Jeep Gladiator: Ten things worth knowing

The Jeep Gladiator dual-cab 4x4 ute is on its way to Australia.

Much has been written and said about it – and there’s plenty more to come once the thing actually lands on local shores in local spec and we get to test it.

But here’s a few things you may not have heard about the Gladiator as yet.

It’s not news the JT Jeep Gladiator is based on the JL Wrangler Unlimited. But it’s bigger, a lot bigger. Try a 490mm longer wheelbase and 790mm more overall length. It’s also got a slightly better approach angle at 40.7 degrees, because it sits a little higher.

There were three key drivers determining the size and shape of the tray – and that after all is the big deal here right? Firstly, the spare tyre had to be packaged underneath.

Secondly, there was a requirement to have the axle-line under the centre of the box to help tune the ride and handling. Thirdly, Jeep wanted to keep the length short enough so it didn’t impinge on off-roading. It’s still more than 1.5m long though!

Jeep claims the 1.531m bed can carry 95 per cent of all motorcycles. There are also three rail systems offered as options/accessories. Jeep redesigned the first attempt at D-rings in the floor to ensure they sit fully flat and rotate. There is a power plug in the bed fully sealed to keep water out.

Compared to the Wrangler, a rock rail was added behind the rear wheels to address the issue of rear overhang. This rail alone can withstand one third of the vehicle weight (FYI Gladiator Rubicon weighs 2300kg in US spec) on a single point. In Australian-spec the Gladiator gets standard side rock rails to aid with ANCAP pole impact testing.

That’s what the button on the dash says and if you press it does different things in different ratios. If you are 4x4 Hi it’s a sand mode, if you are in 4x4 Lo it’s a rock mode. It’s a unique calibration for each mode that impacts throttle position, transmission shift points and electronic stability control parameters.

There are four of them on the centre stack and they’re designed so Gladiator owners can customise their vehicles with accessories like off-road lighting without losing the integrated factory-look of the cabin.

The five-link rear suspension was adapted from the RAM 1500 full-size truck to aid ride and handling. The chief engineer of Gladiator Elizabeth Krear previously worked on RAMs, so that familiarity no doubt would have helped that process.

Not only does the engine sit on hydro-mounts, but so does the body. Again, this is claimed to aid on-road behaviour.

Another feature taken from the RAM 1500 is the tailgate, which is designed to travel open and can cope with a load up to 815kg.

The look of the Gladiator’s hood latches is inspired by ski boots. No joke.

Watch this space for our first local drive of the all-new Jeep Gladiator – on Wednesday, January 15.