We already know the new Jeep Gladiator is awesome off-road, and it's also one of the
best equipped four-wheel drive utes on the market. But what's it like towing an off-road
caravan or camper trailer? Let's find out.
Jeep's Wrangler base dual-cab ute has arrived down under in two high price variants. A more
comfort-focused Gladiator Overland, and a rock-hopping Rubicon model, as tested here,
with an even pricier limited-run Launch Edition, also available. Our camo-coloured test vehicle
is also fitted with around $12,000 optional extras, including this body-coloured 3-piece
hardtop, steel front bumper, and these eye-catching black alloy wheels. The hardcore Gladiator
Rubicon gets the Rock-Trac active 4x4 system with super low-range gearing and front and
rear locking differentials, to keep you moving in the roughest terrain. The Gladiator also
has a few Wrangler-style party tricks, like a removable hardtop roof and doors, and a
folding windscreen, so you can really be at one with nature.
Inside, the cosy but upmarket cabin features push-button start, climate control, a nine-speaker
Alpine audio, an 8.4 inch infotainment screen with smartphone mirroring. The Gladiator's
funky interior including metallic red dash, will be familiar to current Jeep Wrangler
owners. And it's enhanced in this particular vehicle by the optional leather heated seats
and steering wheel with contrasting red stitching. The dash has plenty of easy-to-reach switches,
and the two digital screens provide plenty of information to the driver, but there's
not a lot of space overall for mobile phones, drink bottles, or longer legs. Two adults
or three children will squeeze into the nicely sculpted rear seats, which fold up to reveal
hidden storage compartments.
More lifestyle than tradie ute, the Gladiator at 5.6 meters long, has a big footprint and
turning circle, making it a handful to manoeuvre at times. Its tow rating of 2.7 tonnes and
maximum payload of 620 kilograms is also behind the competition, and unlike most of its diesel-powered
rivals, the Gladiator only comes with a 3.6-litre petrol V6 engine matched to an eight-speed
auto. That said, the Gladiator still shapes up as a great getaway vehicle for out-of-town
adventures.
So we're towing an off-road pop-top caravan, weighing close to 2 tonnes with the Gladiator,
and it feels pretty stable, thanks to its heavy 2 tonne plus weight and its longer wheel
base. However, the engine is really lacking in low-down torque, and tends to rev quite
high. And it shows, with fuel consumption above 20 litres/100 kilometres when towing
even on the highway. But it's pretty quiet overall, apart from the whirring mud tyres
and some wind noise. With or without a trailer, the Rubicon handles the off-road bumps better
than most, with its front and rear FOX shocks, and smaller 17-inch alloy wheels with 32-inch
BF Goodrich rubber, ideal for heading bush.
So there's also a nifty forward-facing off-road camera, along with a front sway bar disconnect,
rock sliders, and plenty of underbody armour, to help keep you going in the rough stuff.
Other towing features on the Gladiator include trailer sway control, and an excellent reversing
camera to help when hitching up. So while the new Gladiator is a bit disappointing when
it comes to towing and carrying a big load, it should get you into the bush further than
most utes, and has plenty of tricks and treats to justify the higher price tag.