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A modern Jeep pick-up truck is something that fans have been wanting for decades, resulting in the international launch of the Gladiator in 2019.
Released in Australia in 2020, it gives truck buyers the choice of removing the roof panels, resuliting in the world's only convertible dual-cab pick-up. That's right – it's based on the Wrangler, so you can remove the roof, doors and windscreen if you want to.
The V6 petrol-only (for now) Gladiator is also exceptionally capable off-road, further adhering to Jeep's long-held 4x4 brand values.
The petrol-only Jeep Gladiator four-door ute range is expensive by class standards – it starts at $78,250 for the Gladiator Night Eagle (4X4) and stretches to $87,250 for the Gladiator Rubicon (4X4).
Standard features onboard the Jeep Gladiator include an 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia system (with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), as well as LED headlights/taillights/day-time running lights/fog lights, forward collision warning, plus adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor with rear cross path detection, remote proximity keyless entry, nine-speaker Alpine Premium audio system.
The high-spec Rubicon adds Jeep’s 'Rock-Trac Active On-Demand II' 4x4 system (4:1 transfer case), 'Tru-Lok' front and rear locking differentials, sway-bar disconnect, Tenneco 2.0-inch diameter aluminium-bodied shocks (front and rear; Fox shocks on previous versions), a 'TrailCam' off-road camera, selectable tyre-fill alert, BFGoodrich Mud Terrain Tyres (255/75 R17), and 17-inch machined-black alloy wheels.
The Jeep Gladiator was unveiled in 2018 before arriving in Australia in the middle of 2020.
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The Jeep Gladiator has a snug, squared-off interior that appears to be water- and weather-proof.
Build quality all-round feels solid.
All controls, dials and switchgear are chunky and easy to locate and operate, even on bumpy tracks.
Storage spaces are few, but at least they’re well suited to adventure, such as tensioned mesh pockets on doors and seat-backs, and small receptacles with textured bases.
The Jeep Gladiator has a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine (209kW at 6400rpm and 347Nm at 4100rpm) and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Jeep Gladiator has five seats. Seating is okay but anyone taller than Tom Cruise’s stunt double has to mind their head so they don’t thump it on the unforgivingly hard ceiling of the detachable top.
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is capable of doing the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.3 seconds. Top speed is approximately 180km/h.
The Jeep Gladiator has a listed fuel consumption of 12.4L/100km on a combined cycle.
The Gladiator has an 83-litre tank, so, going by that listed fuel-use figure, you could reasonably expect a driving range of approximately 669km from a full tank.
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon dual-cab ute 4x4 has a tub that measures 1531mm long, 1443mm wide (1137mm between the wheel arches).
The tub is not big enough to take an Aussie pallet but it will accommodate a Euro.
The tub has integrated tie-down points, under-rail LED lights, and its tonneau cover is fixed at the front for weatherproofing purposes, so it’s designed to be rolled up and held in place by Velcro strips when the tub is in use.