2021 Jeep Gladiator price and features: Boosted payload capacity for Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Ram 1500 rival

Jeep Australia has simplified its Gladiator pick-up range, slimming the available grades for its Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado rival to just two variants.

Now kicking off at $68,450 before on-road costs for the new Night Eagle grade, the 2021 Gladiator starts $3000 upstream of the Sport S that previously opened the range.

Once again though, sitting atop the Gladiator line-up is the Rubicon, priced at $76,950 (+$500 more than before).

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The mid-tier Gladiator Overland is now no longer available.

All Gladiators are once again powered by a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine, which sends 209kW/347Nm to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Key however, to the 2021 update is the Gladiator’s reclassification from off-road passenger vehicle to light goods vehicle, meaning a payload upgrade from 527-620kg to 693kg across the new range.

The gross vehicle mass (GVM) for the Rubicon is also up 100kg to 2935kg, while the kerb weight has also increased by 27kg to 2242kg.

While the Night Eagle has no direct predecessor, its GVM and kerb weight stand at 2880kg and 2187kg respectively.

Standard equipment in the Night Eagle includes a 7.0-inch driver display, cloth seat trim, push-button start, nine-speaker sound system, three-piece hardtop and LED exterior lighting, while new gear in the update includes black interior and exterior accents, a gloss-black front grille, 17-inch black wheels, remote start system and security alarm.

Also new for the base grade Gladiator is an 8.4-inch Uconnect multimedia touchscreen with satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support.

Jeep’s ‘Selec-Trac’ 4x4 system returns in the 2021 Gladiator, while a non-locking 4.10 rear axle ratio and 240-amp alternator are new in the update.

For safety, the Gladiator comes with forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera.

The Rubicon meanwhile, adds front and rear locking differentials, Fox shocks, forward-facing off-road camera and off-road tyres.

Options available on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator include premium paint ($795) and a Lifestyle Adventure Group ($2950) pack that includes extra AUX switches, cargo Trail Rail system, lockable rear underseat storage, spray in bedliner, roll-up tonneau cover and a wireless Bluetooth speaker.

Rubicon buyers also have access to the Rubicon Premium Package and Trail-Ready Package for $2950 and $2000 respectively, with the former adding body-coloured fenders and hardtop, and the latter bundling a steep front bumper and 17-inch alloy wheels.

2021 Jeep Gladiator pricing before on-road costs