WHAT JEEP RATHER optimistically claims to be “the only convertible truck of its kind on offer in the world”, the Jeep Gladiator, arrives in Australia this May. Whatever they may call it, the good news is that it’s all Jeep, something Jeep is at some pains to reinforce.
Australia is the first right hand drive market to receive the Jeep Gladiator and Kevin Flynn, Jeep Australia Managing Director, highlighted the anticipation for its arrival.
“The Jeep Gladiator will be the first Jeep truck to land on Australian shores; it is so different, so competent, and it is so Jeep. It is the ultimate enabler for people to find and make their own adventures.”
“The excitement and anticipation for the Jeep Gladiator has been tremendous. It is undeniably a Jeep and has the versatility and functionality to meet all levels of adventure regardless of the terrain. It’s such a unique vehicle and I can’t wait for Australians to find their own adventure and experience the Jeep Gladiator,” Mr Flynn continued.
The Jeep Gladiator is available to order now at Jeep dealerships throughout Australia, starting at $75,450 MSRP.
Most capable Jeep truck ever without compromise
The Jeep Gladiator delivers legendary off-road capability courtesy of two advanced 4×4 systems. The Selec-Trac Active On-Demand 4×4 system, standard on Overland, features a two-speed part-time transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, and heavy-duty third-generation Dana 44 axles with a 3.73 rear axle ratio.
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon model features the Rock-Trac Active On-Demand 4×4 system, with heavy-duty third-generation Dana 44 front and rear axles with a “4LO” ratio of 4:1. A 4.10 rear axle ratio is standard as are Tru-Lok locking differentials.
The Rubicon variant also offers improved articulation and total suspension travel with help from a segment- exclusive electronic sway-bar disconnect, and boasts an impressive crawl ratio of 77.2:1, making scaling any obstacle on the trail easy.
Both Selec-Trac Active On-Demand and Rock-Trac Active On-Demand systems offer full-time torque management in the Jeep Gladiator, enabling optimal grip in low-traction conditions.
Tru-Lok front and rear locking differentials on the Rubicon model provides extra torque and grip during slippery, low-traction situations, such as driving over sand, gravel, snow or ice.
Brand new on Jeep Gladiator Rubicon models is the Off-Road+ Button, allowing customers to clearly communicate to the truck the terrain the Jeep will be operating on, allowing it to automatically adjust operating parameters of key systems (Throttle, Selec-Speed Control, Traction Control, Transmission Shift Mode) to be tailored for optimal performance on that terrain. Unlike the rotary controlled Selec-Terrain that has been offered in other Jeep products, Off-Road+ is a single button with two distinct missions:
- If enabled in 4HI, it tailors operation of the Jeep for higher speed sand performance
- If enabled in 4LO, it tailors operation of the Jeep for very low speed rock picking manoeuvres
Every Jeep Gladiator receives a “Trail Rated” badge that proves its legendary 4×4 capabilities. Trail Rated performance is the result of a series of heavy tests performed in the following areas: Traction, Water Fording, Manoeuvrability, Articulation and Ground Clearance.
Rugged body-on-frame design
The Jeep Gladiator’s body-on-frame design uses advanced materials and engineering to be nimble, yet stiff and durable, and features an all-new lightweight, high-strength steel frame. When compared to Jeep JL Wrangler 4-door, the Jeep Gladiator’s frame is an additional 787mm longer with a wheelbase 492mm longer than the Wrangler.
The longer wheelbase and the bed’s positioning center aft of the rear axle centerline enables for better weight distribution and a more comfortable and composed ride when carrying cargo. The prop shaft, brake, fuel lines and exhaust system have been lengthened to accommodate the changes.
A traditional steel bed utilises four steel cross-members to reinforce the load floor while the aluminium tailgate is damped. Utility and versatility are maximised with strong integrated tie-downs and under-rail bed lighting.
Protecting the critical vehicle components while offroad, including the fuel tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil pan, the Jeep Gladiator employs three skid plates and bars. Both models benefit from the use of heavy gauge tubular steel rock rails to curtail potential body damage inflicted whilst out on the trail and also feature segment-exclusive rock rails for the bed corners.
