Stellantis has announced plans to invest Rs. 4,000 crore and launch 12 new models in India by 2030. One of the upcoming launches expected from this renewed focus on India is likely to be the Jeep Gladiator, an American mid-size pickup truck that challenges the likes of the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma.
Developed on the same platform as the fourth-generation Jeep Wrangler, the Jeep Gladiator is a body-on-frame model engineered to serve as a proper workhorse and a serious recreational vehicle. In India, Jeep is likely to target it primarily at outdoor enthusiasts seeking a rugged vehicle for adventure travel.
The Jeep Gladiator measures 5,539 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,857-1,882 mm (hard-top)/1,907-1,933 mm (soft-top), and has a 3,487 mm wheelbase. From the dimensions alone, it’s clear that this is a higher-segment model compared to the Toyota Hilux, which is the go-to choice for a pickup truck among most adventure-minded customers in India.
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Jeep used to offer the Gladiator with 3.6-litre Pentastar naturally aspirated V6 petrol and 3.0-litre EcoDiesel turbocharged V6 diesel engine options earlier. In 2023, the company discontinued the diesel engine option. Thus, India should get the familiar Pentastar engine, which is poor on fuel efficiency and considered average on the performance front in the Gladiator internationally. It produces 285 hp and 353 Nm of torque and comes linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. According to the U.S. EPA, it delivers a fuel economy of 19 mpg, which converts to just about 8 km/l.
What the Gladiator does impress with is its off-road-oriented design and gear. It boasts a 44.7° approach angle, a 26° breakover angle, and a 20.9° departure angle. Also worth noting is a high ground clearance of 254-295 mm and a high water wading depth of up to 800 mm. In the U.S., Jeep offers a choice of four 4×4 systems in the Gladiator: Command-Trac, Rock-Trac (part-time and full-time), and Selec-Trac. A Tru-Lok electronic locking rear differential and an electronic front sway-bar disconnect system are available in select configurations.
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The Jeep Gladiator comes with several comfort and convenience features as well, including dark-tinted rear windows and quarter glass panels, 12-way power front seats, a semi-digital instrument with a 7-inch TFT display, a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 NAV touchscreen infotainment system, and four USB Type-C ports. It does not have factory-fitted ventilated seats or a wireless smartphone charger, though, which have become commonly expected features among premium cars in India.
