Sure, there probably are better models ‘for play’ in Jeep’s latest Wrangler line-up. For work, though, there are none better than the Sport version of the US//Euro company’s new-in-2019 Gladiator Utility.
Sometimes, things in life, are obviously just meant to be. Like my time with the second new Jeep Gladiator ute, I have now driven in the past 12 months, the entry-level (albeit still, $79,990) Sport, in March as part of this tow test, and the range-topping (off-road-orientated and trail-rated) Rubicon (RRP $92,990) sometime last year.
To be absolutely frank with you, I never really gelled with the big, red Rubicon, finding it neither one thing or the other.
Imagine my surprise, then, when my colleague Sean Willmot got to drive an ‘entry-level’ Sport version…and not only returned to our now virtual office absolutely raving about it, but he also immediately nominated it for and not long afterwards named it his Company Vehicle magazine 2020 Utility of the Year!
“But, but, but,” I remember spluttering. But Sean was unmoved.
And now that I have lived with one for two consecutive weekends (of towing) plus the week in between I think I now know why.
Before I go into that though a little background wouldn’t go amiss.
The Gladiator, for instance, is by no means Jeep’s first utility-style vehicle; the honour for that milestone goes way back to 1947 when original manufacturer Willys-Overland introduced a one-tonne ‘truck’ with 4WD based on the CJ-2A Jeep.
Neither is this the first use of the Gladiator nameplate; that came first in 1963 for a Wagoneer-style 4x4 but was dropped.
Also, if you are sure, you have seen one on (or off!) our roads before, don’t worry, your eyes are not playing tricks on you; Jeep here imported a batch of broadly similar LWB Wrangler-based utes built by US specialist AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) in 2016.
Here Jeep importer, FCNZ, originally imported two versions, the Overland with an RRP of $89,990, and the Trail-Rated Rubicon with an RRP of $92,200.
Serious money. So, when the company decided to add a third model to its local Gladiator line-up it did so with a so-called ‘price leader,’ the $79,990 Sport.
Whether those responsible for the decision realised at the time just how good the Sport is I’m not sure. Sean’s decision to name the Gladiator his Company Vehicle magazine Utility of the Year must have given them some inkling. And hopefully what I am going to add here about its ability as a weekend tow ‘hack’ will make some of you look at all three Gladiator models with fresh eyes.
Sure, they look (and are!) long. When compared to the latest (JL) Wrangler LWB four-door, the Gladiator’s frame is 787mms longer, the wheelbase 492mms longer. With length, however, comes stability, peerless stability.
Even the usually vague (box rather than rack-base) steering didn’t bother me (with or without trailer) as much as it has with other Wrangler models in the recent past.
At the end of the day , however, what impressed me most about the Gladiator was how seamlessly it fell into the role as my tow ‘truck’ of choice. Nothing seemed to faze it and I don’t mind admitting that I found the whole relaxed yet confident vibe of the thing infectious – in the nicest possible way of course!
SPECIFICATIONS
JEEP GLADIATOR SPORT
ENGINE: Jeep Pentastar (petrol) V6 3604cc
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic w/Jeep Selec-Trac active on-demand 4WD system.
POWER: 209kWs@6400rpm
TORQUE: 347Nm@4100rpm
ECONOMY: 10.8l/100km
CO2: 260g/km
SUSP. FRONT/REAR: Coil/coil w/gas-charged monotube dampers front and rear.
BRAKES: FRONT/REAR: Disc/Disc
WHEELS/TYRES: 17 x 7.5j alloy w/245/75 x 17 tyre
TURNING CIRCLE: 13.06m
LxWxH: 5591x1894x109mm
WHEELBASE: 3488mm
APP/DEP ANGLES: 39/25 degrees
GROUND CLEARANCE: 249mm
WADING DEPTH: 760mm
KERB WEIGHT: 2104kg
LOAD BED: 1555 (l) x 1620 (w) x 508mm (d)
PAYLOAD: 527kg
TOWING: 750kg (ub), 2721kg (b)
TRACTION: ESC w HSA, TC, ERM, TSC, ACC, FCW, BSM &RCPD SMHDA and TSA
SAFETY RATING: 3-sar ANCAP
WARRANTY: 3 year/100,000k
RRP: $79,990
