EXCUSING a gentle improve to its payload capability – which at 693kg nonetheless trails each different four-wheel drive dual-cab utility available on the market – Jeep’s Gladiator vary is essentially because it was when it landed right here a few years in the past.
For a lot of, that’s a superb factor. Afterall, the Gladiator is a handsome machine with an extended checklist of kit, an extended load mattress and an enviable off-road capacity. It additionally provides removeable roof panels and is immensely customisable – one thing most off-roaders actually respect.
However there’s nonetheless no diesel possibility domestically, cabin house stays tight, and construct high quality questionable. Our take a look at instance had rattles galore, a misaligned rear door, an exhaust manifold leak, ill-fitting carpets and a damaged solar visor mount… Hardly a great instance of a automobile that exceeds $80k on the highway.
For the cash, nonetheless, the Gladiator really provides lots of equipment. Customary inclusions similar to leather-based upholstery, heated entrance seats, a heated steering wheel, body-colour fender flares, a detachable hard-top roof and 18-inch alloy wheels are normal on the bottom grade.
The off-road centered Rubicon examined right here positive aspects Jeep’s Rock-Trac four-wheel drive system (which incorporates full- and part-time 4WD and 4.1:1 gear ratios within the low-range switch case and rear axle), entrance and rear differential locks, digital entrance sway bar disconnect, Fox dampers and 225/75 sequence (32-inch) BF Goodrich KM3 muddies on 17-inch alloys, in addition to a forward-facing digicam and adjustable tyre strain monitoring.
The Rubicon’s fender flares and detachable hard-top roof are black and its upholstery is fabric, whereas a ‘Redical Crimson’ splash of color is utilized to the dashboard.
Each variants function an 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia unit with satellite tv for pc navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, a nine-speaker Alpine premium audio system, keyless entry with push-button begin and LED exterior lighting.
Driver help and security applied sciences embrace adaptive cruise management with cease operate, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and ahead collision warning with autonomous emergency braking.
All Gladiators are powered by Jeep’s 209kW/347Nm naturally aspirated Pentastar 3.6-litre petrol engine, distributing outputs by means of an eight-speed automated transmission constructed below licence from ZF.
