LA MOTOR SHOW: Jeep Gladiator pick-up rocks in

Here it is folks: the all-new Jeep Gladiator, a four-door dual-cab version of the new Jeep Wrangler – and it’s coming to Australia in early 2020.

Billed as the most capable mid-size truck ever, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is claimed to bring class-leading towing and 4x4 payload figures, plus legendary 4x4 capability and authentic design.

The last two claims are certainly true, since Jeep’s first direct rival for one-tonne utes like the top-selling Toyota HiLux is basically a new JL Jeep Wrangler with a rear tray.

However, its “best-in-class” towing capacity of up to 7650 pounds (3470kg) falls a bit short of the most popular utes sold in Australia, and its payload of up to 1600 pounds (725kg) lags even further behind most Aussie one-tonners – even if many aren’t quite.

On the upside, the Jeep Gladiator should bring the same off-road capability as the upcoming Wrangler – which finally goes on sale here in early 2019 – or at least the long-wheelbase four-door Unlimited version of the hard-core SUV.

That’s because it will be available with the same Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4x4 systems, including third-generation Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lock electric front- and rear-axle lockers, a Trac-Lok limited-slip differential and segment-exclusive electronic sway-bar disconnect system.

Fitted with 17-inch off-road alloys with 33-inch off-road tyres and “unmatched” crawl ratios, the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon should go just about anywhere, including through water up to 30 inches (763mm) deep.

Ensuring solid rock-hopping ability is an approach angle of 43.6 degrees, breakover angle of 20.3 degrees, departure angle of 26 degrees and a ground clearance of 282mm.

But Jeep says the Gladiator also brings the unique “open-air freedom” of a removable roof and doors – and even a fold-down windscreen – plus clever functionality and versatility.

Jeep says the Gladiator will offer more than 80 safety and security features, including Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, ParkView reversing camera with dynamic grid lines and electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation.

But at this stage it’s unclear whether autonomous emergency braking will be available in Australia, since AEB and a five-star ANCAP safety rating for all new Wrangler models are yet to be confirmed.

Under the bonnet, in the US at least, the Jeep Gladiator will be available with the same two engines the new Wrangler should come here with: a 210kW 3.6-litre Pentastar petrol V6 and, in 2020, a new 195kW 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6.

Both six-cylinder engines are fitted with Engine Stop-Start (ESS) and an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the petrol V6 will also be offered Stateside with a six-speed manual.

The latter will be unavailable in Australia’s new Jeep Wrangler, so if Jeep chooses to import only the Gladiator diesel, it may be auto-only here.

The eight-speed auto has a low 77.2:1 crawl ratio, a 4.7:1 first-gear ratio and 4.1:1 final drive.

The Command-Trac 4x4 system is standard on the Gladiator Sport and Overland and features a two-speed transfer case with 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio and 3.73 rear axle ratio. A Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential is optional.

The Gladiator Rubicon runs a Rock-Trac 4x4 system with a ‘4LO’ ratio of 4:1, a 4.10 front and rear axle ratio and Tru-Lok locking diffs.

Other Rubicon drivetrain extras include electronic sway-bar disconnect to deliver improved articulation and travel, and crawls ratios of 84.2:1 (manual) and 77.2:1 (auto).

Skid plates, front and rear tow hooks, the option of a winch-ready steel front bumper and, for the Rubicon, heavy-duty steel rear bumper complete the off-road package.

Jeep says the Gladiator’s steel ladder frame is all-new and lightweight, yet stiff and durable. Compared to Jeep Wrangler four-door, it’s 787mm longer and rides on a 492mm-longer wheelbase.

The prop shaft, brake, fuel lines and exhaust system were lengthened for the ute body-on-frame design, which is suspended by the same five-link coil front-end with lateral control arm and four longitudinal control arms.

Instead of rear leaf springs at the rear, there’s a specific new five-link coil suspension with two upper and two lower forged steel control arms for longitudinal control, and a track bar for lateral axle control.

Jeep says the Gladiator’s suspension was tuned to optimise on-road handling and ride comfort without sacrificing off-road capability, towing capacity or payload.

The cargo bed

The sole crew-cab body configuration comes with a five-foot (1525mm) steel bed with under-rail lighting, covered 400W/115-volt power outlet and integrated tie-down anchors.

