The Jeep Gladiator has landed in Mzansi.
Only one model is available in South Africa, and it is available in either a hard roof or soft top. Under the bonnet is the group’s 3.6 litre Pentastart V6 petrol engine, linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Gladiator is fitted with, amongst other things, 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 electronic sway-bar, off-road tyres and up to 800 mm of water fording.
Fourth generation Uconnect system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and an 8.4-inch touchscreen with pinch-and-zoom capability.
There is a four-bolt design at the top of the Gladiator’s windshield frame that 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 rear-view mirror to remain in place even with the windscreen folded down.
The Gladiator is fitted with aluminium doors, which feature the Torx bit size stamped directly onto the hinge to eliminate guessing which size bit is needed to remove the doors. A tool kit with the necessary Torx bits to remove the doors and lower the windscreen is provided as standard equipment.
The vehicle also has body-colour sport bars, which are welded to the body and feature integrated grab handles for front occupants.
A Sunrider soft top provides a segment-exclusive easy, open-air option, which helps to quiet wind noise and allows for access to partial and full open top positions. The soft top features retainers that slide into a track for easy rear window removal.
There is also a black three-piece hardtop, which offers even more options for open-air driving. The two Freedom panels and quick-release latches enable a fast removal and installation of the hardtop. The hardtop features a manual rear-sliding window.
The new Jeep Gladiator costs R1 259 900.
The South African motor industry has lost one of its longstanding business figures following the passing of Jebb McIntosh, the group chief executive of Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), on Monday, 2 November 2026.
“South Africa’s automotive industry has been AGOA’s largest user, but for the sector the preference has already been largely overridden by the 25% Section 232 tariffs applied on vehicles and components. Losing AGOA adds a further cost to an industry that has already absorbed a significant shock.”
Foton has started building vehicles in South Africa, and the first overseas vehicle manufacturing base of BAIC Group is now in Gqeberha.
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