R1.2-million Jeep Gladiator double cab launched in South Africa

Jeep has launched the Gladiator double cab in South Africa in one specification at a starting price of R1,259,900.

The Gladiator takes on the appearance of the well-known Wrangler four-door SUV measuring 787mm longer with a sizeable load-box that can accommodate almost 700kg.

Boasting a rugged design, a generous level of equipment, and “Trail Rated” capabilities, the new Gladiator is a double cab you’d want to keep an eye on in 2022.

Features

The new Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is “filled with every available feature the pickup has to offer to meet the demands of local customers,” said Jeep.

Standard fitment includes keyless entry and start, leather upholstery, adjustable bolster and lumbar support on the front seats, climate control, all-round LED lights with daytime running lights, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, and an 8.4-inch infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation.

The Gladiator is also given stylistic additions such as contrast stitching, vinyl-wrapped doors, and metal-plated accents to reinforce its robust character.

As it’s a Jeep it wouldn’t be right if the roof, doors, and windows can’t come off, and you’d be happy to know they are all still removable in only a few minutes, with the tools for the job being stashed in the large under-seat storage area at the back of the cabin.

Additional equipment aimed at making the bakkie easy to use comprises a tailgate with three stopping positions and an electronic lock, under-rail load bed lighting, strengthened tie-down spots, and a roll-up cover for the rear box.

The Gladiator also comes with a full-size spare wheel located below the load bed, with the space being capable of accommodating 4×4 tyres up to 35 inches in diameter.

“The Trail Rail Cargo Management System provides additional storage options to organise and secure cargo,” said the American manufacturer.

As far as safety and driver-assistance system are concerned, the new Jeep offers blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, standard ParkView, a rear-view camera with dynamic grid lines, adaptive cruise control, and electronic stability control with roll mitigation.

Optional equipment available for the new Gladiator continues with a heated steering wheel and seats, additional LED lighting, an improved sound system with a removable speaker, and soft-top or three-piece hard-top roofs.

Performance

Powering Jeep’s new double cab is a 3.6-litre, V6 Pentastar petrol engine generating 209kW and 347Nm – the same one as in the Wrangler.

The manufacturer has not revealed the fuel consumption of the bakkie, but that of the SUV is rated at 9.7-10.3l/100km and it’s likely that the heavier double cab will exceed this.

The SUVs are also capable of accelerating to 100km/h in under 8 seconds while reaching top speeds of 180km/h, and the Gladiator should not be that far off.

“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,” said the company.

Handling drive in the bakkie is then an eight-speed automatic gearbox with SelecSpeed control which manages vehicle speed between 1-8km/h in low range while traversing off-road terrains without requiring throttle or brake input, allowing the driver to focus on steering.

This, along with the permanent all-wheel-drive system, lets the Gladiator boast “Trail Rated” capabilities.

What this means is that it offers the following:

Approach angle of 43.6 degrees
Breakover angle of 20.3 degrees
Departure angle of 26 degrees
Ground clearance of 249mm to the rear diff
800mm water wading depth
693kg load bed capacity
2,721kg towing capacity (with optional Max Towing Pack installed)
Skid plates
Front and rear tow hooks
Heavy-duty steel rear bumper
Steel winch-ready front bumper with removable end caps
Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4×4 systems with locking differentials and low range

Completing the package are third-generation “Dana 44” axles, segment-exclusive sway-bar disconnect features that increase suspension travel, off-road tyres, and body-coloured sports bars.