip protects the exhaust from rocks and obstacles. Robust construction. Ideal for rock crawlers and overlanders on a budget.
Pros
- Lowest-priced cat-back
- Pre-axle turndown; improved clearance
- 3" 409 SS; USA-made
Cons
- 409 SS (not 304)
- Aggressive tone; can drone at cruise
AFE Apollo GT Cat-Back Exhaust System (Polished Tip): Jeep Gladiator 3.6L V6 2020 – 2025
aFe Apollo GT Cat-Back delivers sport sound and hi-tuck design at a mid-range price. 2.5-inch 409 stainless, polished tip. Fits 2020–2024 Jeep Gladiator JT 3.6L V6. Improves exhaust flow and throttle response. Direct bolt-on.
Hi-tuck design provides extra ground clearance for off-road. Aggressive exhaust note. Good balance of performance, sound, and value.
Pros
- Best value for 409 SS
- Hi-tuck design; improved clearance
- Sport tone; USA-made
Cons
- 409 SS (not 304)
- 2020–2021 primary fitment
Flowmaster Flow FX Cat-Back Exhaust System: Jeep Gladiator 2020 – 2025
Flowmaster Flow FX Cat-Back delivers Flowmaster quality with a moderate, deep tone. 2.5-inch 409 stainless, mandrel-bent. Fits 2020–2025 Jeep Gladiator JT 3.6L V6. Lifetime Limited Warranty. Direct bolt-on.
Flow FX straight-through muffler balances sound and drivability. Less aggressive than ROCK BASHER or ATAK. Ideal for daily drivers who want a noticeable upgrade without highway drone.
Pros
- Moderate tone; good for daily driving
- 409 SS; Lifetime Limited Warranty
- Flowmaster quality; direct bolt-on
Cons
- 409 SS (not 304)
- Not the loudest option
AWE Tread Edition Cat-Back Exhaust (Single Side Exit, Black Tip): Jeep Gladiator 3.6L V6 2020 – 2025
AWE’s Tread Edition delivers a drone-free, signature exhaust note for the Gladiator 3.6L. Full 3-inch T304L stainless, straight-through cat-back with 180 Technology® resonator. Single side exit with Diamond Black tips. USA-made. Fits 2020–2025 Jeep Gladiator JT 3.6L V6.
Ideal for daily drivers and overlanders who want aggressive sound under throttle without cabin drone at cruise. 180 Technology® keeps the cabin comfortable on long drives. Direct bolt-on; no cutting required.
Pros
- 180 Technology® — drone-free cruising
- 304 stainless; USA-made
- Single side exit; Diamond Black tips
Cons
- Premium price
- 2020–2021 primary fitment
MagnaFlow Overland Series Cat-Back Exhaust: Jeep Gladiator 2020 – 2024
MagnaFlow Overland Series is built for Gladiator overlanders. Full 304 stainless, 2.5-inch mandrel-bent. Sport tone, corrosion-resistant. Fits 2020–2023 Jeep Gladiator JT 3.6L V6. Direct bolt-on.
Designed for trail use and long-term durability. Balanced aggressive tone without excessive cabin noise. The top pick for overlanders who want 304 SS quality.
Pros
- 304 stainless; overland-oriented
- Sport tone; durable construction
- Direct bolt-on; USA-made
Cons
- Premium price
- 2020–2023 primary fitment
Borla ATAK Climber Cat-Back Exhaust System (Turn Down Exit): Jeep Gladiator JT 3.6L V6 2020 – 2025
Borla ATAK Climber delivers Borla’s loudest sound with high-clearance design. 2.75-inch T-304 stainless, turndown tip. Fits 2020–2025 Jeep Gladiator JT 3.6L V6. Million-Mile Warranty. Drone-free despite aggressive tone.
Climber design prioritizes ground clearance for rock crawling and overlanding. The 3.6L Pentastar growls. Ideal for enthusiasts who want maximum sound and off-road capability.
Pros
- ATAK tone; loudest option
- 304 SS; Million-Mile Warranty
- High-clearance Climber design; drone-free
Cons
- Premium price
- Very loud; not for everyone
Corsa Sport Cat-Back Exhaust System (Side Exit w/ Polished Tip): Jeep Gladiator 3.6L V6 2020 – 2025
CORSA Sport Cat-Back delivers aggressive sound under acceleration with drone-free cruising. CORSA’s patented RSC (Reflective Sound Cancellation) technology. 3-inch 304 stainless, single side exit, 4-inch polished tip. Fits 2020–2024 Jeep Gladiator JT 3.6L V6.
Ideal for daily drivers who want a sporty exhaust note without highway fatigue. Premium build. The go-to for drone-free Gladiator exhaust.
Pros
- Sport sound; drone-free (RSC)
- 304 SS; single side exit
- Premium build; USA-made
Cons
- Premium price
- Side exit; different look than rear
Fitment Reference
Which Kits Fit Your Trim?
| Trim | aFe ROCK BASHER | aFe Apollo GT | Flowmaster | AWE | MagnaFlow | Borla | CORSA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gladiator JT 2020–2025 (3.6L V6) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ = Confirmed
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there no axle-back options for the Gladiator?
The 2018–2026 Jeep Gladiator JT is a cat-back-only platform. Manufacturers offer full cat-back systems. A cat-back provides the complete performance and sound upgrade, and hi-tuck designs improve ground clearance for off-road.
Will an aftermarket exhaust void my warranty?
Cat-back systems install behind the factory catalytic converters and do not affect emissions equipment. They generally do not void the vehicle warranty. Check with your dealer if concerned.
What’s the difference between side exit and turn-down?
Side exit routes the tip out the side (like CORSA Sport). Turn-down dumps exhaust downward before the rear axle (like aFe ROCK BASHER, Borla ATAK Climber). Turn-down improves ground clearance and protects the tip from rocks.
What causes exhaust drone and how do I avoid it?
Drone is resonance at certain RPMs that amplifies inside the cabin. CORSA Sport uses RSC technology for drone-free cruising. Borla ATAK Climber is also tuned to be drone-free. aFe ROCK BASHER can drone at cruise. Research sound clips before buying.
I have a lifted Gladiator. Will an exhaust still fit?
Most cat-backs fit stock and mild lifts. Hi-tuck and Climber designs are built for off-road use. Long-arm or extreme lifts may affect fitment. Check manufacturer notes for lift compatibility.
304 vs 409 stainless steel: which is better?
304 stainless is more corrosion-resistant and premium. 409 stainless is budget-friendly and still durable. For overlanding, salt exposure, or long-term ownership, 304 SS is the better choice.
Ready to Upgrade Your Jeep Gladiator JT Exhaust?
Compare cat-backs above, pick the right fit for your use (trail vs daily), and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
