Photo: Jeep
After numerous spy photographs, leaks, and whatnots, Jeep has taken the veil off the all-new Gladiator. Styled like the Wrangler but with the pickup truck DNA from Ram, the newcomer will be produced in Toledo, Ohio on the assembly line where the JK was manufactured until April 2018.
Deliveries are scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2019 for the 2020 model year, and four trim levels will be offered at launch. The Sport and Overland come standard with the Command-Trac 4x4 system, featuring a two-speed transfer case, Dana 44 axle technology, and a 3.73 ratio for the rear axle.
The Rubicon levels up to the Rock-Trac 4x4 system, featuring Tru-Lok differentials and a disconnecting sway bar. The crawl ratio of 84.2:1 is exclusive to the Rubicon with the six-speed manual while the eight-speed automatic transmission makes do with 77.2:1.
As standard, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 comes with Engine Stop-Start technology, 285 horsepower, and 260 pound-feet of torque. Jeep doesn’t mention anything about the eTorque mild-hybrid system in the Wrangler, which is somewhat of a disappointment considering the hype surrounding the Gladiator. From 2020 onwards, the engine lineup will welcome the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, which comes exclusively with the eight-speed automatic transmission.
The EcoDiesel has been re-designed for this application, offering up to 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque on full song. In regard to capability, Jeep makes a case for best-in-class towing and 4x4 payload. These are rated at 7,650 and 1,600 pounds, meaning that the Gladiator has been designed to combine the go-anywhere character of Jeep with the versatility of a workhorse.
“There is tremendous demand for this unique vehicle from our loyal Jeep customers and pickup truck buyers everywhere,” said Tim Kuniskis, head of Jeep in North America. “Born from a rich and proud heritage of tough, dependable Jeep trucks, Gladiator combines rugged utility, versatility, and functionality resulting in the most capable mid-size truck ever.”
As with the Wrangler, the Gladiator can be had with a choice of two hardtops and a soft-top option. Also similar to the Wrangler, Gladiator customers can take off the doors and fold down the windshield.
The Rubicon levels up to the Rock-Trac 4x4 system, featuring Tru-Lok differentials and a disconnecting sway bar. The crawl ratio of 84.2:1 is exclusive to the Rubicon with the six-speed manual while the eight-speed automatic transmission makes do with 77.2:1.
As standard, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 comes with Engine Stop-Start technology, 285 horsepower, and 260 pound-feet of torque. Jeep doesn’t mention anything about the eTorque mild-hybrid system in the Wrangler, which is somewhat of a disappointment considering the hype surrounding the Gladiator. From 2020 onwards, the engine lineup will welcome the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, which comes exclusively with the eight-speed automatic transmission.
The EcoDiesel has been re-designed for this application, offering up to 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque on full song. In regard to capability, Jeep makes a case for best-in-class towing and 4x4 payload. These are rated at 7,650 and 1,600 pounds, meaning that the Gladiator has been designed to combine the go-anywhere character of Jeep with the versatility of a workhorse.
“There is tremendous demand for this unique vehicle from our loyal Jeep customers and pickup truck buyers everywhere,” said Tim Kuniskis, head of Jeep in North America. “Born from a rich and proud heritage of tough, dependable Jeep trucks, Gladiator combines rugged utility, versatility, and functionality resulting in the most capable mid-size truck ever.”
As with the Wrangler, the Gladiator can be had with a choice of two hardtops and a soft-top option. Also similar to the Wrangler, Gladiator customers can take off the doors and fold down the windshield.
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