2020 Jeep Gladiator is a better late than never kinda thing

MANILA: Previewed in 2005 as a concept, spotted while testing, leaks after leaks, and what not! The 2020 Jeep Gladiator has taken all the twists and turns before arriving at the 2018 LA Auto Show. All the wait has, fortunately, been worth it. Jeep has finally unleashed the highly awaited 2020 Gladiator.

On the outside, the Gladiator takes is designing cues from the JL Wrangler. Featuring the iconic “keystone” design, the Jeep Gladiator boasts a boxy structure. There are spherical headlamps flanking the grille which has got 7 vertical slots. The extended fenders have placed on them the turn signals and horizontal LED DRLs. The vertical taillamps at the rear are also LED. The doors and roof on the Gladiator are removable. On the inside, with some exclusive features, the 2020 Gladiator packs in an interior similar to the Wrangler. The upholstery can be had in either cloth, vinyl, or leather. Along with the cargo bed, there is ample storage space inside thanks to the upwards foldable seats. Equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Uconnect infotainment system which features either a 7-inch or an 8.4-inch touchscreen can be had with the pickup. The infotainment system also provides controls for navigation, climate, security, and lighting.

Features like front & rear locking differentials, heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles with a 3.73 rear axle ratio, Command-Trac 4x4 System, and a 2-speed transfer case equipped with a low-range transfer box make the 2020 Gladiator a capable vehicle for off-road adventures. Protecting the transfer case, fuel tank, and the automatic transmission oil are 4 skid plates on the pickup by Jeep. For more body protection, the variant Rubicon also get heavy gauge tubular steel rock rails.

Under the hood, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator houses a 3.6-litre gasoline-fed Pentastar V6 which can pump out 288 PS of maximum power and a peak torque of 352 Nm. The transmission duties are handled by either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic unit. There is also a diesel-powered motor with a significantly better towing potential. It is a 3.0-litre turbocharged EcoDiesel V6 churning out a maximum power of 263 PS and 600 Nm of peak torque. The power then is sent to the wheels via an 8-speed manual unit.

Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon will be the 4 variants of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The second quarter of 2019 will see the 2020 Gladiator raring on the roads of the US.