It's hard to imagine how much more of an off-roader one could want than the sprawling, pick-up truck-esque Jeep Gladiator.

At a monstrous 5.5 metres, it easily chews out luxury yachts on wheels like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in length. Simultaneously, massive and angular wheel arches hover above heavily-set 32-inch tires, while Jeep's iconic face stares you down with wide, circular eyes (now with LEDs) and a 10-slatted grille.

But it's not all looks and no substance. Among its bottomless pit of tricks, the Gladiator comes with an open differential, a low-range gearbox, and front and rear anti-roll bars. Resultantly, it is more than capable of grunting and gripping its way through the most undulating of terrains. The windscreen and roof are also removable - Jeep-style - while its interior retains a utilitarian finish for occasional hosing down.

Still, all this is standard fare for a brand built on all-weather ruggedness, isn't it? Instead, what truly surprises is how the Gladiator endears itself as a daily driver.

With its 3.6-litre V6, this ute makes a lovely sound as it gets up to speed, shifting swiftly and smoothly through gears thanks to its 8-speed automatic. Coil springs on all four corners also help to calm the suspension down, giving the ride a more settled quality than expected on something with such unrelenting offroading pedigree. It's pleasant inside too. Digital refreshments are not forgotten in spite of the retro design, while rear cabin space is fairly good.

We would be remiss not to point out the slew of issues Gladiator-owners would have to grapple with in Singapore, its commercial vehicle classification and sheer size being chief among them. Unsurprisingly, it's also quite a heavy-drinker.

But to own a legitimate off-roader in Singapore is to fight against the odds, anyway; to charge down the path less driven. If you so choose, there are few battle companions that have as much might, character and individuality as the Gladiator.