Jeep Gladiator 2020 review

One look at the Jeep Gladiator is enough and you might think it's just a Jeep Wrangler with a narrow rear end.

And in a sense it is. But it's also much more than that.

The Jeep Gladiator could very well be built on a chassis built for crazy off-road driving, and its looks certainly live up to its oh-so-American name - including doors and roof panels that you can remove. After all, this is the first convertible double cab.

Jeep Gladiator is more than just the name and look of a concept car turned into a real car - it's a lifestyle and entertainment. This is the first Jeep pickup since the Cherokee-based Comanche in 1992 and the model has never been sold in Australia.

But the Gladiator will be offered locally around mid-2020 - it will likely take so long to land because a diesel-powered version isn't being built yet. 

Die-hard Jeep fans have been waiting for this car for a long time, others might say it's not wanted, not wanted, or even incredible. But the question is: are you not having fun?

Let's just make sure we don't call this car a Wrangler ute, because while it borrows heavily from this model, there's more to it than that. Let me tell you how.

Jeep Gladiator 2020: Launch Edition (4X4)
Safety Rating
engine's type	3.6L
fuel type	Regular unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	12.4l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$70,500

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

The Jeep Gladiator has to be the most intriguing vehicle in the midsize segment.

From some angles, it pulls its large size quite well. This is a ute that is 5539mm long, has an extremely long wheelbase of 3487mm and a width of 1875mm and the height depends on the roof installed and whether it is a Rubicon or not: the standard convertible model is 1907mm while as Rubicon height 1933 mm; the height of the regular hardtop version is 1857mm and the height of the Rubicon hardtop version is 1882mm. Suffice to say, all of these trucks have big bones.

The Jeep Gladiator has to be the most intriguing vehicle in the midsize segment.

It's huge. Bigger than the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max or Mitsubishi Triton. In fact, it's not much shorter than the Ram 1500, and this division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is closely related to the Jeep Gladiator.

Things like a reinforced chassis, essentially a portable five-link rear suspension, and a number of other design tweaks such as wider grille slats for better cooling since it's designed to be towable, plus even a grille washer system and a front view camera with washer in case of dirt. Just like our test car.

In truth, it has everything you need from a Wrangler - a folding soft top, a removable hard top (both of which are yet to be confirmed for Australia, but both will likely be available as options), or a fixed roof. Plus, you can rip off the doors or roll down the windshield to really enjoy the outdoors. 

The design also has some really playful elements. Things like the imprinted dirt bike tire tread on the headboard of the atomizer liner, and Easter eggs like the 419 area stamp, which marks the Gladiator's place of origin as Toledo, Ohio.

A wide range of Mopar accessories will be available for the Gladiator - things like a steel front bumper with a winch, a sports bar for a bathtub, roof racks, tray racks, LED lights and maybe even real headlights. 

This ute is 5539mm long, with a long wheelbase of 3487mm and a width of 1875mm.

And when it comes to trunk dimensions, the length is 1531mm with the tailgate closed (2067mm with the tailgate down - theoretically enough for a couple of dirt bikes), and the width is 1442mm (with 1137mm between the wheel arches - that means an Australian pallet - 1165mm x 1165mm - still doesn't fit like most other double cabs). The cargo floor height is 845 mm on the axle and 885 mm on the tailgate.

The interior has its own design flair too – and we're not just talking about Willys Jeep motifs on the shifter and windshield edge. Look at the photos of the salon to see for yourself.

How practical is the interior space? 8/10

The cabin is spacious, but not the most practical if you really value door pockets. There are mesh door shelves, but no bottle holders - the doors are designed to be easily removed and stored, so bulky excess plastic is unnecessary.

But in the US, it's important to drink while driving (not that kind of drink!), so there are cup holders front and back, a small glove box, a large, closed center console, and seat-back map pockets.

The design of the front of the cabin is very straightforward and looks quite retro.

The design of the front of the cabin is very straight forward and looks quite retro, apart from the prominent screen in the middle of the dashboard. All controls are well placed and easy to learn, they are massive and made of decent quality materials. Yes, there's a lot of hard plastic everywhere, but you might need to hose down your Gladiator if it gets dirty when you're running without a roof, so it's forgivable.

And the seats in the back row are very good. I'm six feet (182 cm) tall and sit comfortably in my driving position with plenty of leg, knee and head room. Shoulder room is decent too. Just make sure people are seated in their seats if you're going off-road, as otherwise the bar that separates the cabin may come into play.

There's a lot of hard plastic in there, but you may need to hose down your Gladiator if it gets dirty.

Some of the smartest elements of the Gladiator are found in the back seat, including a jump seat with a lockable drawer underneath, which means you can leave your disassembled safe unattended knowing you've stowed your belongings securely.

