OK we said it has some features! This is the press release translated and summarised for you by us. Aren’t we nice?
Is this a Raptor Killer? I wonder….
The new Jeep Gladiator 4 x 4 pickup (ahem, bakkie!).
Reading through this we have “legendary capability with 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, segment-exclusive electronic sway-bar disconnect and off-road tyres.”
We also have up to 800mm of water fording. It’s in a double cab configuration flavour with a durable five-foot steel bed with covered external power source and strong integrated tie-downs, providing versatility for flexible cargo options. Which means it’s good for loading stuff.
Looks, looks, yes we can see it’s a Jeep. But we really like this bit that follows though!
o Convenient fold-down windshield for off-road purists
o The only true open-air 4×4 pickup truck with easy-to-use premium soft top and hardtop
o Dozens of different door, top and windshield combinations
Then it also has lightweight, high-strength aluminium doors, hinges, hood, fenders, windshield frame and tailgate which help curtail weight and boost fuel economy.
Suspension is tuned to optimise on-road handling and ride comfort without sacrificing off-road capability, payload or towing capability – well, we’ll know more about that when we road test the thing.
The engine?
This is an “advanced fuel-efficient powertrain, tried and tested in the Jeep Wrangler: 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine with Engine Stop-Start (ESS) mated to eight-speed automatic transmission.”
Yes, yes and the power?
The all-new Jeep Gladiator offers the proven 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine delivering 209kW and 347Nm of torque and features ESS as standard equipment. It is engineered to provide a broad torque band with a focus on low-end torque, an essential trait needed for extreme off-roading. Known for its refinement, power, efficiency and adaptability, the Company has produced more than 8.6 million 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar engines since production began in 2010. The award-winning engine family is currently built at three plants – Trenton (Michigan) Engine Complex, Mack Avenue (Detroit) Engine and Saltillo (Mexico) South Engine.
The Jeep Gladiator benefits from the popular V6 engine’s low-range torque, which is needed when out on the trails or during demanding conditions, such as hauling cargo or towing a trailer.
Cool. And the box?
The Jeep Gladiator offers an eight-speed automatic transmission, enabling the vehicle to optimise engine output while on the trails or enjoying smooth, efficient power delivery at highway speeds.
Gladiator’s eight-speed automatic transmission offers a responsive driving experience. Whether commuting during the week or rock crawling or hauling cargo on the weekend, customers will enjoy a smooth, linear power delivery and improved fuel efficiency.
A unique set of two overdrive ratios improve open road fuel economy and reduce overall noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels.
Uniquely suited to the requirements of the Gladiator Rubicon model, the eight-speed automatic transmission delivers a 77.2:1 crawl ratio. The towing and 4×4 performance benefits from a 4.7:1 first gear ratio coupled with a 4.1:1 final drive.
Selec-Speed Control is standard with the eight-speed automatic transmission and manages vehicle speed in “4LO” while traversing off-road terrain without requiring throttle or brake input, allowing the driver to focus on steering. Selec-Speed Control is activated using a button on the dashboard and can be adjusted from 1-8km/h simply by using the AutoStick shift control.
Other stuff? What cool toys and things do we get?
Fourth-generation Uconnect system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8.4-inch touchscreen with pinch-and-zoom capability.
The tailgate is damped and capable of stopping in three positions, while cargo is easily secured with a power-locking tailgate.
Clever functionality and versatility were the focus while designing the Gladiator’s durable bed to streamline usability. Under-rail bed lighting, and strong integrated tie-downs, provide durability and versatility. The Trail Rail Cargo Management System provides additional storage options to organise and secure cargo. The full-size spare tyre and mount is located under the bed, behind the rear axle and capable of holding up to a 35-inch tyre. 35″? holy moly!
The Gladiator’s load bed is lined with a special scratch-resistant layer and a roll-up rigid loading cover.
And more stuff?
A four-bolt design at the top of the windshield’s frame allows for the windscreen to fold down quickly and easily. A header bar connects the A-pillars and stays in place even when the windscreen is folded down. This allows the rearview mirror to remain in place even with the windscreen folded.
Lightweight, high-strength aluminium doors feature the Torx bit size stamped directly onto the hinge to eliminate guessing which size bit is needed to remove the doors. A tool kit with the necessary Torx bits to remove the doors and lower the windscreen is provided as standard equipment.
Gladiator also features body-colour sport bars, which are welded to the body and feature integrated grab handles for front occupants.
A premium Sunrider soft top provides a segment-exclusive easy open-air option, which helps to quiet wind noise and allows for access to partial and full open top positions. The soft top features retainers that slide into a track for easy rear window removal.
There is also a black three-piece hardtop which offers even more options for open-air driving. The two Freedom panels and quick-release latches enable a fast removal and installation of the hardtop. The hardtop features a manual rear-sliding window.
Dozens of different door, top and windshield combinations allow for endless configuration possibilities.
Leather-contoured seats feature accent stitching and adjustable bolster and lumbar support. Available comfort features include heated front seats and steering wheel.
