When Gladiator pickup arrived for 2020, many customers skipped this version for one good reason. The news about Jeep introducing diesel engine for 2021 caused a huge splash. The upcoming 2021 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel is almost here, and the fans can’t wait to buy it.
Diesel powertrain will be available in the base trim levels, such as Sport and Overland. Moreover, the off-road Rubicon version will also get the same diesel option. The sales will begin by the end of the year, and we finally have the complete picture of the arriving pickup truck.
2021 Gladiator Gets Diesel Engine
The upcoming 2021 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel is official. However, this engine is nothing new as it already powers models such as Jeep Wrangler or Ram 1500. It is a 3.0-liter V6 powertrain with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Jeep offers an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is another thing borrowed from Wrangler SUV.
While the regular Gladiator will offer the rear axle ratio of 3.73:1, the Rubicon version will get 4.10:1 rear axle. Jeep will introduce a low-range transfer case as well. With this engine, Gladiator should be able to tow over 8,000 pounds. Some rumors are also suggesting a manual transmission. It could happen, but only in some off-road version and special editions.
Fuel Economy
Diesel powertrain brings something different. However, the essential details are towing capacity, the price and the fuel economy figures. Speaking of which, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel will be more efficient than the gasoline-powered Gladiator. We’ll take fuel economy numbers from Wrangler SUV. Of course, Gladiator is not an SUV but a real pickup truck.
For that reason, the numbers should be slightly lower. Wrangler, with the EcoDiesel engine, manages 22 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway. That makes 25 mpg combined. We believe the highway figure will be the same as in the Wrangler. If that really happens, then Gladiator will beat Chevy Colorado that offers 28 mpg on the highway. Full details will be released closer to the launch date.
Exterior and Interior
The forthcoming 2021 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel won’t depart from the regular gasoline-powered variant. Two models will look exactly the same design and interior features. Gladiator will arrive with a body-on-frame structure, and it will look modern and aggressive. It rides on a 137-inch long wheelbase, and it is available in a crew-cab configuration. Gladiator will wear a recognizable Jeep’s design language, and it will offer removable roof panels and much more.
The interior looks modern, and it seems practical. The 2021 Gladiator will provide plenty of high-tech amenities and a high level of comfort. Thanks to the various trim levels, it should be easy to customize this pickup and choose what you need. A 7-inch touchscreen is available, and even the next-gen Uconnect5 infotainment system could be in the offer.
Price and Release Date
The price of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel will start at $41,000. We are talking about the base Sport trim level. If you equip Jeep Wrangler SUV with diesel, it costs an additional $4,000. The same will be with the Gladiator pickup. Moreover, the different transmission could cost around $2,000. The sales will start this September or shortly after that.