Competition for Toyota Hilux? Jeep's massive Gladiator pickup could arrive with a ₹70 lakh twist

Pickup showdown

Think the Toyota Hilux is the ultimate lifestyle pickup? A new challenger could be heading to India! Jeep is reportedly considering bringing its rugged Gladiator to the country, potentially entering a segment already occupied by the Hilux and Isuzu D-Max V-Cross. Mahindra's upcoming Scorpio Lifestyler could make the competition even more interesting.

Jeep surprise

Jeep's India plans are getting bigger! Parent company Stellantis has announced five Jeep and seven Citroën product launches over the coming years. One of the planned vehicles is a premium pickup, which reports suggest could be the Gladiator. The catch? Jeep has not officially confirmed the model's India launch, price or arrival date.

Price bombshell

Would you spend ₹70 lakh on a pickup truck? That's the estimated price of the Jeep Gladiator if it arrives in India. Reports suggest the vehicle could be brought in as a completely knocked-down (CKD) kit and assembled locally, following the approach used for the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. At that price, it would sit well above the Toyota Hilux.

Size surprise

Size matters when you're buying a rugged pickup! The Jeep Gladiator stretches beyond 5.5 metres in length, making it longer than the Toyota Hilux, which measures a little over 5.3 metres. Built on Jeep's JL platform, the Gladiator combines an open cargo bed with serious off-road credentials. But its larger dimensions could also make everyday city driving more challenging.

Engine mystery

What could power the Jeep Gladiator in India? The American model currently uses a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine, and reports suggest this could be one option for Indian buyers. Jeep could alternatively consider the Wrangler's 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. A 4x4 drivetrain is also expected, but the final engine choice and specifications remain unconfirmed.