Jeep has always been eager to give what their loyal fans crave, and citing significant feedback and demand from customers, the brand has revealed that it will be bringing the EcoDiesel option to the 2021 Jeep Gladiator.
New 2021 JeepĀ® Gladiator EcoDiesel: Ultimate Capability and Driving Range, With 442 lb.-ft. of Torque for Improved Performance
Carried over from the Ram 1500 and the Wrangler EcoDiesel models, the powerplant still makes 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. It is also paired with the same eight speed automatic, but EcoDiesel buyers will not be able to get a manual transmission like they can on the gasoline powered 3.6 liter Pentastar V6. The diesel model also gets a 3.73:1 axle ratio, which includes the trail ready Rubicon model. That’s roughly the same figure as gasoline powered Gladiator models, but the 3.6 liter equipped Rubicon is equipped with a higher 4:10:1 rear axle. Transfer cases on the diesel models get the same low range gear ratios as their gasoline cousins, with a 2:72:1 rating on the Sport and Overland, and a 4.0:1 on the range topping Rubicon.
But while it’s known that the EcoDiesel will be available on Sport, Overland, and Rubicon trims, Jeep chose to keep pricing and real world fuel economy data close to the vest. That said, we suspect that the Gladiator will have a similar pricing structure to the Wrangler, with the diesel engine being a $4,000 add-on, and the eight speed being another $2,000. All told, a base Gladiator Sport equipped with the EcoDiesel should start somewhere around $41,000. As for fuel economy, look for the numbers to be similar to the Wrangler diesel family. The Wrangler Unlimited gets 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg in freeway driving, and 25 mpg in combined driving. As such, look for the heavier gladiator to get lower city and combined figures, but retain the same highway figure. If that holds true, the Gladiator EcoDiesel will beat the 28 mpg highway rating achieved by the Chevrolet Colorado diesel which would be a very impressive feat.
Look for those details to be revealed closer to its official launch date, with the first units arriving in Jeep showrooms towards the end of the year. In the meantime, dealerships are also opening up the order books for the model, so come early if you want to be one of the first to experience what a diesel can be bring to the Gladiator.
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