The use of lightweight, high-strength aluminium closures, including the doors, door hinges, hood, fender flares, windshield frame and tailgate, help curtail weight and boost fuel economy. Further ways the Jeep engineering team managed the Gladiator’s weight include using hollow track and stabiliser bars, aluminium engine mounts and steering gear.
The Jeep Gladiator exclusively utilises a five-link coil suspension configuration with the front suspension using a lateral control arm and four longitudinal control arms. The full-width track bars made of forged steel control lateral movement of the axle with minimal angle change during suspension travel in the Jeep Gladiator. The control arms are located under the frame rails while the rear shocks are forward facing to provide consistent damping for ride comfort and load management.
The springs have been tuned for an optimum balance between on-road handling while providing a comfortable ride around town (seniordriveraus suggests this is a relative term), with or without cargo in the bed, and legendary off-road capability. Ride comfort, body-roll control and handling is significantly enhanced with assistance from shock tuning, hard points and body mount strategy.
Exclusive to the Rubicon model, FOX-Branded aluminium 2-inch diameter shocks transform the performance of the Jeep Gladiator by using race-proven damping control to provide a comfortable on-road ride and predictable off-road handling in even the toughest conditions.
With an approach angle of 40.7 degrees, break over angle of 18.4 degrees, departure angle of 225.1 degrees and a ground clearance of 283mm the Jeep Gladiator maintains the Jeep reputation for being able to go anywhere.
Advanced powertrain
The all-new Jeep Gladiator offers the proven 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar engine across the Overland and Rubicon models.
The 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar engine delivers 209kW of horsepower and 347Nm of torque, engineered to provide a broad torque band with a focus on low-end torque, an essential trait needed for extreme off-roading. The 8- speed ZF-Automatic transmission is standard across the range, enabling the vehicle to optimise engine output while on the trails or enjoy smooth, efficient power delivery at highway speeds.
The eight-speed automatic transmission in the Rubicon model delivers a 77.2:1 crawl ratio. The Jeep Gladiator’s towing and 4×4 performance benefits from a 4.7:1 first gear ratio coupled with a 4.1:1 final drive delivers unmatched capability.
Selec-Speed Control is standard with the eight-speed automatic transmission and manages vehicle speed in “4LO” while traversing off-road terrain without requiring throttle or brake input, allowing the driver to focus on steering. Selec-Speed Control is activated using a button on the dashboard and can be adjusted from 1-8 km/h simply by using the AutoStick shift control.
The Jeep Gladiator is available in Black, Bright White, Billet Silver Metallic, Firecracker Red, Sting Grey, Hydro Blue, Granite Crystal Metallic, as well as two new exclusive Gladiator colours; Gobi and Gator.
The Overland model features body-colour hard-top and fender flares, whilst the Rubicon features a black hard- top roof and black fender flares. In addition, all Jeep Gladiator models feature body-colour sport bars, which are welded to the body and feature integrated grab handles for front occupants.
As with the Jeep JL Wrangler, the three-piece hard top roof can be easily removed in the Jeep Gladiator, providing a segment-exclusive open-air option. The two Freedom Panels and quick-release latches enable a fast removal and installation of the hardtop, all of which feature a manual rear-sliding window. The Jeep Gladiator comes with dozens of different door, top and windshield combinations allowing for endless configuration and personalisation possibilities.
Authentic interior design boasts premium features and technology
The Jeep Gladiator’s interior combines authentic styling, versatility, comfort and intuitive features, with precision craftsmanship and high-quality materials found throughout the cabin.
The heritage-inspired center stack features a clean, sculpted form that complements the horizontal dashboard design. A hand-wrapped instrument panel features a soft-touch surface with accent stitching on the Jeep Gladiator Overland model, whilst the Rubicon variant features “Redicial Red” paint on the dashboard’s mid- bolster. Functional features, including climate and volume control knobs, media charging and connectivity ports, and Engine Stop Start (ESS) control are all sculpted for quick recognition and are easily within reach of the front-seat occupants.
Jeep functionality and versatility are celebrated in the center console and distinguished with metal-plated accents, housing the gear shift selection, part-time transfer case and parking brake. Real bolts featured on the shifter, grab handles and the infotainment screen’s frame highlighting the genuine construction methods. A push-button starter, featuring a weather-proof surround, also comes as standard on the 2020 Gladiator and is easily located within the driver’s reach.