All-new rear seats feature high-quality premium materials giving the seats an athletic look that also delivers comfort and support. The rear seats, exclusive to Gladiator, feature segment-leading rear legroom and use a unique design that can be locked in place to provide secure storage behind the seat back. The rear seats can be folded flat to access cab-back storage and provide a load floor for larger items.
With the rear seats folded flat, LED lights on the quarter trim panels illuminate the storage space behind the seats. Two storage nets on the cab-back wall provide even more secure storage.
Clever storage solutions are found throughout the Gladiator, including durable mesh pockets that extend the entire length of the doors and numerous phone storage areas.
I’m sorry we asked – that’s a lot of features.
But there’s even more?!?
Yuuuuup!
The rear seat cushions can fold up into “stadium” position to reveal a standard open storage bin, which utilises the space under the seat for stowing miscellaneous items. An optional lockable bin provides secure storage space when the top or doors are removed. The available lockable storage bin features two different size doors that correspond to the 60/40 split rear seat cushion.
Removable dividers can provide up to five separate compartments and uses the same lock as the glove box and centre console.
A removable bolt bin fits in the under-seat storage space and makes it easy to secure bolts when the doors and top are removed, or the windshield is folded down. The bolt bin lid indicates the corresponding number of bolts and their location under the lid in Petroglyph style.
The driver and front passenger vinyl-wrapped door-trim panels are soft to the touch. Lift-Assist handles under each door armrest feature an integrated pull-cup design that makes door removal quick and easy. Convenience features include passive entry with Keyless Go.
The instrument cluster an available 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) information LED display. The 7-inch LED display allows the driver to configure information in more than 100 ways, including current media being played, tyre pressure, tyre-fill alert or digital speed readout.
Integrated buttons on the steering wheel control audio, voice and speed functions, allowing the driver to keep hands on the wheel at all times.
An 8.4-inch touchscreen houses the fourth-generation Uconnect system and sits prominently atop the centre stack. The fourth-generation Uconnect system enhances the user interface and system performance with quicker startup times and improved screen resolution. Directly below the touchscreen are functional features, such as climate and volume control knobs and media connectivity ports.
Two USB ports and a USB-C port up front and two in reach of occupants in the back seat connect to the media centre. Optional audio upgrades include a subwoofer and portable wireless speaker located behind the rear seat. LED lights on quarter-trim panels illuminate the storage space and the docking station for the wireless speaker. A net on the left side of the cab wall provides additional storage when equipped with the subwoofer and wireless speaker. Now that is cool as hell! We approve of this wholeheartedly.
And off road capabilities?
The all-new Jeep Gladiator delivers legendary off-road capability. The Rock-Trac 4×4 system features heavy-duty third-generation Dana 44 front and rear axles with a “4LO” ratio of 4:1. A 4.10 front and rear axle ratio is standard as are Tru-Lok locking differentials.
Gladiator Rubicon models offer improved articulation and total suspension travel with help from a segment-exclusive electronic sway-bar disconnect. With the standard eight-speed automatic transmission, the Rubicon has an impressive crawl ratio of 77.2:1 making scaling any obstacle on the trail easy.
Rock-Trac also offers full-time torque management, enabling optimal grip in low-traction conditions. Gladiator Rubicon receives a Trail Rated badge thanks to legendary Jeep 4×4 capability, which includes features such as:
Rock-Trac 4×4 system with a “4LO” ratio of 4:1 and Tru-Lok locking differentials standard on Rubicon models
Skid plates and front and rear tow hooks
Rear steel heavy-duty off-road rear bumper and available front steel winch-ready bumper with removable end caps
Approach angle of 43.6 degrees, breakover angle of 20.3 degrees, departure angle of 26 degrees and ground clearance of 249 mm (to the rear Diff)
Up to 800 mm of water fording
Up to 2721 kg towing and 693kg 4×4 payload capacity
So what about safety?
Safety and security were paramount in the development of the Jeep Gladiator, which offers more than 80 available active and passive safety and security features. Available features include Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, standard ParkView rear back-up camera with dynamic grid lines, Adaptive Cruise Control and electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation.
Infotainment and AAACP?
The Jeep Gladiator features Uconnect 8.4NAV, delivering communication, entertainment and navigation features drivers and passenger’s desire, including a full-colour LED instrument cluster.
The Uconnect system includes easy-to-use features, enhanced processing power, faster startup times and touchscreens that display high-resolution graphics.
Apple CarPlay
Seamlessly integrates an iPhone with the vehicle’s built-in display and controls in addition to featuring Siri Voice control. IPhone-equipped drivers can make phone calls, access music, send and receive messages, and receive voice-guided navigation optimised for traffic conditions and more, while staying focused on the road.
Android Auto
System shares useful information when driving and makes it easy to access the best of Google technology. Featuring Google Maps with free voice-guided navigation, live traffic information and lane guidance, as well as on-demand access to 30 million songs with Google Play Music, the ability to place phone calls or send and receive messages while keeping hands on the wheel and ask Google search any question, Android Auto makes it easy to access popular apps and content from the Uconnect system’s touchscreen.
And there you have it. Price is R1.26M.
