Jeep Gladiator Truck Coming to Australia Mid-2020 Discussion Thread

Jeep Gladiator truck making it's way to Australia mid-2020. Some dealerships will have demo models available in the next few days we can go have a look and play with.

Won't be everyone's cup of tea (not a Corolla/Camry..) but the options for a rugged off-road focused vehicle with a proper petrol V6 (wish was V8) rather than a tiny diesel 4-pot like new Prados are quite limited now the beloved 4.0L V6 FJ Cruiser is discontinued. Considering a part exchange swap personally to add a camping rooftop tent over the pickup bed storage and head further into the wilderness. Test drove the Wrangler JL, quite liked it but never pulled the trigger.

Granted Jeeps aren't best known for overall reliability, but has strong off-road credentials, seems popular for adventuring and the modability option range is quite exciting. Anyone else considering one?

Locations and upcoming dates: https://i.imgur.com/kb5giG7.jpg

Official site: https://www.jeep.com.au/gladiator.html

Wayout Concept for example mods: https://moparinsiders.com/inside-design-jeep-gladiator-wayou…

Review: https://www.caradvice.com.au/817075/2020-jeep-gladiator-revi…

Review 2: https://www.carsguide.com.au/adventure/jeep-gladiator-rubico…

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has won the 2020 4X4 Of The Year award.

https://www.whichcar.com.au/reviews/4x4oty/jeep-wrangler-rub…

Comments

                • @spackbace: Apparently it’s because of “supply issues”. Jeep can’t keep up the overwhelming demand for 91 units a month. Dealers just can’t get stock in quick enough.

                  After all is it 4x4 of the year for 2020, and it”s so good, it was given this award a month into 2020 by what is considered Australia’s best automotive publication.

                  It’s a bit unfair to award Jeep this accolade, because it will only drive up consumer confidence in the product and further increase demand for the Wrangler.

                  I can see demand outstrip supply again in February, where Jeep might sell 92 or even 93 Jeep Wranglers… it’s worrying times for Jeep, to see if they can sustain this massive demand for their “4x4 of the year.”

      • +1

        A few days later Benz announced they were killing it anyway, So might as well remove it from the list!
        They knew last year that it was not really doing much for them, it wasn't a contender, it was just a Nissan in there anyway.

        • Mercedes Benz knew there was no way they could sell any of them if they were competing against that "4x4 of the Year" award winning Jeep.

  • +1

    Save pennies and hold out for the Tesla Nikola, if you are keen on something more conventional-looking than the Cybertruck. Hopefully, will come to be -
    https://cleantechnica.com/2020/02/10/the-nikola-motor-badger…

    • No chance it'll look like that concept on release and can't see fuel cells taking off, been tried a few times already. Might as well wait for the Hummer EV by 2022 though. Meanwhile, still after a stopgap for 2 years.

  • Ranger raptor v8?

  • -4

    This is why Australia never will reach decent CO2 emission, because of all you buffheads with your archaic macho V6/V8 4L+ SUV and Utes ideas.

    • +1

      And then there’s the US with 6.3/6.7L hemis for the school run.

      • +2

        Your logical fallacy is whataboutism.

    • +2

      Negging me just proves the point. Lol.

      • +1

        It's not "negging". It's a "butt-hurt barometer."

        • +2

          Relax… This thread is getting to you just because people have differing views or preferences. It's okay.

          • +1

            @Hybroid: All good, champ. :)

            • @pegaxs: That's okay, it encourages debate and both sides have had some salient points and opinions to be honest. 'Which?' is a relatively well trusted review source in the UK but clearly that's not the case here and doesn't seem they're related which is good to know. Still like the Gladiator but not sold on it completely, similar to Wrangler release last year. We'll see. :)

              • +2

                @Hybroid: Look, I've not said that the Jeep Renegage/Wrangler/Rubicon/Gladiator isn't a capable off-roader. I have a few friends of friends up here who have them, I am merely commenting on the fact that they are named as a "……. of the Year" is an absolute joke as best. Are they capable, yes, are they reliable?, meh, are they good value? Not really.

                There is a reason why all the mine sites here are full of Rangers, Hilux and Landcruisers and not a single Jeep in sight. And until Jeep get their head out of their arse and start addressing quality, performance and customer service issues, they will remain as a known shit-heap brand.

