By Carr Winn
The Jeep brand is synonymous with being “capable” of handling almost anything, and the new Jeep Gladiator falls right in line with the family. Recently, FCA invited SEMA News to join other journalists for a ride and drive in Southern California to get some seat-time in the new model. While many touch points across the exterior and interior feel very familiar to the Wrangler, the addition of a pickup bed means you can now haul 1,600 lbs. or tow 7,650 lbs almost anywhere. FCA Jeep Brand Director Scott Tallon, talked to SEMA News about the new Gladiator and its aftermarket potential.
Video by Jay Carpio & Fredy Ramirez |
As Tallon mentions, the Gladiator is now arriving in dealerships across the country. The units are actually built in Toledo, Ohio, where Jeep vehicles have rolled off the assembly line since 1941. The new truck will make its production home in the south plant of the Toledo Assembly Complex, where the Jeep Wrangler JK was built until April 2018.
Powering the new Gladiator is the proven 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine at launch with a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine being offered in 2020. On the inside, enthusiasts can load up the vehicle with more than 80 available active and passive safety/security accessories including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross path detection, forward-facing off-road camera, adaptive cruise control and electronic stability control with electronic roll mitigation.
The first Jeep pickup was manufactured in 1947 and the new Jeep Gladiator continues to add to that heritage. For more information on all things Jeep, visit Jeep.com.