Cloth or leather-contoured seats feature accent stitching and adjustable bolster and lumbar support with comfort features including optional heated front seats and steering wheel. The all-new rear seats also feature high-quality premium materials giving the seats an athletic look that also delivers comfort and support.
The rear seat cushions can fold up into “stadium” position to reveal a standard open storage bin, utilising the space under the seat for stowing miscellaneous items. An optional lockable bin provides secure storage space when the top or doors are removed, and are available in two different size doors that correspond to the 60/40 split rear seat cushion. Removable dividers can also provide the flexibility of up to five separate compartments and use the same lock as the glove box and center console.
A removable bolt bin fits in the under-seat storage space and makes it easy to secure bolts when the doors and top are removed, or the windshield is folded down. The bolt bin lid indicates the corresponding number of bolts and their location under the lid in Petroglyph style.
The instrument cluster in the Jeep Gladiator features a 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) information LED display. The LED display allows the driver to configure information in more than 100 ways, including current media being played, tyre pressure, tyre-fill alert or digital speed readout. Integrated buttons on the steering wheel control audio, voice and speed functions, allowing the driver to keep hands on the wheel at all times.
An 8.4-inch touchscreen houses Jeep’s fourth-generation Uconnect system and sits prominently atop the center stack. The fourth-generation Uconnect system enhances the user interface and system performance with quicker start-up times and improved screen resolution, with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range. Directly below the touchscreen are functional features, such as climate and volume control knobs and media connectivity ports.
Two USB ports and a USB-C port up front and two in reach of occupants in the back seat connect to the media center.
An available portable Bluetooth wireless speaker is located behind the rear seat. LED lights on quarter-trim panels illuminate the storage space and the docking station for the wireless speaker. Waterproof up to 3-feet of water for 30 minutes, the speaker offers additional utility on the trails and in remote locales, as it can charge up to three other devices connected to its USB ports.
A forward-facing off-road camera allows obstructions ahead on the trail to be easily seen and is standard on the Rubicon model. The front camera sits behind the middle slot of Gladiator’s seven-slot grille and can be accessed through the available Off-road Pages. The camera also includes an integrated washing system, which is accessed via the “Clean Camera” button on the Uconnect touchscreen. Similarly, to windscreen washer jets, the system squirts the front camera lens with soapy water via a nozzle to remove any dirt that has built up over it.
More than 70 available advanced safety and security features
Safety and security were paramount in the development of the Jeep Gladiator. The Jeep Gladiator offers more than 70 available active and passive safety and security features, including Forward Collision Warning Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, forward-facing off-road camera, standard ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, Adaptive Cruise Control and electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation.
Options Packages
OVERLAND:
Premium Paint: $1035 MSRP
Lifestyle Adventure Package: $3835 MSRP
Cargo Management Group with Trail Rail System
Lockable Rear Underseat Storage Bin
Roll-Up Tonneau Cover
Spray-In Bedliner
Auxiliary Switch Bank (4 Programmable Switches) 240-Amp Alternator
700-Amp Maintenance Free Battery
Wireless Speaker – Bluetooth
RUBICON:
Lifestyle Adventure Package: $3835 MSRP
Cargo Management Group with Trail Rail System
Lockable Rear Underseat Storage Bin
Roll-Up Tonneau Cover
Spray-In Bedliner
Auxiliary Switch Bank (4 Programmable Switches)
240-Amp Alternator
700-Amp Maintenance Free Battery Wireless Speaker – Bluetooth
Rubicon Luxury Package: $2535 MSRP
Black Leather Trim Seats
Body-Colour Fender Flares
Heated Front Seats & Steering Wheel
17” Black Wheels with Polished Lip: $975 MSRP
Rubicon Steel Front Bumper: $1650 MSRP
Body-Colour Three-Piece Hard Top: $1950 MSRP
Premium Black Sunrider Soft Top: $3575 MSRP
Premium Paint: $1035 MSRP
| Model | Engine | Trans | Drive | Power | Torque | Fuel | MSRP* |
| Overland | 3.6L V6 | 8AT | 4X4 | 209kW | 347Nm | Petrol | $75,450 |
| Rubicon | 3.6L V6 | 8AT | 4X4 | 209kW | 347Nm | Petrol | $76,450 |
*plus on road costs.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Jeep Gladiator, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.