                • +1

                  @pegaxs: I totally get that. I have no doubt the Hilux/Ranger is a better overall vehicle and far more reliable, but it's not what I'm after. My FJ would probably outlast a brand new Gladiator/Wrangler any day, do realise that. But a 2.8L diesel with 175 hp just isn't good enough and that's a major major deal breaker. If they brought back the 1GR-FE then we'd be talking, but that's just not going to happen.

                  Jeeps do have quirky features that some like and they're quite moddable too. They also have a strong fan-base and even their own dedicated clubs to adventure with. That has strong appeal too as the TLCC seems to have died out recently. If you don't intend to keep it for 5+ years then longevity is not really a problem for some. I'm pretty okay getting 2-3 years fun out of it then moving on.

    • -1

      To be fair, European V8s are advanced, unlike American junk, and get very good gas mileage while delivering insane power that the cars can actually use.

  • +2

    personally I pay enough for servicing costs for my car already. Why anyone would buy a jeep is beyond me, maybe you like financially supporting your local mechanic?

    • anyone buying a jeep in the city not planning to do much outback travel is just cray…

      • +7

        anyone buying a jeep and NOT staying in a city close to service stations is crazy.

  • -3

    Owning one in america wouuld be much better- a lot more scenery to see, mountains to climb etc, Australia you''ve got tumbleweed YeAh

  • Jeeps are great 4x4's in the USA because they are ~half the price, have cheap spares and cheap aftermarket. We don't get USA pricing here.

    Engines are shrinking because people who live in cities don't like giving up years of their life so you can have better throttle feel. Yes, turbo diesels kinda suck, but they do the job most of the time. Ford recalled the turbo diesel Rangers for off road fire risk but I have only ever heard of petrol Jeep's catching fire off road.

    You know who has stupidly strong "off road credentials"? Most Chinese 4x4's. All their drive terrain parts are branded, they are cheap enough that you don't care if you break them and they 4x4 just as well as all the other 4x4's.

    • +1

      Absolute bullshit

      • Buy a Cruiser for $120k or a Gladiator (est ~$60k) or a T60 for $30k.

        You could buy a T60, and engine swap to an LSA for less than a Gladiator. If an LSA is not a proper V8, I don't know what is.

        • +1

          I dunno. How would the bogans get past LDVT60 sounding suspiciously like LGBTI….

          • @Euphemistic: Na mate, it's all good. OP would have a LSALDVT60. OP just needs to pronounce it "LS Aldi VT 60" to get all the street cred of a discount supermarket.

            Sill less greek than OP hopping in their gladiator. Doubly so if OP is female.

            • +1

              @This Guy: Did you say VT?

              You son of a bitch… I’m in!

              • @pegaxs: Only problem with the name is the VT's Gen III and the LSA both have 90 degree bank angles.

                Maybe convert to a dually and run 30 inch rear tyres?

    • +2

      You know who has stupidly strong "off road credentials"? Most Chinese 4x4's.

      HahhaahhahahahahHhHHHHHhAhahahahahahahaha.

      Ha.

      Haha.

      Hahahahhaha.

      Ha.

  • Give me a Hilux, Triton (L200) or at least a Ranger :)

    • But but but… "4x4 of the year"… :(

  • lol anyone thinking of buying a Jeep S*** box just watch this

    https://youtu.be/5sVmoOZRypk

    • That is a pretty old report.

      • +1

        old but likely still accurate unless they have done a massive about turn in the last 2 years. I think Jeep still hold the record for the most number of recalls in a single year too. Jeep have a horrible history of unreliability and poor build quality. hell in 2016/2017 they even admitted they had major problems and had to improve if they wanted to compete with other premium brands.

        • +2

          if they wanted to compete with other premium brands.

          Compete with "premium brands"??? Jeep has trouble competing with Chinese brands :D

        • It is(in fact I think that report was on ACA @ one stage) Jeep must be doing something right(or trying to) they are ranked#167 in JD power survey of dependability for 2019.2018 #188.Long,long way to go though.

        • You know a recall doesn’t indicate a car is unreliable, right? It means the manufacturer is proactively addressing issues with the car. Recalls are a good thing, not a bad thing.

          • @[Deactivated]: Correct.They have to recall if it is a safety issue.Once a letter is sent out to an owner,the onus is on you.They have done the right thing by informing you of the issue.What you do about it,is up to you.I have had a couple of vehicles recalled over the years,one was safety issue,the other wasn’t.I had both dealt with.All manufacturers have issues,does not mean the vehicle is rubbish.Lot of the time it can be from a component manufacturer,or design issue.I have never had an issue with recalls.

