Jeep Gladiator finally here

After talking about it for years, we first saw the all-new Jeep Gladiator in November 2018, first drove it in the US last April and again in New Zealand in January and then learned how expensive it will be in March.

Now, after a shipping delay due to seed contamination, Jeep’s first proper dual-cab 4x4 ute has finally hit Australian showrooms and is now available as two full-time model variants as well as a special Launch Edition form.

According to Jeep, the rugged four-door five-seat pick-up is just as capable as the Wrangler it’s based on, thanks to five-link coil suspension, Selec-Trac Active On-Demand 4x4 system, low-range gearing and locking differentials front and rear.

Every Jeep Gladiator is powered by the same Pentastar 209kW/347Nm 3.6-litre petrol V6, paired exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Towing capacity is 2721kg and payload 620kg – also well below its key diesel-powered rivals – while the Gladiator carries over unique features made popular by the Wrangler, including a three-piece removable hard-top roof, removable doors and a folding windscreen.

Other standard features include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, climate control and a five-foot steel tray that Jeep says is big enough for dirt bikes, surfboards and ATVs.

Priced at $75,450 (plus ORCs), the entry-level Jeep Gladiator Overland comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, leather heated front seats, heated steering wheel, body colour guards, LED headlights and daytime running lights, keyless entry, a nine-speaker Alpine audio system and an 8.4-inch infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Range-topping Rubicon models add front and rear Fox shocks, 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 32-inch BFGoodrich off-road tyres, a forward-facing off-road camera, front sway-bar disconnect and selectable tyre-fill alert.

A number of accessory packs can also be optioned with either model, starting with the Lifestyle Adventure Package for $3835. It adds a roll-up tonneau cover, spray-in bedliner, lockable rear under-seat storage bin, wireless Bluetooth speaker, 700-amp maintenance-free battery and auxiliary switch bank with four programmable switches.

For Rubicon buyers, a Luxury Package ($2535) adds black leather-appointed seats, body-colour fender flares, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, all of which comes standard on Overland models.

Other options available for Rubicon variants include premium paint ($1035), a black Sunrider soft-top roof ($3575), a Rubicon steel front bumper ($1650) and body-colour three-piece hard-top ($1950).

Meanwhile, for an extra $10,000, the Rubicon-based Jeep Gladiator Launch Edition – limited to just 100 units – adds exclusive 17-inch black alloys and a number of the accessories listed above, including the tonneau cover, underseat storage bin and body-colour fender flares and roof.

A number of eye-catching paint options are available, including Firecracker Red, Hydro Blue, Diamond Black, Bright White, Billet Silver Metallic, Sting Grey, Granite Crystal Metallic and two exclusive Gladiator colours, Gobi and Gator.

Watch this space for our long-awaited first Australian drive, on June 19.

How much does the 2020 Jeep Gladiator cost?
Overland – $75,450
Rubicon – $76,450
Launch Edition – $86,450
* Prices exclude on-road costs