Jeep adds ‘Sport S’ spec to Gladiator

While running the same drivetrain and most of the same safety spec as the Gladiator Overland and Rubicon, the more competitive price (a $10,000 reduction on the Overland) is achieved by a lower specification level in other areas, like deletion of the sat nav, leather seats, heated front seats and other features.

“The Jeep Gladiator Sport S creates a new entry-level price point into the Jeep Gladiator range, without compromising on safety, technology and Jeep’s renowned off-road prowess,” said Guillaume Drelon, Jeep Australia Director, Brand & Product Strategy.

“Since its arrival in Australia, the Gladiator has been turning heads on our roads and by expanding the range to include the Sport S specification, even more Australians will be able to own the only open-air truck.”

The Gladiator Sport S runs the same 209kW/347Nm 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine and 8-speed automatic transmission as the Gladiator Overland and Rubicon, along with the Overland’s Selec-Trac active on-demand four-wheel drive system. With a 47.8:1 crawl ratio, heavy duty Dana front and rear axles, underbody skid plates and heavy duty rock rails, the Sport S retains the off-road capability expected of a Jeep and the Gladiator.

Standard safety, tech and convenience kit includes Forward Collision Warning Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Path Detection, remote keyless entry, automatic headlights, LED lighting, ParkSense parking assist, a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, an Alpine premium sound system, 7.0-inch instrument display, push-button starting and dual-zone climate control.

While the Overland and Rubicon run leather seats, the Sport S features cloth seat trim, with the centre touch screen for the Uconnect infotainment system downgraded from 8.4 inches to 7.0 inches. There’s no sat nav or remote starting, either.

Externally, the Freedom Hard Top and wheelarch flares are only available in black, unlike the body colour of other Gladiator variants, while the 17-inch wheels are the same size as the Rubicon, but in a ‘Tech Silver’ design that’s specific to the Sport S.

Two different accessory packs – the Comfort & Technology Group and the Lifestyle Adventure Group – are extra-cost options, at $2,450 and $2,950, respectively, while premium paint carries a $795 premium.

The Jeep Gladiator Sport S is available now, priced from $65,640 (+ ORCs). See your Jeep dealer for further details.