Jeep Trick

JEEP AUSTRALIA HAS CUT THE PRICE AND BOOSTED THE STANDARD EQUIPMENT IN THE GLADIATOR RUBICON, SO WE GRABBED ONE FOR A WEEK TO SEE IF IT STILL LIVES UP TO ITS FORMIDABLE REPUTATION

- WORDS MATT RAUDONIKIS

Earlier this year, Jeep Australia announced it was streamlining its Wrangler and Gladiator ranges, limiting each to a single variant - the most off-road-focused model, the Rubicon.

At the same time, the brand also signalled a price drop for both of these off-road icons.

That’s great news for those who want the most off-road-capable variants, but not so good for anyone chasing a cheaper Jeep with fewer features. We fall into the first group - we love the Rubicons for their unmatched off-road capability straight off the showroom floor, unlike any other vehicle sold in Australia.

We took the announcement as an opportunity to get back behind the wheel of a Gladiator Rubicon, now fitted with all the 2025 updates.

The price cut on the Gladiator was close to $5K, bringing the MSRP down to $82,990. But when you factor in the value of the extra gear that now comes standard on the Rubicon, it adds up to even more bang for your buck.

Not only is the Gladiator Rubicon the most off-road-ready production ute on sale, but it’s also the only one that offers the open-sky experience of easily removable roof panels or, if you’re keen, you can take the roof off entirely and fold the windscreen down onto the bonnet for a true open-air drive. You can also remove the doors fairly easily, although Australian authorities don’t look too kindly on doorless cars being driven on public roads.

NEW STUFF

The 2025 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon scores a revised seven-slot grille, updated wheels and body-colour flares. The old steel radio antenna has been replaced with a builtin unit on the windscreen, which itself is now made from tougher Gorilla Glass.