JEEP UNVEILS ITS OPEN-AIR UTE

The Gladiator’s V6s will pack maximum punch, too

Meet America’s tough new Toyota HiLux rival. Jeep has taken the covers off the much anticipated Gladiator dual-cab ute.

The new workhorse, based on the Wrangler 4WD, is expected to join the booming onetonne ute market in 2020, taking on the likes of the top-selling HiLux and Ford’s Ranger.

It’s Jeep’s first foray into the segment since 1992, and it revives the Gladiator name that debuted in the 1960s.

“There is tremendous demand for this unique vehicle from our loyal Jeep customers and pick-up truck buyers everywhere,” says Jeep North America boss Tim Kuniskis.

“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.”

Jeep stretched the Wrangler underpinnings by 787mm to accomodate a larger cabin and the tray. In true Wrangler fashion, the Gladiator will have soft and hardtop versions — and, as a first, a fold-down windscreen will give drivers an open-air ute experience.

The powerful 3.6-litre petrol V6 (212kW/ 353Nm) will be matched to a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

In a market dominated by diesel engines, Toyota and Mitsubishi are the only major players with a petrol-powered ute and both use smaller four-cylinders and two-wheel drive.

The petrol engine will be joined later by a 3.0-litre turbo diesel (194kW/599Nm) V6 with an eight-speed auto. The diesel’s outputs will make it the most powerful ute in its class.

Production of the petrol versions will start next year with the diesel to follow — by the time the Gladiator arrives in Australia, both engines should be available. All versions are 4WD with 3500kg towing capacity and 725kg payload, on par with most mainstream rivals.

The Gladiator will have serious off-road potential thanks to locking differentials, an approach angle of 43.6 degrees and a departure angle of 26 degrees, along with a wading depth of up to 760mm.

The Gladiator will feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible via a 7.0 or 8.4inch touchscreen depending on specification.

In the cabin, buyers have the choice of cloth or leather and there are various interior storage compartments.

Exterior styling mirrors the new Wrangler with the retro Jeep grille and headlight design.

“Unquestionably a truck and instantly recognisable as a Jeep, the all-new 2020 Gladiator is the ultimate vehicle for any outdoor adventure,” says Kuniskis.