          • +1

            @[Deactivated]: yes a recall or 2 is normal. when you surpass 10 in a single year and year after year have high numbers you are have massive build quality problems. On top of that they have reliability problems and high defect number problems compared to everyone else, then stack on their abhorrent customer service.

            • +1

              @gromit:

              you are have massive build quality problems

              More likely designs problems. Short cutting the design process and finding breakages later.

              • @Euphemistic: Was going to say the same thing. Recalls are usually a design and engineering cost/corner cutting exercise that didn’t pay off.

                Service actions/bulletins are typically the “build quality” issues.

      • +1

        only saw a story about jeeps on aca a few months back, still the same issues, and the worst customer service

        • You could almost forgive Jeep's quality and reliability issues if the company was more customer focused. Kia and Hyundai were horrific vehicles when they first started dumping their shitheaps in Australia, but their customer service was exemplary and just look at where they are now.

          Jeep's abhorrent attitude to customer service and their treatment of Australian consumer Law as "optional" hurts them far more than the shitboxes they churn out.

          • @pegaxs: Remember the Jeep 🍋 song?! Omg that was hilarious.

  • +3

    Doesn't look like a 'truck' to me, you mean a 'ute'.

    • -7

      Holden Maloo is a 'ute'. A 'pickup truck' is just that.

  • Do you die if it rolls over?

  • +2

    Great vehicle supported by shit company (I own a wrangler tj )

  • Lol

  • I wouldnt buy a Jeep because its been know to prone of poor relability.

  • Damn, op is absolutely getting roasted.

  • This is perfect for someone totally overcompensating and think the Raptor is not enough.

    • Why must someone be overcompensating to prefer something different?

      • I take it back. I had a different car in my head. Not the one you linked. My bad.

  • +5

    The only person I can see buying it, is a yuppie, who is 'adventurous' and needs a capable off roader for the 4 times a year he goes surfing on an unsealed road.

    It
    - depreciates too much, no one wants it after you've had enough
    - breaks to often
    - have to deal with Jeep Chrysler
    - reliability inspires no confidence
    - may go off road well, but wouldn't be confident enough to take it off road remotely
    - expensive to repair, slow to repair (part availability)
    - and it —probably— makes a sh it city car, imagine parallel parking this in front of your inner city terrace the other 11 months of the year

    anyone of those is a dealbreaker, I guess 7x dealbreakers would make it the class leading less than 2 months in, 4wd of the year

    • +2

      Even surfers avoid Jeeps

      It'll be the late 20-something, FIFO, wants to appear like he goes off-road every weekend but you'll never see it scratched up. They'll buy black cars, fit a lift kit (just because) and Mickey Thompsons/BFGs.

      Used for the occasional Bunnings trip

      Financed for 7 years, trade it in after 3.

      • haha nailed it.

  • Sounds like an advertisement.

    Probably 99% of Australians don't go off road. The 0.5% that attempt to, get into trouble not because of the car they drive rather their over confidence in their own driving. Really only 0.5% of people need a 4x4 because it is part of their job.

  • I have no doubt that the Gladiator ute would be incredibly capable for a new off-the-showroom-floor 4WD. How many buyers will need this though, or take advantage of it? If you were coming from an old Cruiser or Patrol that was set up for rock hopping, I'm sure the Gladiator would be worth a look. But for your average punter, nearly any new 4WD wagon with a good set of rubber will achieve what they want it to while being more pleasant on-road and being more reliable.

  • +2

    I work for an Automotive Spare Parts company. Jeep's unreliability keeps me employed.

    • lol this. I do get how Jeep and FCA products are popular with 'enthusiasts'… god knows i like the SRT 6.4 Cherokee but be realistic.

      You're better off with a Asian vehicle if you like need any semblence of reliability and reasonable running costs.

  • Which all this environmentalism, it boggles the mind that there are companies out there producing poor quality products that end up in land fill well before any reasonable time has passed. People should be going after them. They are the equivalent of single use plastic bags, cheap and nasty.

    The sooner FCA is gone the better. And now pairing up with PSA is surly going to help their cause.

    Their list of brands reads like a list of "what NOT to buy!"

  • little jeep killed Chekov, be interesting to see how many owners bigger ones can kill - go for it America first…

  • OP - how often do you go camping?

