Test drive and Review: 2020 Jeep Gladiator

The very first Jeep truck to see the light of day since the early 1990s and the late Jeep Comanche, the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator has made it its mission to offer buyers a rugged pickup truck with solid 4x4 performance. It's fair to say that Jeep has won its bet with this all-new vehicle, which leaves the competition far behind in many ways. Review of our 2020 Jeep Gladiator test drive.

A Jeep model, no doubt about it
If you thought, when you saw the Gladiator, that it looked a little bit like the legendary Jeep Wrangler, you're not entirely wrong. Indeed, the entire front end sports the Wrangler's signature features such as round headlamps, sharply defined wheel arches, a 7-slot vertical grille and, good news, removable doors and a folding windshield.

However, from the B-pillars to the rear, the Gladiator has an identity all its own and has nothing in common with the Wrangler. There is a practical 5-foot-long pickup bed with a 45-degree lockable tailgate, allowing longer items to be carried safely. If necessary, you can also place equipment on the wheel arches in the bed to free up space underneath for smaller items. Really, Jeep thought of everything!

And if at first glance the Gladiator seems imposing and ready to blow up the scales, know that it is not. In fact, it's almost a featherweight because of all the aluminum it's made of, including the tailgate, doors, hood and fenders, among others, which makes it considerably lighter. And this slimming cure has the collateral effect of increasing its cargo capacity as well as its towing capacity. We like it!

A good dose of adrenaline under the hood...
Standard on the Gladiator is a 3.6-litre engine with an output of 285 horsepower, paired to either a 6-speed manual transmission or an available 8-speed automatic. And for those of you who swear by diesel engines, a 260-horsepower 3.0-litre engine will hit the market later this year. The Gladiator also does very well in terms of towing capacity, at 7,650 pounds, the highest in its class. And you'll enjoy a payload of up to 1,600 pounds.

With the Gladiator, you'll feel in complete control no matter what kind of road you're driving on. Of course, a Jeep model-and especially vehicles like the Wrangler and Gladiator-is expected to display true prowess, especially on difficult and steep trails. And that's exactly what this Jeep truck is good at. Indeed, the Trail Rated versions are equipped with a 4x4 system offering both high and low range, and if you choose the Rubicon version, you'll feel like in a real tank (well, almost): lockable wide track axles, the advanced Off-Road+ system and an electronic disconnecting front sway bar. No matter what the obstacle, the Gladiator will overcome it effortlessly. If you've ever driven an SUV on steeper or more difficult trails, you probably remember the chaotic ride you felt with all the bumps and holes in the road. None of this with the Gladiator, which absorbs all the irregularities on your route in an incredible way.

A very interesting feature of the Gladiator Rubicon-an industry exclusive in this class-is the forward-facing TrailCam off-road camera. Located in the front grille, it displays the image on your screen, allowing you to detect obstacles in your path and avoid them. What is more, a simple cleaning button on your UConnect touchscreen display will allow you to clean the lens and enjoy clear vision at all times.

If you've ever been in a Wrangler before, you'll be on familiar ground in the cockpit, which bears several similarities to that of its colleague. Note the 3-spoke steering wheel, the centre console on which you can find the window controls as well as the numerous storage compartments available, even in the rear seats; fold them up to access the convenient storage bins.

And if you're not the lucky one that gets to drive and instead are taking a back seat, you'll enjoy the most legroom in the segment. In addition, numerous power outlets and USB ports allow you to charge your devices while you're on the road. A wireless speaker, exclusive in its class and very practical, can also be placed on board your Gladiator.

By all accounts, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is an exceptional vehicle that deserves to be known, especially by Wrangler buyers who would like an even more versatile model with exceptional off-road capabilities. Come and see it at Rive-Sud Chrysler, your Jeep dealer in Brossard on the South Shore of Montreal, near St-Hubert!