Jeep Gladiator: Capable off-road, practical everywhere else

The Jeep brand is renowned worldwide for its capable off-road SUVs and premium crossovers. From iconic models like the CJ and Cherokee to the Grand Wagoneer and, of course, the legendary Wrangler, Jeep has built a reputation that’s hard to overlook.

But, what if you need the off-road capability with a bit more practicality? If an SUV isn’t practical enough for your lifestyle, luckily, there’s still a Jeep for you in the form of the Gladiator. Today, we dive into the Gladiator’s styling, powertrain, and features to explore why this mid-size truck is built to handle it all.

As the Gladiator is based on the JL Wrangler, it shares the same imposing front end featuring circular headlights, a seven-slot grille, a chunky front bumper, and massive flared wheel arches. Like the Wrangler, the Gladiator exudes an aura of strength and capability that absolutely commands attention on the road.

The Gladiator sets itself apart from the Wrangler with a significantly longer frame, boasting a 534 mm longer wheelbase and a total length of 5,537 mm—854 mm longer than its SUV counterpart—to accommodate the truck bed. Recognizing that a truck is used mainly for hauling and towing, the seven-slot grille has been enlarged slightly to improve airflow and support heavy-duty engine cooling. Additionally, unlike the Wrangler’s rear tailgate-mounted full-size spare tire, the Gladiator positions the spare underneath the cargo bed for enhanced practicality.

Overall, the Gladiator retains the Wrangler's rugged, muscular styling while incorporating key cosmetic and technical modifications to turn it into a capable workhorse—all without compromising its legendary off-road performance.

With a price that’s past the P5 million mark, the Gladiator must offer more than just rugged performance—it also needs to deliver modern amenities and a refined, well-appointed interior. 

The Gladiator's spec sheet reveals an impressive array of features, making its interior a pleasant surprise. Far from the bare, utilitarian cabins of past 4x4 SUVs, it boasts a wealth of modern amenities and thoughtful touches.

Inside the PH-spec Jeep Gladiator, you'll find an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system prominently displayed on the dashboard. It offers a variety of charging options, including multiple USB ports and connectivity features. The cabin also includes a 7-inch TFT gauge cluster, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and even an ambient temperature gauge for outside conditions. The Gladiator also serves up a treat for audiophiles as all variants are fitted with an Alpine sound system. Other features include smart keyless entry, remote start, and push-button start.

As for safety features, the Gladiator is equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features, including airbags for both the driver and front passenger, as well as additional side airbags throughout the cabin. It also boasts electronic stability control, a hill start assist system, a power tailgate lock, front stabilizer bars, and advanced systems like ParkSense rear park assist and a ParkView backup camera for added security and convenience.

In addition, all variants of the Jeep Gladiator feature thick, plush leather upholstery designed to withstand the demands of off-roading, complemented by an air conditioning system with automatic temperature control. Additional comforts include illuminated cup holders, storage nets, and assist handles for both the driver and passenger.

The Jeep Gladiator features a body-on-frame design, sharing its chassis and platform with the Wrangler JL, making it a highly capable off-road vehicle in addition to being a tough hauler. 

Powering the Gladiator is the largest engine in Jeep’s local lineup, a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 352 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed transmission. This transmission is connected to a transfer case equipped with Jeep’s Selec-Trac full-time four-wheel drive system.

Additionally, the Gladiator is fitted with an anti-spin differential rear axle, functioning similarly to traditional e-lockers, which prevents wheel spin and ensures traction across various terrains. The Gladiator Overland benefits from a leading-link suspension at the front and a trailing arm suspension at the rear. The Gladiator Overland also boasts durable Dana M210 and M220 wide front and rear axles, while its stopping power is provided by Anti-Lock 4-wheel FNC Disc HD Brakes allowing drivers to pilot this beast with confidence.

Overall, if you're seeking a rugged and capable 4x4 mid-size pickup truck with premium features and iconic styling, the Jeep Gladiator is truly unmatched.

Interested in exploring the Jeep Gladiator lineup? Visit the Jeep Car Guide on AutoDeal.com.ph. Now available on iOS and Android, you can browse and purchase your dream vehicle wherever you are.