Jeep brings exactly all that, and more, to the table. Celebrating its 80th year, Jeep has produced some of the most iconic rugged trucks on the planet. Its history dates back to the Second World War, where the first of its production run went into serving the U.S. military with the light 4x4s that were the predecessors of today’s mass-produced SUVs. Over the decades, Jeep has continuously evolved to answer the style of each era, reinventing its designs but keeping the iconic wide-mouthed front-face grille that had become its signature.

The same thoughtful design and engineering went into the latest of its trucks: the 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. The Gladiator is a mid-sized pick-up that was made with the no-nonsense adventure-seeker in mind; the kind of person who desires to go places and requires a truck that can move with him. Aesthetically, the Gladiator remains reminiscent of the original Jeep, but also filled with modern styling cues.

What you see is what you get. Its front keystone-shaped, seven-slot grille is a Jeep signature, proportioned by the wide berth of the metal bumper. It has a rugged and robust personality, sitting high on 17-inch wheels with beefy all-terrain tires. It is also versatile and convertible in its ability to convert from a closed cabin to “open air” — the “Freedom Panels” are removable, from the three-piece hardtop, the four cabin doors, and the windshield.

The Gladiator’s versatility it put to the test with its toughened frame and suspension. It can literally go anywhere with its advanced four-wheel drive system with Jeep’s Tru-Lok locking front and rear differentials. An Off-Road Plus Mode with front disconnecting sway bars and Fox shock absorbers at each corner give it traction on any terrain. The 3.6-liter VVT and its 285 horsepower, 352 Nm of torque outputs offer muscular torque to conquer any obstacle.

The Jeep Gladiator’s drivability is also worth mentioning, as it offers the smoothest steering that is unexpected of a truck of its size. As a driver, you can expect easy, stable maneuvering that is perfect for the city slicker, but is ready to go places at a moment’s notice, taking on rough, uneven, undeveloped land without a hitch. In addition, its off-road prowess is further supported by 11.1-inches (282 mm) of ground clearance and impressive water-wading depth of up to 30-inches (762 mm). How’s that for taking on more than what’s expected?

Coming from its wartime legacy, Jeep has since refined its vehicular line-up, keeping a certain level of prestige for the aspiring road warrior who demands a level of luxury, in spite of the rugged functionality. In terms of comfort to take you through that long drive, you can bet on the Gladiator’s ergonomic seating for the driver and passenger seats and the generous legroom, whether in the first or second row. For entertainment, the Gladiator features an 8.4-inch touchscreen LCD display that is equipped with a fourth-generation Uconnect 4 NAV system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

However, it’s the Gladiator’s award-winning interior design that boasts of unparalleled refinement; one that is rarely associated with a pick-up truck. Superior craftsmanship can be seen in the plush leather-contoured seats, leather interior details with discreet red stitching, matte metallic plated accents, and seamless fit of every button, knob, and switch. It also prides itself in the heritage-inspired center stack dashboard design and the seven-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) instrument cluster display that is configurable in 100 different ways.

Again, having the freedom to do what you want to and to go where you wish means that your vehicle should be able to keep up. The Jeep Gladiator not only has the capability to reconfigure, its interior can also be converted into cleverly hidden storage options. The second row can be folded down for extra cargo hold, or the seat bottoms can also be lifted for storage below. The bins can be safely locked down to keep them immobile when treading through rougher terrain.

Jeep takes roughing it another step further by offering exclusive accessories that would make the Gladiator even more ready for that big adventure. Depending on what kind of driver you are, where you plan to go, or what you want to do, there are 2 accessories sets to choose from. The basic set consists of a running board, 7-inch LED headlamps, and 4-inch foglamps that are designed with daytime running lights. The advanced set, on the other hand, is for the hardcore rough-rider – we’re talking a steel-front bumper, a removable roof-rack kit, grab handles for the front and rear, and the same 7-inch and 4-inch headlamps and foglamps, respectively.

The introduction of the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon came at a time when the thirst for travel and adventure is at its peak, when the rally for exploration and local tourism is on an all-time high and people are discovering just how much we are missing out on within our own borders.

The Jeep Gladiator is a mid-sized truck that ticks all the boxes for the rough-rider who is searching for a new experience, is raring to take on fresh, new heights, all without hassle or discomfort. Just as its predecessors have served those who have always had a taste for the open road, the Gladiator pushes the boundaries once again as a Jeep that answers the call of the open road and a new era of road travel.