The new Jeep Gladiator has been revealed at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, with the American brand describing its Wrangler-based double-cab bakkie as “the most capable mid-size truck ever”.
Jeep says its new body-on-frame Gladiator delivers “unmatched capability with best-in-class towing and 4×4 payload capacity”, as well as “composed” on-road driving dynamics.
Its off-road ability comes courtesy of the brand’s Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4×4 systems, third-generation Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lock electric front- and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited-slip differential, sway-bar disconnect and 33-inch off-road tyres.
The Gladiator will be built in Ohio (production is expected to begin in the first half of 2019) in Sport, Sport S, Overland and Rubicon trim configurations.
A four-bolt design at the top of the windscreen’s frame allows for the screen to fold down, with a header bar connecting the A-pillars and staying in place. Lightweight aluminium doors feature the Torx bit size stamped directly onto the hinge (to eliminate guessing which size bit is needed to remove the doors, says Jeep).
The Jeep Gladiator will be offered with the brand’s familiar 3,6-litre Pentastar V6 engine at launch, mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with an eight-speed automatic transmission offered as an option. A 3,0-litre EcoDiesel V6 engine is set to join the range later, offered exclusively with an eight-speed auto.
The newcomer features an approach angle of 43,6 degrees, breakover angle of 20,3 degrees, departure angle of 26 degrees and a ground clearance of 282 mm. The Gladiator also benefits from up to 762 mm of water fording, up to 725 kg of payload and up to 3 470 kg of towing capacity (with the Max Towing Package specified).
