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2024 Jeep Gladiator Engine Options – Jeep Gladiator needs a major update, not just a cosmetic one. It’s time to upgrade the off-road capabilities and appearance. 2024 looks like it will be that year. We don’t anticipate many changes in the design — maybe just a few tweaks to bumpers or running lights. But we do see some under-the-metal changes. Most anticipated is the Gladiator’s plug-in hybrid powertrain. This powertrain was expected to arrive by 2023. However, industry reports indicate that it will debut in 2024.
Standard Gladiator weighs almost as much as the Wrangler. Any plug-in engine will have to take into account the Gladiator’s greater mass, as well as its towing capability (up to 7,700 lbs when fitted with the gas motor). Wrangler’s 4xe has a 4-cylinder engine with dual motors that generates 470 lb.-ft. of torque. Any Gladiator hybrid system would require more torque, closer to 500 lb-ft.
A plug-in engine would improve fuel economy for the Gladiator, regardless of its capacity. The Gladiator’s EPA-estimated fuel efficiency is only 19 mpg. A rechargeable battery could help the Gladiator achieve this by providing about 20 miles of electric driving and taking on some of the load of the gas engines at lower speeds. Wrangler’s 4xe is, for instance, rated 49 mpg-e — an efficiency measure that includes both electric and gas operation — as opposed to 20 mpg in gas-only mode.
The Gladiator, despite its stoutness and fun off-roading capabilities, is more practical than the Jeep Wrangler due to the truck bed and large towing capability. There are no other midsize trucks that offer the same combination of qualities. However, some, such as the Chevrolet Colorado or Toyota Tacoma may be easier to deal with every day.
Engine
A Gladiator Rubicon powered by a V6 was tested. From 0-60 mph, our test vehicle took 8.5 seconds. It’s not a fast pickup for its size, but you won’t notice it when driving it. It’s easy to reach highway speeds with the V6. Automatic transmissions are also quick.
Gladiator Rubicon excels when pavement becomes dirt. The Gladiator Rubicon has enough ground clearance to get you over or through any obstacle. It’s a bit less maneuverable than a Jeep Wrangler because of its longer wheelbase, but not by much.
The same massive tires and solid axles that allow the Gladiator to excel on-road also compromise its handling when driving it in city traffic. Crosswinds, road ruts, and lack of precision in the steering make it difficult to drive. It’s still easier to drive overall than a Jeep Wrangler.
You can tell by its blocky design that the Gladiator’s fuel efficiency isn’t going to be high. Gladiator V6 with automatic transmission is estimated to get 19 mpg in combination by the EPA. That’s on par with other six-cylinder-equipped midsize 4WD pickups.
Jeep does not offer an engine with a four-cylinder that is more fuel efficient, but the diesel V6 available offers a fuel efficiency of 24 mpg.
Rumors indicate that Jeep Gladiator 2024 will be receiving new engine options. Plug-in hybrids could be the most thrilling upgrade. That’s right. The Jeep Gladiator is on our radar.
The Gladiator was rumored to be coming out in the 4xe model years ago. However, Stellantis explained that it would have to come after the Wrangler, which is now here.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine paired with two motors, a battery pack of 17 kWh, and produces 375 horsepower and 470 pounds-feet. The EPA estimates that it gets 49 mpg and can travel 22 miles.
The Gladiator could be more powerful to compensate for its extra weight. Current generation vehicles have a standard 4-cylinder 3.6-liter engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 pounds-feet of torque.
Upgrade to the turbodiesel 3.0-liter engine with 260 horsepower and 440 pounds-feet of torque. The EPA estimates 22 mpg for the city, and 28 mpg for the highway.
Gladiator comes with an automatic eight-speed transmission as well as a manual six-speed option. The manual transmission and engine choices may be discontinued due to low sales. 2024 Jeep Gladiator Engine Options
Changes
Gladiator’s controls are logically laid out and easy to access. This classic Jeep upright position is comfortable, and it offers a superior amount of backseat room compared to other crew-cab trucks. Gladiator Rubicon trim, the one we tested, was tall and hard to get into. But ample grab handles, and large opening doors, made it easier. Did we also mention that it is a convertible car?
The visibility is great from the rear and front, so drivers can place tires exactly where they want them. Standard rearview cameras can be combined with an option forward-facing camera for off-road crawling.
Infotainment touchscreens have attractive graphics with quick response time. The touchscreen is easy to operate thanks to the logical combination of buttons, knobs, and touchscreen controls. The Alpine stereo option delivers a crisp, clear sound. Gladiator’s advanced driver assistance systems also work very well.
Gladiator is superior to its rivals, with an impressive towing rating (even Rubicon), and a large payload. The bed has been thoughtfully designed with low-profile bedsides and an electric tailgate. Consider adding two mirrors if you are a regular trailer tower. The Gladiator has a narrow body, so you will not be able to see past the wide load when using the standard mirrors.
The volume and foldability of the rear seat make it ideal for both cargo and children’s seats. Lack of personal storage is the Gladiator’s biggest weakness. Gloveboxes and consoles are tiny, while in-door storage consists of a simple net pocket.