    • Pre-bushfires about one weekend a month camping, every other weekend off-road driving. Lately not very much but club trips recommence in March.

  • Have they fixed any of their quality issues?
    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-02/man-who-destroyed-jee…

    I'll be in the market for a new Ute in a couple years. Electric & Self Driving (or assisted driving) are at the top of my list.

    • +1

      Its FCA. You dont need to ask that because its obvious.

  • My helpful contribution - reduce your carbon emmissions people…use a mountain bike instead!

    • +1

      Thanks! I'll remember that for next time I make the Newcastle to Melbourne freeway run…

  • Every person I know who got sucked into buying a Jeep regrets it and has had every conceivable problem.

    • +1

      the only person I know who owns a jeep and likes it is because he's a mechanic and he gets his apprentices to work on the piece of shit

      be that as it may, if i was a rich (profanity) i too would be hogging the overtaking lane at warp speed in an srt 6.4 grand cherokee…

      • Why wouldn't you do it in a 6.3 AMG?

  • Had anyone checked the payload on the Gladiator?

    510kg total combined load.

    Impressive!!! If you own a Suzuki Swift with 490kg payload that is.

    So those that were planning of getting one, putting a tent on top and kitting it for extended travels Can forget about that.

    Put a tent, a fridge and the luggage and send it by tow truck because you won't be able to drive it without putting it over.

    An Overland vehicle for your day trips.

    • Exaggerate much? Are you really carrying more than 400+KG of gear on camping trips?

      It’s an adventure vehicle and people use it for exactly that purpose already.

      • +1

        You’d be surprised how much stuff weighs. Add on some bar work, winch and an extra spare tyre and you’ll have stuff all weight to play with.

        I hope they calculate payload differently in the states. In Aus, the kid includes fuel and passengers. Four people and a tank of fuel and you can take a box of tissues and a toothbrush or you’ll be over.

      • Mate that is combined weight 510kg including all your passengers. Two male adults at around 80kg each. 160kg. A dual battery system with cables 45kg. A solar panel 10kg. A rooftop tent 65kg.20l of water which is nothing 20kg. A car fridge 20kg.

        That is 320kg before any food, chairs, clothes, linen, crockery, winch, one extra spare, drawer system or even a canopy, UHF radios, antennas, awning, snorkel, first aid kit.

        That is what an adventure vehicle carry as basic kit. Anything less and you are underprepared. But Jeep fanbois would be anyway.

        The Gladiator is a silly silly proposition. If you want a Jeep get a Wrangler. At least it can carry more than 600kg of gear.

        And that is if the car is only a weekend warrior. Forget about using it as an tradies ute during the week. Well, that is unless you are a professional medium or maybe a professional harmonica player. Then you won't be over the payload limit.

        Adventure in the USA isn't that adventurous. That is the country where there's a car park next to the highlights of national parks. Hardly comparable to Australia where the outback would eat you if you go underprepared. But hey, buy one to go to a day trip at Stockton beach and call yourself an adventurer.

        Actually buy two. One for you and one for the gear.

  • Price is out, $76,540 for rubicon + on road, 3.6v6 petrol, 625KG payload, 2.7T towing, about the same price as Ranger Raptor, no Sport or Sport S available.

    • Yeesh :/ That's not going to move many

    • Specs here: https://www.jeep.com.au/content/dam/cross-regional/apac/jeep…

      Pricing calculator: https://www.jeep.com.au/selector-pricing.html

      $92,000 for the Launch Edition seems asinine.

      • +1

        So in WA I get:
        Overland - $83,055
        Rubicon - $84,140
        Launch - $94,985

        Holy shit balls batman!

        83L tank, with fuel economy 11.2-12.4L/100km (depending on model) = As little as 669km/tank

        Hehe 13.8m turning circle

        • +1

          Yea, that absolutely complete kills it then. I didn't mind paying a bit of a premium over a Toyota but no chance spending more than a brand new GLC for one.

          • @Hybroid: Pretty bad when it's even more expensive than a 70-series LC, and that's an expensive 'ute'

        • Hehe 13.8m turning circle

          For comparison, a 70-series is 14.4m, and it's bloody noticeable!

    • +1

      So expensive, not much payload or tow capacity and hard on fuel with terrible record for quality? Yeah, it’s gonna fly out the door.

      Combine the small payload with a larger tow load and you’ll probably have enough for a toothbrush once you take out the ball loading.

