Jeep again hikes Wrangler, Gladiator prices by thousands

Jeep has increased prices on its Wrangler and Gladiator ranges for the second time this year, with the Wrangler most affected.

Gladiator prices rose on July 1, with Wrangler prices following on August 1.

The former has seen the smallest increases, with prices up by between $2900 and $3200.

The Wrangler, in contrast, has seen its prices soar by as much $12,000. The minimum Wrangler price increase in this latest round of hikes is $6000.

Jeep again hikes Wrangler, Gladiator prices by thousands

“The recent pricing actions are mainly prompted by a convergence of global market forces, such as the rising cost of raw materials and freight, or semiconductor shortage, which impact the overall industry,” said a spokesperson for Jeep Australia.

“We continue to work with our vendors and dealers to minimise customers from any negative impact as much as possible.”

Jeep hasn’t confirmed any specification changes for the Gladiator and Wrangler ranges.

It says there’s stock of the Gladiator at dealerships now, but customers are looking at an eight-10 month lead time for a Wrangler.

These latest increases follow a price hike across almost the entire Jeep range earlier this year, with Gladiator prices increased by as much as $2300 and Wrangler prices rising across the board by between $6600 and $7000.

As with the latest increase, Jeep Australia cited increased material costs and supply chain issues.

The successive increases mean a flagship Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is now $19,000 more expensive than it was late last year, while lesser Wranglers have all seen their prices increased by roughly $13,000 in the same time.

The cost of entry to the Wrangler range just keeps rising, following the discontinuation of more affordable two-door Sport S and Overland models.

Around this time last year, the most affordable Wrangler was $61,750 before on-roads. The cost of entry is now almost exactly $20,000 higher.

To the end of August, Jeep has sold 884 Wranglers and 1029 Gladiators.

The former was down 30.3 per cent on the same period last year, while the Gladiator was its mirror image, up 34.3 per cent.

The ute is currently the third best-selling member of the Jeep line-up, behind the Compass (1259, up 95.2 per cent) and the Grand Cherokee (1334, down 38.6 per cent).

The Cherokee sits in last place with 242 sales, down 26.2 per cent. The brand overall is down 8.4 per cent on the same period last year.