Jeep Gladiator Maximus 6x6 conversion is here

This follows their earlier Toyota Land Cruiser 79 conversions, available in 6x4 and 6x6 formats. While the Land Cruiser projects emphasised sheer load capacity and rugged utility, the Jeep Gladiator Maximus 6x6 showcases a more bespoke, performance-oriented approach.

Jeep Gladiator Maximus 6x6:

The Maximus 6x6 begins with a production Jeep Gladiator and undergoes extensive modifications. The chassis is extended by 1 040 mm, overall length grows to 6 577 mm, and the load bed stretches to 2 530 mm.

A third axle is added, with revised drivetrain components and gearing. Payload capacity rises to 1 090 kg, while gross vehicle mass increases to 3 490 kg. Suspension upgrades include Teraflex coil springs and Skyjacker reservoir shocks, while braking can be enhanced with larger 350 mm discs and six-piston callipers. Customers can choose between 17-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels with 37-inch tyres.

The conversion retains the Gladiator’s 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine producing 209kW and 347Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Trail Rated capability remains, with Rock-Trac 4x4 system, Dana 44 axles and locking differentials.

Pricing starts at R3.5 million, depending on specification and accessories.

Toyota Land Cruiser 79 6x6 and 6x4:

Ulterio Motiv’s earlier projects focused on the Land Cruiser 79. The 6x6 conversion increases gross vehicle mass to 6 050 kg, achieved by adding a third axle welded onto the ladder frame. Three differential locks and track-corrected axles enhance off-road ability. The 6x4 version, visually similar, has a non-driven third axle but still raises load capacity to 5 500 kg. Both versions include braking systems on the third axle and optional 35-inch steel wheels.

The Land Cruiser conversions are priced at R389 950 ex VAT for the 6x4 and R895 000 ex VAT for the 6x6, excluding the base vehicle. Build time is around three months.

Comparison:

The Jeep Gladiator Maximus 6x6 is positioned as a premium, bespoke conversion with extensive suspension, braking and accessory options, appealing to enthusiasts seeking distinctive styling and performance.

The Land Cruiser 6x6, by contrast, is a utilitarian workhorse, designed to maximise load capacity and durability for heavy-duty use. Both share Ulterio Motiv’s engineering expertise, but the Gladiator project represents their latest and most ambitious undertaking.

The South African market has seen a surge in specialist six-wheel conversions, with Ulterio Motiv at the forefront. Their latest project, the Maximus 6x6 based on the Jeep Gladiator, demonstrates the adaptability of the Gladiator platform. This follows their earlier Toyota Land Cruiser 79 conversions, available in 6x4 and 6x6 formats. While the Land Cruiser projects emphasised sheer load capacity and rugged utility, the Jeep Gladiator Maximus 6x6 showcases a more bespoke, performance-oriented approach.