Cargo options will include the Trail Rail Cargo Management System, spray-in bed liner, bed divider and tonneau cover. The spare wheel is mounted underneath and can store a 33-inch tyre.

The interior

Like the Jeep Wrangler, the Jeep Gladiator will come standard with a fourth-generation Uconnect infotainment system including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the choice of 7.0- or 8.4-inch touch-screens with pinch-and-zoom capability. The base model has a 5.0-inch touch-screen.

The centre console houses gearshift selector, transfer case and parking brake. Real bolts feature on the shifter and grab handles and a push-button starter is weather-proof.

Cloth or leather-trimmed seats can be had with heating, as can the steering wheel, and all-new stadium-style rear seats can be folded flat to access LED-lit storage space behind the seats and provide a level load floor for larger items.

The 60/40-split rear seat bases also fold up to reveal open storage bins, durable mesh pockets extend the length of the doors, there are numerous phone storage areas and a lockable bin is optional.

The instrument cluster features a configurable 3.5- or 7.0-inch TFT display showing media, tyre pressure or digital speedo, the steering wheel is multi-function and there are numerous USB ports.

The exterior

Four variants of the unmistakable Jeep ute -- which is punctuated by a keystone-shaped grille with seven wider slots, round headlights and square tail-lights with optional LEDs -- will be offered in the US including Sport, Sport S, Overland and hard-core Rubicon.

The latter pair will be offered with LED headlights, fog lights and daytime running lamps, while Rubicon models also add cab and cargo bed rock rails.

As in the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, in addition to its more capable chassis, the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon will come with the option of a forward-facing off-road camera to help identify off-road obstructions.

Jeep says the long-anticipated Gladiator is “the only true open-air 4x4 pick-up truck” thanks to the option of a Sunrider soft-top and two hard-tops – a range-wide black three-piece unit and a body-colour item for Overland and Rubicon models. It says dozens of different door, top and windscreen combinations will be available.

All hard-tops feature a manual rear-sliding window, two ‘Freedom’ panels and quick-release latches enable a fast roof removal and replacement, and the Torx tools needed to remove the doors are in the toolkit.

As with the Wrangler, the Jeep Gladiator’s doors, hinges, bonnet, fenders, windscreen frame – as well as its tailgate, which is power-locking, damped and capable of stopping in three positions -- are made from lightweight, high-strength aluminum to reduce weight and fuel consumption.

Genuine accessories

More than 200 new or redesigned Jeep Performance Parts will be offered by the Mopar brand for the Jeep Gladiator from launch, but it’s not clear how many or if any will be available in Australia.

In the US, factory-backed personalisation options will include everything from off-roa performance-enhancing lift kits, off-road lights and rock rails to utilitarian tonneau covers and a spray-in bedliner.

The Gladiator will be Jeep’s first pick-up in 18 years, since the MJ Jeep Comanche (1986-1992), which was based on the Cherokee and incorporated a six-foot bed.

But Jeep pick-ups date back to 1947 when Willys Overland introduced a one-ton truck based on the CJ-2A with 118-inch wheelbase and four-wheel drive.

In between were the Jeep FC-150/170 Pickup (1957-1965) with two wheelbases, full-floating front and rear axles, the option of dual rear wheels and a four-speed manual, and the Jeep Gladiator/J-Series Pick-up (1963-1987), which looked like the Wagoneer and featured a Dana 20 transfer case and Dana 44s front and rear.

The Gladiator name was dropped in 1972, before the Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler (1981-1985) arrived in both soft-top-and hard-top form, less than 30,000 of which of which were built.

“Unquestionably a truck and instantly recognisable as a Jeep, the all-new 2020 Gladiator is the ultimate vehicle for any outdoor adventure,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Jeep Brand -- North America.

“There is tremendous demand for this unique vehicle from our loyal Jeep customers and pickup truck buyers everywhere. Born from a rich and proud heritage of tough, dependable Jeep trucks, Gladiator combines rugged utility, versatility and functionality resulting in the most capable midsize truck ever.”

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator will be built alongside the Wrangler in Toledo, Ohio – where Jeeps have been made since 1941 – and available in the US from the second quarter of 2019 – up to a year before its Australian release.