Jeep has finally gone and made a Wrangler-based bakkie.
The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator boasts a rugged, distinguished design aesthetic that is immediately recognisable with traditional Jeep design cues.
The Jeep design team kept the legendary seven-slot grille seen on Wrangler but widened the grille slots for additional air intake to assist with the increased towing capacity. The top of the keystone-shaped grille is gently swept back to enhance aerodynamics.
Gladiator Overland and Rubicon models offer available LED headlamps and fog lamps that project crisp white lighting, adding to the truck’s modern look. Gladiator models are equipped with LEDs feature daytime running lights, which form a halo around the outside perimeter of the headlights. Forward turn signals are positioned on the front of the trapezoidal wheel flares.
From behind, traditional square tail lamps feature available LED lighting and give way to a wide tailgate opening for unobstructed loading of cargo into the bed. The tailgate is damped and capable of stopping in three positions, while cargo is easily secured with a power-locking tailgate.
The full-size spare tyre and mount is located under the bed, behind the rear axle, and capable of holding up to a 35-inch tyre.
The all-new Jeep Gladiator offers the proven 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine at launch with a 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V-6 engine being offered in 2020.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all Gladiator models equipped with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6, and an eight-speed automatic transmission is optional.
Two off-road options will be available. The Command-Trac 4×4 system, standard on Sport and Overland, features a two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, and heavy-duty third-generation Dana 44 front and rear axles with a 3.73 rear axle ratio.
On Gladiator Rubicon, a Rock-Trac 4×4 system features heavy-duty third-generation Dana 44 front and rear axles with a “4LO” ratio of 4:1. A 4.10 front and rear axle ratio is standard as are Tru-Lok locking differentials.
Gladiator Rubicon models offer improved articulation and total suspension travel with help from a segment-exclusive electronic sway-bar disconnect. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, Gladiator Rubicon has an impressive crawl ratio of 84.2:1, and 77.2:1 on Rubicon models equipped with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission – both of which makes scaling any obstacle on the trail easy.
Both Command-Trac and Rock-Trac systems offer full-time torque management, enabling optimal grip in low-traction conditions.
An available Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential on Sport and Overland provides extra torque and grip during slippery, low-traction situations, such as driving over sand, gravel, snow or ice.
Jeep South Africa has not confirmed the Gladiator for South Africa… yet.