- the 2021 jeep gladiator will get an optional 3.0-liter v-6 turbo-diesel with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.
- the ecodiesel engine option will be available on the sport, overland, and rubicon models and is expected to boost efficiency and range compared to the standard v-6.
- buyers can get a gladiator ecodiesel beginning in the third quarter of this year.
jeep has kept its promise that the diesel engine that found its way into the wrangler would also become available in the gladiator. that 3.0-liter v-6 turbo-diesel paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission can be had in the 2021 gladiator on the sport, overland, and rubicon models.
the engine—which is also be found in the ram 1500 ecodiesel—boasts an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque along with 260 horsepower, a more impressive towing option than the current 3.6-liter v-6, which churns out 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. the eight-speed automatic transmission is new on the gladiator and is specifically calibrated to work at low, off-roading speeds and with the increased torque output of the engine.
although official numbers are yet to be released, jeep expects that the ecodiesel gladiator will offer more range, too. given that the diesel option on the wrangler delivers between 75 and 100 miles more range than the other engine options, it's reasonable to expect the same for the gladiator. the diesel option should also offer better fuel economy than the v-6 as well: the wrangler sees its combined efficiency improve by 5 mpg as compared to the v-6.
when we tested the diesel option in the wrangler, we found it to be a great option if you’re taking the suv off-road—and given the way we've enjoyed the gladiator, we expect the ecodiesel to make this pickup that much better. customers won’t have to wait long for it: it goes sale in the third quarter of this year and can preordered now.