In addition, there is a detachable Bluetooth speaker that hides behind the back seat and can be taken with you when you go camping or camping. It's also waterproof. And when it is fixed in the speaker, it becomes part of the stereo system.

The media system depends on the model: Uconnect screens are available with a diagonal of 5.0, 7.0 and 8.4 inches. The last two have satellite navigation, and the largest screen can include the Jeep Off Road Pages app, which shows you important XNUMXxXNUMX information like corners and exits.

All systems come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. The sound system has eight speakers as standard, nine if equipped with a removable one.

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10

Who knows!?

It will be a while before we see Jeep Gladiator pricing and specifications, even though US pricing and details have been announced.

However, if we look into the patented Cars Guide crystal ball, here's what we're likely to see: a lineup of three models: the Sport S version starts at around $55,000 plus travel expenses, the Overland model at around $63,000, and the top Rubicon version at around $70,000. . 

It's petrol-powered - expect the diesel model to cost a bit more.

However, the standard equipment list is pretty well stocked and we expect it to reflect what we've seen in the Wrangler.

Standard features include a rearview camera, rear parking sensors and a 7.0-inch multimedia screen.

That should mean a Sport S model with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic lighting and wipers, push button start, rearview camera and rear parking sensors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth seat trim and a 7.0-inch multimedia screen. If there had to be a convertible as standard, this would be it. 

The mid-range Overland model will likely come with a removable hard top, additional protective gear (see section below), and larger 18-inch wheels. There will likely be LED headlights and taillights, as well as front parking sensors and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. An 8.4-inch media screen is likely, which also includes sat-nav, and the interior will get leather trim, heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

The Rubicon will most likely be offered on 17-inch wheels with aggressive all-terrain tires (probably factory 32-inch rubber), and it will have a full set of off-road add-ons: locking front and rear differentials that disable the front suspension. beam, heavy duty Dana axles, bottom edge sliders and a unique steel front beam with winch.

The Rubicon will have a few other differences, such as the Jeep "Off Road Pages" app on the media screen, as well as model-specific graphics on the hood.

The Rubicon will have a few other differences, such as Jeep's "Off Road Pages" app on the media screen.

A wide range of original accessories is expected to be offered for the Gladiator line, while Mopar will offer a number of unique additions, including a lifting kit. It's not yet clear if we'll be able to get skinless doors due to Australian regulations, but all models will have a folding windshield.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10

There are expected to be two options to choose from at launch in Australia.

The first one we tested outside of Sacramento, California is Pentastar's familiar 3.6-liter V6 petrol engine that makes 209kW (at 6400rpm) and 353Nm of torque (at 4400rpm). It will only be offered with an eight-speed automatic and only with all-wheel drive. Read more about how it works in the driving section below.

There will be no manual transmission version sold in Australia, nor will there be a 2WD/RWD model.

The other option, which will be sold in Australia, is a 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine with 195kW and 660Nm of torque. /6 Nm) and VW Amarok V190 (up to 550 kW/6 Nm). Again, this model will come standard with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.

There will be no manual transmission version sold in Australia, nor will there be a 2WD/RWD model. 

What about V8? Well, it may come in the form of a 6.4-liter HEMI, but we learned that such a model will require some serious work to meet the impact resistance standards. So if that happens, don't count on it anytime soon.

All Gladiator models sold in Australia have a drawbar pull of 750kg for an unbraked trailer and a trailer load capacity of up to 3470kg with brakes, depending on the model.

The curb weight of Gladiator models with automatic transmission ranges from 2119 kg for the entry-level Sport model to 2301 kg for the Rubicon version. 

The Gross Combined Weight (GCM) should be lower than many other cars: 5800kg for the Sport, 5650kg for the Rubicon and 5035kg for the Overland (the latter of which has a lower gear ratio for a more road-oriented 3.73). against 4.10).

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How much fuel does it consume? 6/10

Fuel consumption for Australian models has yet to be confirmed.

However, the US Gladiator's fuel consumption figure is 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. If you combine them and convert, you can expect 13.1 l / 100 km. 

We can't wait to see how the gasoline vs diesel economy comparison works out, but there's no claimed oil burner fuel consumption yet.

The fuel tank capacity is 22 gallons - that's about 83 liters.

What is it like to drive? 9/10

To be honest, I didn't expect Gladiator to be as good as it really is.

It's really, really, really good.

It could very well set a new benchmark for ride comfort and compliance - and while you might expect given it doesn't have a leaf-sprung rear suspension (it runs on a five-link setup), it's significantly more pliable and collected over bumps. stretches of road than any ute i have driven. And he was unloaded. I imagine that with a few hundred kilos of gear in the back, things would be even better.

This could very well be the new benchmark for ride comfort and compliance.

