Jeep Gladiator Ute Review

[Franco Cozzo]

Looks the goods - interesting it rides nicely given it looks like a beast:

https://www.caradvice.com.au/745744/...diator-review/

3.6L Pentastar V6 209KW W/8sp Auto or 194KW Diesel V6.

[falconhell74]

Nice and about time

[Sioso]

It's a pity there won't be a manual is Aus, the 194kw/660nm TD would be great with a 6 speed manual.

[mike_nofx]

Originally Posted by Sioso

It's a pity there won't be a manual is Aus, the 194kw/660nm TD would be great with a 6 speed manual.

Its always good to have more options, sure. But modern autos are better than any manual. Particularly if you actually intend to go offroad where autos are far better.

[Sioso]

Originally Posted by mike_nofx

Its always good to have more options, sure. But modern autos are better than any manual. Particularly if you actually intend to go offroad where autos are far better.

There is something more satisfying in taking a manual car off-road.
An auto GT3 Porsche will be much quicker around a track but I'd take a manual any day of the week.

[XR6Runner]

Originally Posted by Sioso

There is something more satisfying in taking a manual car off-road.
An auto GT3 Porsche will be much quicker around a track but I'd take a manual any day of the week.

Is that why both the cars in your signature are autos?

[Sioso]

Originally Posted by XR6Runner

Is that why both the cars in your signature are autos?

Don't I know it, over a year without a manual car, that's the longest I've went since since getting my licence 29yrs ago!
I considered waiting for the manual V6 Amarok which was due a year ago - glad I didn't as it still isn't here!

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

I can understand the manual around a track, but why would a manual be more satisfying off road?

For the same reason, the auto is definitely more capable but takes the guess work out of choosing the right gear for long steep climbs and descents - also more fun when the dirt roads open up and the speed increases.

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by Sioso

There is something more satisfying in taking a manual car off-road.
An auto GT3 Porsche will be much quicker around a track but I'd take a manual any day of the week.

I can understand the manual around a track, but why would a manual be more satisfying off road?

[smoo]

Originally Posted by Sioso

It's a pity there won't be a manual is Aus, the 194kw/660nm TD would be great with a 6 speed manual.

IMO CRD characteristics suit an auto much more than manual, especially a 6-8 speed. Doughy throttle response and loss of boost on every gear change gets old pretty quick. But I see and agree where you are coming from for manuals off road.

Its a bugger they aren't offering the hemi V8. Once the Gladiator has 35s fitted, or is loaded up towing, the torque less V6 will struggle and chew through gas. The diesel will be a no brainer.

Doug Demuro has quite a comprehensive overview up on Youtube (although he doesn't mention the Rubicons ultra low gearing). It looks as though Jeep has done a decent job on this thing.

[Fordman1]

Looks great, I’m looking forward to seeing them out and some Australian reviews soon.

[Vesper Martini]

Outstanding diesel engine in this, great for towing and weekenders, it might struggle around town Parking etc due to its length. certainly wont fit in the average home Garage

[Venomous1]

Doug's video on the Gladiator really impressed me well done JEEP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nf8GV0AvtI

[Ben73]

I like it, but the single cab concept with huge tyres looked a lot better. The ramp over angle is probably not great with a wheel base that long.

[Vesper Martini]

I've taken our Prado over a few steep tracks, the last thing id want to worry about was what gear? and punching the clutch in.

PS even rally cars are autos now

[Sioso]

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

I've taken our Prado over a few steep tracks, the last thing id want to worry about was what gear? and punching the clutch in.

PS even rally cars are autos now

You do realise the auto vs manual debate is purely subjective?
Each to their own.

[mike_nofx]

Originally Posted by Sioso

You do realise the auto vs manual debate is purely subjective?
Each to their own.

Very true. Personal preference on what you prefer to drive. Manual is certainly more fun, but auto generally performs better. Having said that, I make regular use of the semi-auto manual shift function in my car and it can be fun.

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by Sioso

You do realise the auto vs manual debate is purely subjective?
Each to their own.

No I really think the Auto is better in every way possible for off-roading.

if you want a manual for the extra challenge then that just a preference

[fofo]

You do know the gladiator has a one star safety rating. I would not go near a Jeep.

[mike_nofx]

Originally Posted by fofo

You do know the gladiator has a one star safety rating. I would not go near a Jeep.

Any idea what safety rating a BA would have if tested today?

[fofo]

FN mustang has 10 speeds . Its marketing jargon for dummies who think more is better.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by fofo

You do know the gladiator has a one star safety rating. I would not go near a Jeep.

By today's standards my VSII Caprice would be 0 stars because 1990s classic plastic folds up like a polystyrene cup if you have a half decent stack, meh, I've managed to avoid trees so far

[DJR-351]

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

I've taken our Prado over a few steep tracks, the last thing id want to worry about was what gear? and punching the clutch in.

PS even rally cars are autos now

Don't have to worry when you get used to it, every Landcruiser I've had since 1980 has been manual.......in fact the Landcruisers i buy don't have have an automatic option so you have no choice but to learn, it's not that hard at all.....

As Sioso says though, each to their own.....

[Charliewool]

Would be the absolute ducks guts over here!
Would kill for one, or even the similar, and shorter wheelbase Wrangler.
Pity no hemi in em (yet)

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by DJR-351

Don't have to worry when you get used to it, every Landcruiser I've had since 1980 has been manual.......in fact the Landcruisers i buy don't have have an automatic option so you have no choice but to learn, it's not that hard at all.....

As Sioso says though, each to their own.....

Having shifted roadrangers and even worse old Mercedes trucks learning is not an issue.
example I bought an HST tractor over a manual for ease of use and saftey as its used on step terrain. yes a manual can do the same job but each to their own.

[Vesper Martini]

Appears so well for wrangler at least.
The Irony of a rugged construction holding back the safety rating.

https://www.caradvice.com.au/709508/...o-ncap-result/

Thing is a vehicle lie the or say a 70 series cruiser will never fair well with this sort of test.

[Tassie f100]

[QUOTE=Bevsta007

Thing is a vehicle lie the or say a 70 series cruiser will never fair well with this sort of test.
Could you please translate this sentence into something understandable

[Vesper Martini]

[QUOTE=Tassie f100;6283996][QUOTE=Bevsta007

Thing is a vehicle like this or say a 70 series cruiser will never fair well with this sort of test.
[/QUOTE]

sorry for typo..

[PG2]

NEW RULE FOR fofo...

Anymore than one post in a row at a time from now on and your post(s) will be deleted.

[fofo]

Originally Posted by PG2

NEW RULE FOR fofo...

Anymore than one post in a row at a time from now on and your post(s) will be deleted.

So what does that mean do i have 2 wait for a response before posting again


YEP... SURE DOES

[.:4:.]

Back on track (hopefully) ive seen reviews of the gladiator, and to me it looks like more of a 'lifestyle' thing as in throw the mountain bikes in the back then off road it. They say motor bikes will fit, im assuming more aimed towards dirt bikes, then again off road it, but i noticed a lack of tie down points. The ve commodore had the slidy mounts on the floor of the tray. My pov pack ranger has the hooks on the outside of the tub (useless for me as i have a canopy). And also taking the roof off on the hard top you have to commit as the rear section will probably have to stay at home. Interior wise and all the rest it looks ok. Build quality, im not buying one so dont care. To me it looks like 90% something you buy for the image.