Australasia's independent voice on vehicle safety, ANCAP SAFETY, has today announced a 3 star safety rating for niche utility vehicle, the Jeep Gladiator, following testing of its partner model, the Jeep Wrangler, last year.

Sharing the same core structural underpinnings, engine configuration and restraint package, and providing similar structural crash performance to the previously-tested Wrangler, the five-seat dual cab Gladiator ute offers levels of protection for adult occupants and vulnerable road users below that expected by consumers, with scores of 60% and 49% in respective areas.

"The structural issues we saw with the originally-tested Wrangler also apply to the Gladiator including A-pillar and cross-facia beam failure, footwell intrusion, high seatbelt loads and excessive pedal movement. These remain an increased risk for occupants," said ANCAP Director – Communications & Advocacy, Rhianne Robson.

"Consumers have come to expect a high level of safety regardless of price-point and market segment."

"Safety should remain a priority in all vehicle purchases, and this is no different for a vehicle of this type - particularly at this price-point," Mrs Robson added.

Carrying across the same collision avoidance equipment as the Wrangler – with the ability to detect and assist in avoiding a crash with another vehicle – the Gladiator achieved a Safety Assist score of 51%.

The AEB system fitted to the Gladiator however does not offer the ability to detect or respond to potential crashes with pedestrians and cyclists. Active lane support functionality is also not available.

The 3 star ANCAP safety rating applies to all Jeep Gladiator variants supplied to the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Full details can be accessed via: http://ancap.link/s/b32167