      • Not sure what Jeep was thinking coming up with this price. Much better alternatives can be had at this price.

  • For anyone that might still be interested in this, demo units are now available in dealer showrooms (at least in Sydney) and you can book a test drive.

    I liked it quite a bit, more than the Wrangler and it's definitely more modern than the FJ. 3.6L V6 provides decent power for smooth drive. It feels nice and solid but certainly not premium or luxury. Still tempted especially with the moddability for offroading and camping trips etc but the price tag is eye watering for what it is. You can get a nice Merc GLC for the same price as a Rubicon…

    https://www.unsealed4x4.com.au/exclusive-we-drive-the-jeep-g…

    • I saw a couple and was surprised at the low ground clearance under there

      According to Redbook it's 24.9cm, compared to 27.9cm for a Hilux, for example (so not as low as I thought, but still lower lol)

      • Were they Rubicons? Those come with 32" tyres and decent ground clearance. Lots of modded ones in US have 37" tyres without need to modify stock suspension. Unfortunately that won't be road legal here.

        There was a clear lack of knowledge about Mopar accessories and mods from the team though. You'd think they'd know more and be pushing extras for such an enthusiast vehicle.

      • +1

        The wheelbase also ruins ranpover angles. What a stupid vehicle.

        • Yeah I did think that as soon as I saw it in the flesh, that it wouldn't be great for hills and valleys

    • +1

      After watching the recent Jeep crash tests that were done on these vehicles, I don’t know if I would feel safe being inside a showroom with one.

      • That's quite worrying but it's the Wrangler. Gladiator is heavier and has a longer chassis which might help avoid rollovers further. We'll see when it gets tested.

        It's a consideration but not really a deal breaker. I mean there's no safety rating for the Toyota FJ Cruiser, we just assume it's going to be solid.

        • +1

          there's no safety rating for the Toyota FJ Cruiser

          IIHS test of the Toyota FJ Cruiser (The same company that did the Jeep test above.)

          The FJ is a pretty solid vehicle. It was made on a similar platform to the Prado and used parts and technology from Prado and Hilux (and a few other Toyota vehicles). You are also comparing a vehicle made in 2007 to one that was made in 2020.

          I would say that the Gladiator will be built in a similar fashion, using parts and platform technology derived from the Wrangler platform. Apples tend to not fall very far from their tree…

          The NHTSA Report on the 2020 Gladiator.

  • Think I’d rather look at one of these, but will have t wait until ‘22
    https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/the-most-powerful-ute-…

    • +1

      If only they didn't just write an article based on "We've seen this engine in something else, let's make an article and splashy headline around it"

      • True. The Koreans are building a ute, time will tell what he specs are, but I reckon they’ll need to pull out ‘most powerful’ or some other advantage over the well established crowd.

        • +1

          With any 4x4, it's not the "power", it's the torque, and how flat that torque curve is. No good having a peak torque figure that last for 500rpm

  • I'd be keen but Looks like $80k i stick to around $50k.
    As far as Jeeps go i am on my 2nd Jeep Cherokee Limited V6, first one i had for 5 years and this one for 1. This new one is improved over the 2015 tech wise i had, not that i had any major problems with it, battery sensor near the end and a new gear knob in warranty was it.
    My business vehicle and i swap every 5 years, before the Jeeps i had 2 Mazda CX-7's for 10 years first one was a first release had a few problems under warranty but second version was great, although thirsty and tyres were always expensive and hard to get back then being 19", better now.

    You can get a dud with any brand we've had 12 brand new cars from Fords,Toyota,Honda,Mazda,Suzuki,Jeeps, so far so good with all of them.

    What i like about my Jeep.
    V6 sounds great with plenty of grunt for a SUV, good on fuel too 7.8L/100k's on trips.
    Very comfy i do 10 hour drives straight often, seats and leather excellent, heaps of leg room i am 6"3 and can stretch out.
    Tech ie CarPlay and safety features are excellent and has everything.
    12k or 12 month fixed price services now, price has dropped $100 this year too.
    5 year warranty with full roadside service no need for NRMA.
    Love the look i have crystal granite colour.
    For 50k i think they are good value for what you get especially this new one with all the new Tech included, the only thing more you could want would be wireless CarPlay.
    I surf so it gets some light off road and beach too.

    I have never liked the Grand Cherokee, too expensive to get the same Limited version as my Cherokee and can't stand that the foot brake is in the way, so would never buy one.

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