Among all the domesticated SUVs, real SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler stand out. However, its closest relative is even more present. The Jeep Gladiator proves a high level of off-road competence - but it is only of limited practical use and also expensive.
If you are looking for a pick-up truck for transport and commerce, you have come to the wrong place at the Jeep Gladiator. The bulky US flatbed SUV is certainly not the most practical representative of its kind - but perhaps the most striking. At least that's true in this country, where otherwise rather manageable large pick-ups like the Amarok from VW or the Ford Ranger drive around.
The Ami is a good 30 centimeters longer than the two Europeans, making it by far the longest representative of its segment in this country. But it's not just its size that makes it stand out on the street and especially in the supermarket car park, but also its iconic off-road vehicle look. Up to the rear doors, it resembles the off-road classic Wrangler, with which it does not share the name, but the pedigree and most of the technology.
Instead of a closed luggage compartment, the Gladiator offers an open loading area behind the usual double cabin, which, however, is not too large at 1.53 by 1.44 meters. Between the wheel arches, it even shrinks to 1.14 meters. The permitted payload of 565 kilograms for a car of this size is also just as manageable as the trailer load of 2.7 tons. But the Jeep doesn't want to be a workhorse either: Instead, most owners will use the platform for sports and leisure accessories. Boats, quad bikes and bicycles are likely to be seen in or on the Gladiator more often than bark mulch and rubble.
On the other hand, there are hardly any restrictions in the area of application. The Gladiator uses most of the technology from the Wrangler, one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the market. Standard equipment includes a rear axle lock, off-road reduction and the manually switchable Selec-Trac all-wheel drive system. However, its pick-up brother does not have quite as outstanding climbing skills as the Wrangler: the large dimensions alone, the long wheelbase and the rear overhang should hinder it more on rocky terrain than its more compact relatives. At the same time, however, the following also applies: Among the pick-ups available in this country, the Jeep should be the off-road leader.
But let's be honest: In Germany, the Gladiator should not usually be bought because of its practical virtues or its off-road mobility. Instead, his massive, completely undecent appearance is appealing. And the corresponding feeling behind the wheel. And Jeep has skilfully refined that: The interior is kept in a robust off-road style, convinces with solid workmanship and - despite the center console that looks overloaded at first glance - with good usability.
If you like it airy, you can dismantle the roof panels in just a few simple steps and then sit under the open sky. If the windscreen is also folded forward, you can sit almost completely outdoors. Like the removable doors, both are absolutely unique selling points in this class.
The rear is also spacious. If the space is not required for passengers, the seats can be folded away to provide additional storage space. This is practical, because even with a rainproof cover, the platform is not suitable for transporting normal everyday items such as shopping or sports bags. If there are four or five of you on the road, you shouldn't have too much luggage with you. Or just a lot and very bulky, which then finds space on the platform.
On the street, the gladiator requires remarkably little endurance. If you are used to a restless and bumpy driving experience from traditionally built off-road vehicles, the pick-up with its long wheelbase moves comparatively smoothly over the asphalt. He also takes tighter curves casually. Overall, it feels more like an oversized passenger car than a chunky commercial vehicle.
It is still loud in the cabin, which is due to the rather moderately insulated 3.6-liter V6 diesel engine. However, its 194 kW/264 hp and 600 Nm set the almost 2.5 ton gladiator in motion with ease and perform all other everyday requirements as calmly as it is emphatically. Consumption remains within tolerable limits at just under nine liters.
It looks a little different when you look at the price list. The "Overland" variant, which is the only version available in the current model year, costs 74,500 euros. However, the equipment is then quite lavish, ranging from chic 18-inchers to the Alpine sound system. The options list is correspondingly short, offering not only special paints, leather seats and alternative convertible top options, but above all design accessories from the tuning subsidiary Mopar. In addition, because the related Wrangler in this country is only available with an expensive plug-in hybrid drive (from 80,000 euros), the Gladiator is now the cheapest member of the off-road family.
Anyone who is not deterred by the high price, appreciates the successful rustic ambience and enjoys the admiring looks of other road users will find one of the last real character types on the off-roader market in the Gladiator. If you are looking for a pure workhorse, you will be happier with other, significantly cheaper pick-up models.
