The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is arguably probably the most succesful 4WD out of the manufacturing facility, however after a month of driving one, I’ve discovered lots extra perks too.
4WDrivers are a brand-loyal bunch – myself included – and when the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon arrived, I wasn’t satisfied this lengthy, assertively-styled truck would reside as much as the claims. However I used to be lifeless fallacious.
Satirically, the identical week it arrived, my each day experience was hit at a cease signal and written off, so I ended up utilizing the Gladiator as my private automobile for a whole month.
Now that I’ve taken it on many 4WD tracks, the seaside, highways, windy roads, and metropolis automobile parks, I really feel like I do know what the Gladiator is all about.
Learn extra: How To 4WD For Learners
The Gladiator has been my roman empire for an entire month
It Lives As much as the Claims
Jeep claims that the Rubicon collection is probably the most succesful 4WD straight out of the manufacturing facility – which is a giant name – however let’s break it down.
From the manufacturing facility, the Gladiator Rubicon has entrance and rear locking differentials, a 4:1 ratio switch case, and a sway bar disconnect that operates with the push of a button.
When you’ve spent any time in 4WD circles, you’ll know these aren’t normal options on nearly any 4WD. They’re high-end modifications that may simply price tens of hundreds in aftermarket upgrades.
On high of this are a winch-compatible metal entrance bar, metal rock sliders, and underbody and rear safety.
Straight outta manufacturing facility there’s nothing extra succesful. (Jeep real equipment proven.)
I put the Gladiator via some tough tracks, together with river crossings with hidden boulders, and the underbody safety saved me from a couple of bangs that would have in any other case resulted in costly injury.
I knew it’d be succesful, however I used to be genuinely stunned by how easy it made the whole lot really feel.
From steep, rocky tracks to waist-deep ruts and wombat holes, the Gladiator dealt with all of it with ease. The live-axle suspension supplies loads of journey, which helps the truck flex and adapt to robust terrain.
Participating low-range and off-road mode is a straightforward push of a button. The Gladiator adjusts its traction management system, transmission, and throttle response to deal with dust, mud, and sand with out breaking a sweat. This mode made rock crawling a simple, managed expertise, and even in tough circumstances, the truck remained steady and composed.
At simply over 40 levels, its strategy angle might be higher than every other ute or pickup in the marketplace, permitting you to deal with steep inclines with out worrying about scraping the entrance.
So we’re principally going mountaineering
The departure angle is round 25 levels, and regardless that I anticipated to take some hits on the bigger rocks, the metal safety did its job completely.
General it strikes like a a lot smaller automobile when off-road.
Whereas it’s a giant name, after many tracks, I’m satisfied that is probably the most succesful manufacturing facility 4WD.
It Doesn’t Drive Like a Truck
Let’s face it, irrespective of how adventurous we’re, more often than not we’re sitting in visitors or rolling round on sealed roads.
However I believe Jeep has managed to mix the ruggedness of live-axle suspension with easy dealing with on highways and even winding roads. It’s a uncommon stability that offers the Gladiator a twin character.
On highways, the Gladiator feels composed and steady, and its punchy V6 engine delivers 209kW of energy, which implies overtaking and uphill climbs aren’t any problem.
V6 engine + 43.4° strategy angle = no issues on this monitor
Even on tighter corners, the truck holds its line properly, and the steering stays exact with no shock suggestions, such as you get in different live-axle autos.
Driving on unfastened gravel roads the Gladiator felt easy and steady at velocity. The suspension absorbed bumps and dips with ease, retaining the experience comfy for everybody on board.
The one draw back is added wind noise from the aftermarket Sunrider canvas roof this automobile had put in. However the upside is it actually pops open to the sky in seconds.
It’s a Assertion on Wheels
With large, flared arches, aggressively styled curves, and the size between entrance and rear wheels longer than a Corolla, the Gladiator doesn’t draw back from consideration.
I received loads of appears and waves (together with the key Jeep driver wave) whereas I used to be out and about.
I’m unsure whether or not it’s a professional or con, however there’s no denying it’s a dialog starter. Strangers generally popped over for a chat in regards to the automobile and whether or not they cherished or hated the styling (by no means in between) and buddies messaged me to ask for a check drive.
After all, turning as much as camp in a brand new automobile, I copped a couple of (hilarious) feedback from my mates, however after a couple of robust tracks all of the blokes gathered across the Jeep with arms folded to silently examine, nod, and stiffly mumble constructive feedback in regards to the automobile – which is simply in regards to the highest type of reward.
The sound of a great meal and a great automobile…. silence
Contained in the cabin is much less of an announcement and extra of a nod to Jeep’s easy roots, with a mixture of contemporary comforts and traditional design touches. The supplies contained in the cabin really feel high-quality, and Jeep has paid consideration to element with stitching on the steering wheel and seats.
After all, the long-lasting mixture of spherical headlights and vertical grill is a residing tribute to the unique Jeep that made an announcement again in 1941 as a easy, rugged modular automobile that arguably began the 4WD scene.
It’s Not Caught within the Previous
Regardless of its sturdy ties to its historical past and traditional design options, you’d be stunned by the trendy tech tucked within the cab.
These embrace heated seats and steering wheel, and a big touchscreen sprint with Apple CarPlay. These little luxuries make a giant distinction, particularly on chilly mornings or after a protracted day of driving.
The Gladiator additionally comes with a full suite of contemporary security options, together with blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise management, automated emergency braking (AEB), and seatbelt pretensioners.
With these options seamlessly operating within the background, the truck feels safe and trendy, regardless that its goal stays rugged and adventure-focused.
Regardless of a smaller door to climb via, the inside feels spacious, with loads of headroom even for taller drivers, and the again seat supplies sufficient legroom for a number of huge blokes to journey comfortably over lengthy distances. On one journey, 4 of us spent 5 hours (every approach) within the automobile, and nobody had any complaints.
You Can Use it Each Day
Regardless of its unimaginable size, the Gladiator handles each day chores with ease.
I took it into the town for work a couple of occasions and was impressed by how nimble it felt ducking down slender streets and round tight roundabouts.
At just below two metres tall, it additionally suits into underground automobile parks with out a difficulty. The reverse digital camera and parking sensors made squeezing into tight parking spots on the grocery store simple.
Whether or not you’re on tracks or in visitors, the Gladiator can deal with all of it
The tray dimension is equal to different dual-cab utes in the marketplace, which means you’ve gotten loads of room for all of your gear. I simply match a fridge, an enormous energy station, BBQ, and tenting gear for 4 individuals on a protracted weekend journey.
Whereas I didn’t get an opportunity to tow something throughout my month with the Gladiator, I’m assured it’d deal with towing a camper or trailer with ease. With 347Nm of torque, it has nearly double the towing energy of my present 4WD, which tows a two-tonne digger with out breaking a sweat.
Learn extra: What Ought to You Carry In Your 4WD Rescue & Restore Package?
Closing Ideas on the Jeep Gladiator
Handing again the keys, I nearly felt nostalgic after a month of off-road adventures and having the Gladiator coincidentally filling in as my each day experience.
Leaping in every day, the Jeep all the time felt prepared for motion. And whereas it’d appear to be an impractical automobile, it actually does tick all of the packing containers for each day life.
Jeep’s ‘Go Wherever, Do Something’ motto rings true!
One standout for me is the worth level. The highest-of-the-range Rubicon is full of far more options than its more-expensive opponents.
General, it was additionally simply a simple automobile to get round in, with exact, well-tempered steering and brakes, and a great mixture of old school enjoyable and trendy tech.
