Jeep’s Rubicon Gladiator just got meaner
The battle of go-anywhere bakkies shows no signs of slowing down. From dune-bashing to trail-tackling, manufacturers are constantly raising the bar. Take the Ford Ranger Raptor, for instance; it’s gunning for rivals like the Jeep Gladiator, a standout contender that first landed in SA back in 2022. It even made a strong impression during our inaugural Bakkie Wars that same year.
Fast-forward about three years, and the Gladiator Rubicon is getting a subtle refresh to stay sharp in an increasingly competitive segment. Jeep hasn’t strayed far from the original formula. If you’re familiar with the brand, you’ll know exactly what to expect. It’s still very much a Jeep at heart, just in bakkie form. And yes, you can still remove the roof, take off the doors, and even fold down the windscreen for that proper open-air adventure feel.
From the images, the changes appear subtle; however, it gets a new front grille, integrated antenna, new wheels and colour-coded hardtops – it was about time. The rear still features the traditional square taillights with LED lighting, a power-locking tailgate and a roll-up loadbin cover in three options: canvas, soft canvas in three parts, or a rigid cover also in three parts.
The interior still leans more toward practicality than luxury, but there are some nice upgrades. The dashboard has been refreshed and now features a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, just like the one in the updated Wrangler. Up front, the seats are now heated, while safety gets an update with two additional airbags, bringing the total to six. And for those weekend camping trips, there’s a handy portable wireless speaker mounted behind the rear seats, just like in the Wrangler.
Off the beaten track, the Gladiator remains a true contender, and the facelift is no exception, thanks to large 32-inch off-road tyres, Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4×4 systems, third-generation Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lock electric front and rear axle lockers, a limited-slip differential and a sway-bar disconnect. For those who enjoy towing, it can tow up to 3,470kg with a payload of 725kg, a significant increase from the Raptor’s 670kg.
In the power department, it continues to wield the same 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar engine with 209kW and 353Nm, accessed via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Now, while the power itself feels decent for everyday driving, we have to be honest, the torque doesn’t quite hit the mark, especially if you’re planning to tow heavy loads or really put the bakkie to work. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to consider.
The refreshed Jeep Gladiator is expected to launch in South Africa before the end of the year. While the changes may seem minor at first glance, they’re just enough to keep it standing out in a stable full of serious contenders. In a market that lives and breathes capable bakkies, the Gladiator still brings something different to the table, something bold, unapologetic, and unmistakably Jeep.
