In the era of wireless charging and autonomous cars, Jeep took a step back and introduced a pickup version of its Wrangler. Rumored for many years, the Gladiator is finally a production reality, which we got to see at the LA Auto Show today.
The Gladiator was presented on stage with its roof removed, doors take off and windshield down, while one of the units carried a couple of dirt bikes in the back. Your "lifestyle crossover" suddenly became a joke!
Just like the Wrangler, you can have a fabric roof or a 3-piece hardtop with a rear window. In most ways, the pickup resembles the Wrangler with which it shares its platform. In fact, up to a point, it looked identical to the Unlimited model. However, it comes with a 137-inch wheelbase carrying four doors and five seats on top. The 5-foot steel cargo box is low and easier to get into than most trucks.
We noticed the optional runners for the tie-down hooks, a power socket to the side. There's also room for a full-size spare wheel and tire underneath. The most badass Gladiator is the Rubicon with 11 inches of clearance, locking front and rear axles, a 4-to-1 transfer case and even a front camera to see the trail you're crawling over.
The dashboard looks the same as on the normal model, complete with the colorful 8.4-inch HD optional screen. But the rear seats are much different. For starters, it feels like there's more legroom, and storage has been added behind and underneath the seats. They even give you the socket wrenches you need to dismantle the car.
No turbo for this bad boy, as the only engine available at launch will be the re-worked 3.6-liter V6 which is making 285-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. You can have it with either a 6-speed or an 8-speed automatic. The 5-point solid axle suspension has been tuned specifically for the Gladiator.
Come 2020, a 3-liter diesel with an 8-speed auto will also be available, coming in handy for those who want to tow. Right now, it maxes out at 7,600 lbs.
Just like the Wrangler, you can have a fabric roof or a 3-piece hardtop with a rear window. In most ways, the pickup resembles the Wrangler with which it shares its platform. In fact, up to a point, it looked identical to the Unlimited model. However, it comes with a 137-inch wheelbase carrying four doors and five seats on top. The 5-foot steel cargo box is low and easier to get into than most trucks.
We noticed the optional runners for the tie-down hooks, a power socket to the side. There's also room for a full-size spare wheel and tire underneath. The most badass Gladiator is the Rubicon with 11 inches of clearance, locking front and rear axles, a 4-to-1 transfer case and even a front camera to see the trail you're crawling over.
The dashboard looks the same as on the normal model, complete with the colorful 8.4-inch HD optional screen. But the rear seats are much different. For starters, it feels like there's more legroom, and storage has been added behind and underneath the seats. They even give you the socket wrenches you need to dismantle the car.
No turbo for this bad boy, as the only engine available at launch will be the re-worked 3.6-liter V6 which is making 285-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. You can have it with either a 6-speed or an 8-speed automatic. The 5-point solid axle suspension has been tuned specifically for the Gladiator.
Come 2020, a 3-liter diesel with an 8-speed auto will also be available, coming in handy for those who want to tow. Right now, it maxes out at 7,600 lbs.