The 3.6-liter engine is quite adequate, offering strong response and smooth power delivery even if it likes to rev hard, and the eight-speed automatic can cling to gears for too long. This often happened with this transmission configuration, which may be familiar to those who have driven a gasoline-powered Grand Cherokee.

Four-wheel disc brakes provide great stopping power and good pedal travel, and the gas pedal is also well calibrated whether you're on or off-road.

I would have preferred more handlebar weight in the center as it is quite light and requires constant adjustment on the highway. But it is predictable and constant, which cannot be said about all cars with a drive axle.

I would have preferred more handlebar weight in the center as it is quite light.

Another minor issue I have is the wind noise that appears at highway speeds. You might expect some considering it's about as aerodynamic as an apartment building, but it's the mirrors and around the A-pillars that have the most noticeable rustle in pace. Hey, I'd take the roof off or flip it back most of the time anyway. 

Let's look at the important off-road features before we move on to the off-road review.

If you want the most bang for your buck, you need to get the Rubicon, which has a 43.4-degree approach angle, a 20.3-degree acceleration/acceleration angle, and a 26.0-degree departure angle. At the back, there are built-in stone railings to protect the bottom edges of the tub. The Gladiator Rubicon has a wading depth of 760mm (40mm less than the Ranger) and a claimed ground clearance of 283mm.

Non Rubicon models have 40.8° approach angles, 18.4° camber angles, 25° exit angles and 253mm of ground clearance. 

The Rubicon we tested sat on 17-inch wheels with 33-inch Falken Wildpeak (285/70/17) all-terrain tires, and factory 35-inch AT tires are available in the US for the price. It is not clear whether we will receive them on the spot.

No wonder the Gladiator Rubicon was an off-road beast.

No wonder the Gladiator Rubicon was an off-road beast. No wonder the Gladiator Rubicon was an off-road beast. On a purpose-built off-road track built by the brand in a multimillion-dollar area near Sacramento, the Gladiator proved its formidable capabilities - it rolled down at a 37-degree angle and used hull-length stone rails in the process. and willingly tackled deep, clay-covered ruts, even with the A/T rubber clogged underneath. It is worth noting that the tire pressure in our cars dropped to 20 psi.

Along the route, there were Jeep consultants who not only showed the best way up or down the most difficult sections, but also informed the driver when to use the rear differential lock or front and rear differential lock in combination, as well as electronic control. a removable anti-roll bar is standard on the Rubicon.

We didn't get a chance to ride the Rubicon on the road, which is equipped with option-specific Fox shocks with hydraulic breakers, but they performed exceptionally well off-road.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / 100,000 km


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 6/10

The Jeep Gladiator hasn't been crash tested yet, but given that the Wrangler it's based on received a nasty one-star ANCAP crash test from Euro NCAP in late 2018 (the test model didn't have automatic emergency braking), the Gladiator can't be high score when it comes to star rating.

This may or may not matter to you, and we can understand both points of view. But the fact is that many of his contemporaries have improved their safety and most of them have a five-star rating, even if they were awarded many years ago. 

Australian versions of the Gladiator are expected to follow the path blazed by Wrangler in terms of safety equipment specifications. 

This should mean items like adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring will likely only be available on the top trim, and there will be no lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, or automatic high beams. Sveta. Forward collision warning will be available, but it's not yet clear if full automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection will be offered.

There are four airbags (dual front and front side, but no curtain airbags or driver knee protection) and electronic stability control with hill descent control.

If you think of the Gladiator as a lifestyle family truck, you'll be pleased to know that it comes with dual ISOFIX child seat attachment points and three top tether anchorages.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 6/10

Exact details have yet to be confirmed, but you can expect a five or seven year warranty on the Gladiator. Hopefully this is the last one as Jeep has some baggage in terms of reliability on some models.

Unfortunately for buyers, there is no limited-price service plan, but who knows - by the time the Gladiator launches in 2020, it may arrive, but it will most likely come in six-month / 12,000 km intervals. I wish there was, and if it does, it will likely include roadside assistance coverage as the brand is currently being extended to owners who have their vehicles serviced through Jeep.

Exact details will be confirmed, but you can expect a five or seven year warranty on the Gladiator.

Verdict

To be honest, the Jeep Gladiator pleasantly surprised me. It's not just a Wrangler with a different rear end, although it has the capabilities of that model and the ability to take all your stuff with you. 

Unlike many other competitors that dominate the sales charts, this is not a work model with lifestyle aspirations - no, the Gladiator may be the first true lifestyle without work pretensions. Admittedly, it can handle a reasonable load and can tow a lot, but it's more about fun than functionality, and it really does get the job done.

The score doesn't really reflect how much I liked this car, but we have to rate it against our criteria, and there are a few more unknowns. Who knows, the score could go up when it hits Australia, depending on price, specs, fuel consumption and protective gear.