The Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux are about to get more competition from the USA.
The Ram 1500 is already on hand to offer buyers something bigger and V8-powered, now the Jeep Gladiator is here with looks from a Wrangler, a raft of off-road kit, and the availability of a folding soft top.
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is available only as a dual-cab ute, with one powertrain (for now) and three trim levels. Prices range from $75,450 before on-road costs for the Overland to $86,450 before on-road costs for the Launch Edition.
The Gladiator is the first ute from Jeep since it discontinued the XJ Cherokee-based Comanche in 1992 and the first ute sold in Australia since the brand retired the J10 in the early 1980s. It’s also the only convertible ute currently on sale in Australia.
Pricing
- 2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland: $75,450
- 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon: $76,450
- 2020 Jeep Gladiator Launch Edition: $86,450
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Engines
All 2020 Jeep Gladiator models use a naturally-aspirated 3.6-litre petrol V6 engine. It produces 209kW of power and 347Nm of torque and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
All Gladiators are four-wheel drive but there are two different systems. The Overland uses Jeep’s Selec-Trac on-demand system while the Rubicon and Launch Edition upgrade to the Rock-Trac on-demand system.
Rock-Trac adds locking front and rear differentials, Fox Performance shocks, and a 4.10 rear axle ratio, plus the ability to electronically disconnect the front stabiliser bar.
Fuel Economy
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator consumes 11.2L/100km on the ADR combined cycle in Overland trim and 12.4L/100km in the Rubicon and Launch Edition.
It uses 91RON regular unleaded fuel.
Dimensions
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator measures 5591mm long, 1909mm wide (1905mm in the Overland) and 1894mm wide.
Safety
The Gladiator has yet to be tested by ANCAP, however the related Wrangler has just a three-star rating.
All 2020 Jeep Gladiator models come standard with autonomous emergency braking with forward-collision warning, as well as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, anti-lock brakes and front and front-side airbags.
There are no curtain airbags, lane-departure warning or lane-keeping assist.
Standard Equipment
The Gladiator Overland comes standard with the following features:
- 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and satellite navigation
- Adaptive cruise control
- Reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors
- Automatic headlights
- Remote start
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Removable, body-colour hardtop
- Body-colour fender flares
- Under-body skid plates
- LED headlights and daytime running lights
The Rubicon adds the following features or substitutions:
- Cloth upholstery
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Removable, black hardtop
- Steel rear bumper
- Forward-facing off-road camera
- Black fender flares
Options include a steel front bumper and a soft-top.
The optional Rubicon Luxury Package adds:
- Rubicon leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Body-colour fender flares
The Launch Edition adds the Rubicon Luxury Package, as well as the following features:
- Removable, body-colour hardtop
- Steel front bumper
- Reversing camera with rear parking sensors
- 700 amp maintenance battery
- Tonneau cover
Servicing
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator requires servicing every 12 months or 12,000km, whichever comes first.
In addition to a five-year, 100,000km warranty, Jeep offers five years of capped-price servicing. Each service costs $399.
