Aug 26, 2025 Jeep® Gladiator, Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4x4 systems, Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Jeep® Gladiator Rubicon returns
The all-new Jeep® Gladiator redefines the pickup segment with its open-air design and legendary Jeep capability. It has brought to the South African market the flair of an icon with the versatility of a true-blooded workhorse, setting a new benchmark in the local bakkie segment. First introduced to the South African market in 2022, the Jeep Gladiator was promptly named the Specialist Bakkie of the Year.
With a refreshed design and enhanced features tailored for South African drivers, including a styling treatment that sees the removable colour-coded hardtops - the soft tops are still available as an accessory from dealers nationwide.
The new Jeep Gladiator delivers legendary capability with composed on-road driving dynamics courtesy of the Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4x4 systems, third-generation Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lock electric front- and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited-slip differential, segment-exclusive sway-bar disconnect and 32-inch off-road tires.
The Jeep Gladiator is available in one model derivative in South Africa, the Rubicon fully equipped to meet the expectations of South African adventurers. The new Gladiator benefits from a new front grill and integrated antenna, and bold new wheels.
Gladiator Rubicon features LED headlamps and fog lamps that project crisp white lighting. Daytime running lights, which form a halo around the outside perimeter of the headlights accentuate the iconic Jeep front fascia.
From the rear, traditional square tail lamps feature LED lighting and give way to a wide tailgate opening for unobstructed loading of cargo into the bed. The tailgate is damped and capable of stopping in three positions, while cargo is easily secured with a power-locking tailgate. The Gladiator’s load bed is lined with a special scratch-resistant layer and a roll-up loadbin cover is available in three options, including canvas, soft canvas in three parts, or a rigid cover in three parts.
A four-bolt design at the top of the windshield’s frame allows for the windscreen to fold down quickly and easily. A header bar connects the A-pillars and stays in place even when the windscreen is folded down. This allows the rearview mirror to remain in place even with the windscreen folded. Lightweight, high-strength aluminium doors feature the Torx bit size stamped directly onto the hinge simplifying door removal. A tool kit with the necessary Torx bits to remove the doors and lower the windscreen is provided as standard equipment.
Inside, a new dashboard update includes a 12.3-inch infotainment centre and there are now heated electric seats in full leather. Safety is enhanced with two additional airbags (taking the total to six) and parking made more convenient with front PDC. The rear seats feature segment-leading rear legroom and use a unique design that can be locked in place to provide secure storage behind the seat back. The rear seats can be folded flat to access cab-back storage and provide a load floor for larger items.
The new Jeep Gladiator offers the proven 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine delivering 209kW and 353Nm of torque and features ESS as standard equipment. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a suitable ratio for any situation. The Rock-Trac 4x4 system features heavy-duty third-generation Dana 44 front and rear axles with a “4LO” ratio of 4:1. A 4.10 front and rear axle ratio is standard as are Tru-Lok locking differentials. Gladiator Rubicon has an impressive crawl ratio of 77.2:1 enabling confident navigation of extreme terrain. Gladiator Rubicon models further enhance off-road performance with improved articulation and total suspension travel, thanks to a segment-exclusive electronic sway-bar disconnect. Paired with the standard eight-speed automatic transmission, this setup ensures optimal control across the most demanding terrains.
Safety and security were paramount in the development of the Jeep Gladiator, which offers more than 80 available active and passive safety and security features. Available features include Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, standard ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, Adaptive Cruise Control and electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation.
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