Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel Has Finally Arrived
After a wait of over a year, the Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel is finally joining the lineup as a 2021 model. It can be ordered now and will officially go on sale later this summer.
Thanks to FCA’s 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6 engine, this fearsome midsize pickup generates 260 horsepower and, more importantly, 442 pound-feet of torque—exactly like the Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel and Ram 1500 EcoDiesel.
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For comparison, the only rivals to offer a diesel engine in this segment are the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, whose 2.8-litre four-cylinder Duramax produces 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Clearly, Jeep has the advantage here.
Towing capacity has yet to be specified, but the current Gladiator with a 3.6-litre gasoline V6 already leads all 4x4 midsize pickups with a rating of up to 7,650 pounds.
The Gladiator EcoDiesel also benefits from a newly added TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission, calibrated for low-rpm shifts and the on- and off-road rigours of Jeep Gladiator duty. This transmission features engine start-stop technology for further fuel savings, although we’re still awaiting the official numbers from Natural Resources Canada.
For emission control, a new 19.3-litre diesel exhaust fluid tank is mounted immediately behind the fuel tank with refill location next to the diesel fuel filler. The company says refills align with oil changes lasting up to 16,000 km. Drivers can monitor the level via a new gauge in the instrument cluster.
Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel Sport, Overland, and Rubicon models feature third-generation Dana 44 heavy-duty axles. Additionally, all models feature a 3.73 axle ratio. The Rock-Trac two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio is standard on Rubicon models and the Command-Trac part-time two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio on Sport and Overland models.
As you have noticed, the new EcoDiesel engine can be had with any trim level of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. Pricing details will be released shortly.
