The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is arguably essentially the most succesful 4WD out of the manufacturing unit, 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 stay as much as the claims. However I used to be lifeless unsuitable.
Mockingly, the identical week it arrived, my each day trip was hit at a cease signal and written off, so I ended up utilizing the Gladiator as my private automotive for a complete month.
Now that I’ve taken it on many 4WD tracks, the seaside, highways, windy roads, and metropolis automotive parks, I really feel like I do know what the Gladiator is all about.
Learn extra: How To 4WD For Newbies
The Gladiator has been my roman empire for an entire month
It Lives As much as the Claims
Jeep claims that the Rubicon sequence is essentially the most succesful 4WD straight out of the manufacturing unit – which is a giant name – however let’s break it down.
From the manufacturing unit, 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.
In case you’ve spent any time in 4WD circles, you’ll know these aren’t customary 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 unit 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 might have in any other case resulted in costly harm.
I knew it’d be succesful, however I used to be genuinely stunned by how easy it made every part 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.
Partaking 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 grime, mud, and sand with out breaking a sweat. This mode made rock crawling a simple, managed expertise, and even in difficult situations, the truck remained steady and composed.
At simply over 40 levels, its method angle might be higher than some other ute or pickup in the marketplace, permitting you to deal with steep inclines with out worrying about scraping the entrance.
So we’re mainly going mountaineering
The departure angle is round 25 levels, and though I anticipated to take some hits on the bigger rocks, the metal safety did its job completely.
Total 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 essentially the most succesful manufacturing unit 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 feel Jeep has managed to mix the ruggedness of live-axle suspension with clean dealing with on highways and even winding roads. It’s a uncommon steadiness 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° method angle = no issues on this observe
Even on tighter corners, the truck holds its line effectively, and the steering stays exact with no shock suggestions, such as you get in different live-axle automobiles.
Driving on unfastened gravel roads the Gladiator felt clean and steady at pace. The suspension absorbed bumps and dips with ease, maintaining the trip snug for everybody on board.
The one draw back is added wind noise from the aftermarket Sunrider canvas roof this automotive had put in. However the upside is it actually pops open to the sky in seconds.
It’s a Assertion on Wheels
With huge, 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 obtained loads of appears to be like 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 typically popped over for a chat in regards to the automotive and whether or not they cherished or hated the styling (by no means in between) and mates messaged me to ask for a take a look at drive.
In fact, turning as much as camp in a brand new automotive, 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 optimistic feedback in regards to the automotive – which is simply in regards to the highest type of reward.
The sound of an excellent meal and an excellent automotive…. silence
Contained in the cabin is much less of a press release and extra of a nod to Jeep’s easy roots, with a mixture of contemporary comforts and basic 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.
In fact, the enduring mixture of spherical headlights and vertical grill is a dwelling tribute to the unique Jeep that made a press release 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 basic 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 an extended day of driving.
The Gladiator additionally comes with a full suite of contemporary security options, together with blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise management, computerized emergency braking (AEB), and seatbelt pretensioners.
With these options seamlessly operating within the background, the truck feels safe and fashionable, though its function 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 large blokes to journey comfortably over lengthy distances. On one journey, 4 of us spent 5 hours (every approach) within the automotive, 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 town for work a couple of instances and was impressed by how nimble it felt ducking down slim streets and round tight roundabouts.
At slightly below two metres tall, it additionally suits into underground automotive parks with out a problem. The reverse digital camera and parking sensors made squeezing into tight parking spots on the grocery store straightforward.
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 could have loads of room for all of your gear. I simply match a fridge, a large energy station, BBQ, and tenting gear for 4 folks on an extended 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 Equipment?
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 trip.
Leaping in every day, the Jeep all the time felt prepared for motion. And whereas it’d seem like an impractical automotive, it actually does tick all of the bins for each day life.
Jeep’s ‘Go Anyplace, Do Something’ motto rings true!
One standout for me is the value level. The highest-of-the-range Rubicon is full of far more options than its more-expensive rivals.
Total, it was additionally simply a simple automotive to get round in, with exact, well-tempered steering and brakes, and an excellent mixture of old style enjoyable and fashionable tech.
