New Jeep Gladiator set to arrive in Portugal

The new Jeep Gladiator is just about to reach us, aiming to blend the Wrangler’s (its donor model’s) renowned off-road ability with the everyday usefulness you expect from a pick-up. And, just like the Wrangler, you can remove the doors and even fold the windscreen down.

For Europe, the Gladiator is restricted to a single powertrain: the 3.0-litre V6 Multijet diesel, producing 264 cv and 600 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. That is a substantial step up from the Wrangler’s four-cylinder diesel, the 2.2 CRD with 200 cv.

That extra output is there to suit the Gladiator’s added capability, as it is sold only as a double cab with a steel load bed measuring 152 cm in length. For the bed itself, there is a range of optional equipment, spanning multiple cover styles (roll-up, three-fold, soft and hard), plus a protective sprayed lining called the “Spray-In Bedliner”.

There is also a “Pack Cargo Trail Rail”, which adds a lockable under-seat storage compartment and a tailgate rail, increasing the new pick-up’s practicality by offering extra ways to store, organise and secure items in the load bed.

Built to climb

Given its Wrangler roots, the Gladiator’s off-road credentials come as no surprise. It brings the Command-Trac 4×4 system, with a two-speed transfer case offering a 2.72:1 low-range reduction ratio, along with third-generation Dana 44 axles and a 3.73 rear-axle final-drive ratio.

To round out the package, there is a rear self-locking differential, as well as generous angles (41°, 25° and 18.4° for approach, departure and breakover respectively) and all-terrain tyres. Every Jeep Gladiator version carries the “Trail-Rated” badge.

Range

In our market, there are three versions to choose from: Sport, Overland and Launch Edition. The last of these is a special launch model, limited to only five units in Portugal. As you would expect, its key differentiator is a stronger standard equipment list.

As standard, the Launch Edition includes a new front-facing camera (optional on the other versions), 18-inch alloy wheels (optional on the Sport and also standard on the Overland), an exclusive badge, a hardtop roof, body-coloured wheel-arch protectors, a sprayed protective coating for the load bed, the “Pack Cargo Trail Rail” and a load-bed cover.

Inside, the Jeep Gladiator Launch Edition features a waterproof cabin, black leather seats, an Alpine Premium sound system (with subwoofer and a portable wireless speaker) and UConnect with an 8.4-inch display (the largest available). It also comes with several driver-assistance systems as standard-optional on the other versions-including adaptive cruise control with Stop function, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and detection of approaching vehicles from the rear.

Across the whole range, standard equipment also includes full LED front and rear lights, a rear camera, front and rear parking assistance, UConnect (7.0-inch or 8.4-inch with navigation) and UConnect Services (available through several channels, such as the My UConnect app), although these services are only offered when paired with the 8.4-inch screen.

For buyers keen to personalise their Jeep Gladiator, Mopar offers more than 200 accessories. These include covers and protectors, a roof bar rack, and off-road-oriented kit such as tubular side steps, interior protection parts, wheels, and more.

How much does it cost?

Already available to order, with the first deliveries scheduled for next February, the new Jeep Gladiator will be priced from €70,000.