Jeep Gladiator gets 35-inch tyres, beating Ranger Raptor on ground clearance
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Jeep has added the highly off-road-capable 35-inch Tire Launch Edition to its 2027 Gladiator range, with 328 mm of ground clearance exceeding both the Ford Ranger Raptor and Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. The limited-production pickup gets larger tyres, reinforced axles and revised gearing to deliver serious off-road capability straight from the factory.
Bigger wheels required extensive changes
According to Jeep’s press release, the special edition comes with 35-inch off-road tyres, with an outside diameter of approximately 889 mm, mounted on bronze-coloured 17-inch wheels. The wheels support beadlock fitment to lock the tyre beads in place.
Jeep has raised the suspension by 25 mm. The package also includes reinforced Dana axles, upgraded brakes, higher fender flares and a 4.56 final drive ratio. The transfer case offers a 4:1 low-range ratio.
The changes significantly improve the Gladiator’s off-road geometry. Its approach angle reaches 46.7 degrees, with a breakover angle of 23.3 degrees and a departure angle of 26.7 degrees.
By comparison, the Ford Ranger Raptor offers approximately 272 mm of ground clearance and the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison 310 mm. The Gladiator beats both, although its longer wheelbase still imposes limits on difficult terrain.
Bronze details and a familiar V6
The Launch Edition is distinguished by bronze-coloured Jeep badges and tow hooks, along with special body graphics. The Rubicon and Rubicon X get additional bonnet graphics, with the latter also receiving a sportier bonnet.
Jeep has left the engine unchanged. The Gladiator’s 3.6-litre naturally aspirated Pentastar V6 develops 213 kW and 353 Nm and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 4.56 final drive ratio is particularly important with the larger wheels. It helps compensate for the tyres’ greater rolling radius, maintaining tractive force at low speeds and improving control when negotiating obstacles.
European buyers must look across the Atlantic
Jeep offers the new equipment package on the Willys, Rubicon and Rubicon X versions. The manufacturer is already taking orders in North America, but has yet to announce pricing or production volumes.
There are no plans for European sales. Limited availability and the running costs associated with a large petrol engine make buying a Gladiator in Europe difficult.
The factory package’s main advantage, however, is its integrated approach. Unlike aftermarket conversions, Jeep accounts for the effects of larger wheels on the drivetrain, brakes and suspension during production. For serious off-road drivers, that matters more than another cosmetic special edition.
