Jeep has just taken the wraps off its new heavy duty pickup truck, the Gladiator, at the ongoing Los Angeles motor show. It has been a long time since Jeep sold a pickup truck – the last one they sold was the Comanche, which was discontinued 26 years ago back in 1992. The ‘Gladiator’ name also makes a return to Jeep’s stable as the American brand sold another pickup truck back in the 1960’s with the same name.
The Gladiator is based on the Wrangler and takes a lot of design cues from the SUV. Both models also share the same body-on-frame chassis. The Gladiator pick-up is 787mm longer than the four-door Wrangler and, in Crew Cab configuration, features a 1,524mm load bay. Jeep says the Gladiator can carry loads of up to 725kg and that it has a 4,370kg towing capacity.
On the mechanical front, the Gladiator pick-up is powered by a 3.6-litre petrol V6 that produces 285hp and 353Nm of torque. From 2020, a 3.0-litre diesel V6 that makes 240hp and 570Nm of torque will also be available. These engines will be paired with either an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox. Depending on the spec, there are two different all-wheel-drive systems available, with both offering full-time torque management. It will be available with electric front- and rear-axle locks, a limited-slip differential and electric sway-bar disconnect. The Gladiator will also get 17-inch wheels, though the more hardcore Rubicon version will come with even larger wheels and tyres. Jeep has also stated it will have 282mm of ground clearance.
On the inside, the Gladiator comes with a 7.0-inch LED information display and an 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen with smartphone connectivity. The rest of the interiors are the same as those seen on the Wrangler in terms of layout. The Gladiator will be built at Jeep’s plant in Toledo, Ohio.
While Jeep has not said anything about an India introduction for the Gladiator, it is unlikely to arrive here. The SUV maker has plans to bring the Compass Trailhawk (with a diesel-automatic combination) and the new Wrangler to our market next year and is working on a compact SUV along with a with a new three-row SUV for India.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
