Australia's 4WD ute market is set to get a new entrant. The 2020 Wrangler-based Jeep Gladiator, which is America's first double-cab four-wheel-drive utility after 27 years, will rival the likes of Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. The Gladiator nameplate was initially used in the J-series Jeeps of 1963 but would eventually be dropped in 1972. In 2017, Jeep unveiled its Wrangler-based double-cab ute, and 12 months later the Gladiator was born.
Apart from its state-of-the-art connectivity systems not present in some sedans and SUVs, it becomes the first of its kind to combine over 80 security and safety features. It will be offered in either a diesel or petrol engine and will be available in four trim levels, namely, base Sport, mid-level Sport S, luxurious Overland, and Rubicon. It's worth pointing out that it is the only ute with two convertible roof styles.
Mechanicals
The Gladiator uses a steel ladder frame chassis. It comes fitted with a five-link coil suspension. For longitudinal control, it uses two upper and lower forged steel control arm. For lateral axle control, Jeep installed a track bar. It has a payload of 770 kg and a towing capacity ranging from 3,200 to 3,470 kg.
Off-road Credentials
With high-grade Gladiator Rubicon variants, you will get 17-inch alloy wheels and 33-inch off-road wheels. Towing and payload capacity are rated at 3,470 kg and 745 kg respectively, making it a "functional" ute.
The Gladiator uses the Rock-Track 4x4 system and has a crawl ratio of 77.2:1 and heavy-duty 44 axles with a 4:1 transfer case, which makes for impressive low-range ability. For extra protection, it will come fitted with protective car parts including underbody bash plates, front and rear recovery hooks, a steel rear bumper and a winch-compatible front bumper. Though it has a longer wheelbase than the Wrangler, water fording and ground clearance (763 mm and 282 mm, respectively) are the same as the Wrangler’s.
Powertrain
The Gladiator is not built for speed. It will be powered by Chrysler's DOHC 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine which will produce a peak power of 209 kW at 6,350 rpm with a torque of 347 Nm at 4,300 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission will match the engine. A Fiat-sourced 195 kW Ecodiesel V6 engine will be on offer later on, but just the same, it will be mated to the eight-speed automatic.
A Colossus of a Vehicle
It will be longer than most of its competitors, making it a daunting task for the driver during off-road maneuvering and parking. But then it is also comfortable and will perform exceptionally well in the highway due to its stability and comfort.
Also, its cargo capacity is quite impressive. Jeep offers the Gladiator in three cargo options – Trail Cargo Management system, tonneau cover, bed divider and an in-bed liner.
The Interior
Off-roaders have acquired a liking for comfortable and well-equipped cabins. So Jeep decided to use, for the interior, either cloth or leather upholstery, heated steering wheel and seats (as an option) and a stadium-style rear bench.
Depending on the trim, Jeep will offer either a 7.0 or 3.5-inch instrument panel display. It also comes with steering wheel controls to regulate the infotainment system (Jeep Uconnect system with screen size options varying from 5.4 to 6.4 inches and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android connectivity) and panel display.
All trim levels, apart from the Rubicon which has the Alpine premium audio system, have the standard eight-speaker audio system.
Summing Up
The Australia-ute love story began way back in 1932, and there has been no cooling off of this affair since then. The utes fan base has grown bigger, and the Gladiator will surely be a hit. Its build, muscles, and towing capacity make it ideal for off-roading, while its spacious and comfortable interior make it a preferred family car, best suited for a weekend family offroad adventure.
There’s also no need to worry about getting spare parts whenever you run into issues. You can easily get auto parts for the Gladiator and other Jeep models from sellers nationwide. You may refer to Carpart.com.au’s online platform for suppliers and parts professionals.
Eric Anyega