Jeep Gladiator Rubicon review finds hardcore ute which loves the tough stuff

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is a rugged and swashbuckling off-roader that gets better with tougher conditions.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is one of the most capable four-wheel drives straight from the showroom.

Rarely over the past two years have there been new car deals.

Showroom salespeople simply needed to show prospective buyers the price and take a deposit. No room for haggling, it was pay the money and get in line or miss out.

The tide is slowly beginning to turn.

For those in the market for a dual-cab ute – and there are plenty as it remains Australia’s most popular vehicle – the Jeep Gladiator is available at a $4000 discount until September 30 along with five years of free servicing.

That should bring the price down to about $90k drive-away, but we’ve seen some 2022 models still in stock for $87,990.

There are currently some good deals around on the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: The size is imposing. Dual-cab utes are always big, but for some reason I found the Gladiator more formidable in our driveway.

GRANT: There are two versions available – the Night Eagle and the more aggressive Rubicon which we drove. It’s the most hardcore version you can get with better shocks, knobby tyres that are begging for mud and a more advanced off-road system under the skin.

KEL: Looking rugged inside and out, I was excited and surprised to see heated seats.

GRANT: There are some luxuries, like leather trimmed seats, 8.4-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring functionality and dual-zone aircon. But you can remove the doors and roof, and essentially hit it with the pressure washer after good open-air times on the beaten track.

KEL: That would explain why the electric window controls were mounted in the centre.

GRANT: That took me back to the Australian-made VE Commodore.

KEL: Wow, showing your age there. But the Commodore was affordable for most families, the price for the Gladiator is hefty.

GRANT: You’re looking at about $75k for a Toyota HiLux Rogue, the new Ford Ranger Platinum is close to $85k while the raucous Ranger Raptor is $95k. There are lengthy waits for all three rivals, and the Gladiator is almost peerless when it comes to the rough stuff.

Inside the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon.

WHAT DID YOU LOVE?

KEL: All the hints of Jeep history are cool. I like the silhouettes scattered in various places like on the gear shifter and wheel hubs … even in the driver instruments there is a “since 1941” reminder.

GRANT: Nothing is apologetic about the Gladiator, which is essentially an elongated Wrangler. The external door and bonnet hinges are just part of the tough persona, and you can fold down the windscreen (you could only use that feature on private property, along with removing the doors).

KEL: The stereo had some firepower. Which was useful given the Jeep can be noisy on the road.

GRANT: Nine speakers are scattered around the cabin. I appreciated the theatre of the Gladiator, with the underbody skid plates, jacked-up stance and you can see the Fox shocks behind the wheels. Our test car also had the $809 optional trail rail in the tub which is an awesome system to change tie-down points.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?

KEL: Parking was a workout with a large turning circle. I avoided anything too tricky, as the Gladiator feels so long.

GRANT: The tray can handle two dirt bikes with the total ute length 5591mm. But the payload is less than 700kg and towing capacity only 2721kg – well below the 3-tonne benchmark found with other utes.

KEL: Some extra luxuries would be nice. Two cup-holders in the console were good but the doors just had netting for storage.

GRANT: Bottle holders are always useful in the doors. With 249mm of ground clearance climbing inside can also be a challenge for those lacking dexterity. Another worry is the safety. When first tested in 2019 it achieved only three stars, yet various aspects have improved since then including radar cruise control and rear cross traffic alert.

The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is long at 5591mm.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: If anyone nearby doesn’t see you coming, they certainly hear you.

GRANT: Beneath the hardcore skin is Jeep’s tried and tested Pentastar V6. It’s happy to rev, and provide a lusty soundtrack in the process.

KEL: Give it a boot off the line and it really rockets.

GRANT: That would have helped contribute to our average fuel consumption return of 12.3L/100km. Old-school numbers there.

KEL: The steering had ample play, but I’m guessing that was designed for the off-roading prowess.

GRANT: Correct. And the Gladiator is an absolute beast when the going gets tough. Mechanical support comes via electric locking differentials front and rear as well as a front sway bar that electronically disconnects for better articulation and suspension travel. When it comes to stepping off the bitumen, the harder the conditions the better.

KEL: On the highway it felt reasonably composed and the ride wasn’t as bumpy as I would have forecast.

GRANT: The on-road performance is reasonable given the four-wheel driving intentions, but those looking to do more bitumen work would be better served by the Night Eagle with its tyre choice.

Big knobby tyres and a tough stance make the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon a standout on the road.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: The Gladiator is not for me. Designed for the toughest of conditions, I’m not really interested in roughing it. Although I like the look and it fulfils its purpose, I’d be chasing something easier to drive around town.

GRANT: Mainstream dual-cabs look dull in comparison to the Jeep ute. For many people it makes no sense, but the over-the-top approach works for a niche audience who will love its outstanding off-road ability straight from the showroom.