2021 Jeep Gladiator

In 2021, the best is yet to come from the much anticipated 2021 Jeep Gladiator. While the rumours are that Jeep will launch their most expensive version of the Gladiator first, a more affordable option is also set to arrive in March 2021 named the new ‘Sport S’ model.

We all know Jeep well. The cleverly marketed car with the catchphrase ‘I bought a Jeep’ has been the envy of car owners for years. So what does the 2021 Jeep Gladiator have to offer that other cars can’t?

Within this review, we will put the hype to the test. We will be breaking down the facts across the car including, features, interior and exterior design, engine specs, technology elements, safety standards, pricing and some final pros and cons. Is “I bought a Jeep” something you should say in 2021? You’re about to find out.

Features

The all new 2021 Jeep Gladiator comes in two distinct models that we currently know of in Australia. This is the Rubicon and the Overland.

The Rubicon features their custom Rock-Trac® active on-demand 4x4 system, the Jeep Tru-Lok® front and rear locking differentials, FOX aluminium-bodied 2" diameter front and rear shocks, forward-facing TrailCam off-road camera, 17” alloy wheels and a steel rear bumper. The Rubicon is more like an adventure with some peace of mind included.

Whereas the Overland is slightly different. The Overland features, Selec-Trac® active on-demand 4x4 system, McKinley leather seats with Overland logo for an added luxurious look.

The Overland also has some more upmarket features including heated front seats and steering wheel, removable body colour freedom hard top roof, body colour fender flares, LED headlights/taillights/daytime running lights/fog lights, 18” Alloy Wheels and Remote Proximity Keyless Entry. The Overland takes it that one step further with these improved features.

So whether you are after the 2021 Jeep Gladiator for utility use or offload adventuring, this clever car has thought of everything. In terms of the ‘Sport S’ model, we believe this model will likely be similar to the Rubicon given its more affordable price tag.

Interior and exterior design

The interior of the car is truly something to behold. The 2021 interior has taken the best bits of the 2020 model but added a unique ‘adventurers’ perspective to improve it.

With clean lines, impressive leather panelling coming in either a Dark Saddle Leather Trim with Light Tungsten Stitching and Platinum Chrome Bezels or Black Leather Trim with Light Tungsten Stitching and Platinum Chrome Bezels there is an option to suit any style. The overland is all leather, whereas the Rubicon also offers Black Cloth with Maddox Emboss, Rubicon Red Stitching, Embroidered Seatback and Platinum Chrome Bezels.

Not only is the look impressive, but the amount of space-saving and secure storage options are unbelievable. You can simply keep your gear safe and secure with lockable storage in the rear seating area.

This is done easily by lifting up the rear seat to reveal an available removable bin, perfect for those long off-road adventures. The seat can then be easily folded down for access to more secure space with the added bonus of well-thought-out LED lights.

Given the 2021 Jeep Gladiator is made for the outdoors, some of our favourite features of the interior are also the charging capabilities. You could nearly live out of this car considering some of the features it comes with. Apple Car Play, charging capabilities, cleverly in built navigation and more. They’ve included enough tech features in the interior of the car to keep you on the road for longer.

When it comes to the car’s exterior, the all-steel bed packs a range of hard-working features designed to tie down your gear, help keep it protected and even keep it organised so there is no fumbling around when you are on the road. The exterior of the car is simply stunning when it comes to the colour and shape of the car. Jeep’s iconic exterior features don’t go amiss on this model.

Engine

For the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, it was clear that a lot of thought was put into the type of engine that would power such an impressive vehicle.

Though the car hasn’t been released in Australia, what we’ve learnt from the US release is that the Gladiator is powered by a 3.6-litre V-6 that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This is motored via two different options either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic. Impressive I know.

This means that Gladiator can have a more impressive towing capacity than ever before and puts similar models (such as the Jeep Wrangler) to the back of the line.

Technology

As we’ve mentioned, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator already has some fantastic tech features. The moment you step into the car it is hard to miss the beautifully designed 8 x 4 inch touch screen display with built in navigation.

Not only does the car have excellent Bluetooth capabilities but also Apple Car Play and Android Auto to ensure those long road trips or weekends away go in style.

What we are now seeing across a range of 2021 models is that these tech features are simply becoming the standard. Connectivity is more important to the user experience than ever before.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator has an impressive way of ensuring their technology is up to the standard of other 2021 cars but also has a unique ‘look’ to it. The all black touch screen monitor simply blends in with the car and looking flush against the dashboard giving it a nice luxury appearance.

Safety

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator ticks all the boxes when it comes to safety. Not much has changed between the 2021 and 2020 models in this space.

Some could say that is already because the 2020 Jeep Gladiator already had this impressive list covered. Safety features include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with full stop, forward collision warning with active braking and rear cross-path detection.

Not to mention our personal favourite parking features like rear camera and rear park assist.

Pricing

The all-important pricing structure of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. While we may not know for certain until the new model is released, we’ve checked out a range of forums to find the best indications of what to expect:

• 2021 Jeep Gladiator ‘Sport S’ model rumoured $65,000 plus on-road costs.
• 2021 Jeep Gladiator Overland rumoured range $72,000-$82,0000 plus on-road costs
• 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon rumoured $79,990-$90,0000 plus on-road costs

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fantastic tech features such as Apple Car Play and Android Auto coming as standard in all Jeep models.
• Huge 8 x 4-inch touch screen monitor in the car with added navigation.
• Parking features such as park assist and rearview camera which is excellent given the large body of the car

Cons

• Not all models come with leather as standard across the Jeep Gladiator range.
• Frustrating amount of space in the back of the Jeep as not all seats fall completely flat.
• Quite a wide car so would be challenging for inner city driving or tight garages/parking spaces.