Diesel-Powered 2021 Jeep Gladiator Diesel Is Finally Out!

Jeep announced that it would introduce a diesel-powered version of the Gladiator in 2020.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the automaker is still going ahead with the release.

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The 2021 Jeep Gladiator diesel will hit dealerships in the third quarter of the year, and Jeep is now taking orders.

As previously reported, the truck’s turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel V-6 makes 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. This mill pairs to an eight-speed automatic transmission that’s calibrated for low RPM shifts.

The Gladiator diesel will compete with the Chevrolet Colorado diesel, which pumps out 186 hp and 369 lb-ft. Jeep has yet to announce official fuel economy numbers, but to beat the Chevy, it would have to deliver more than 23 mpg in combined city and highway driving.

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All 2021 Jeep Gladiator diesel models feature a 3.73 rear axle ratio. Sport, Overland, and Rubicon diesel get Dana 44 front and heavy-duty axles. While Rubicons come standard with a transfer case with a 4:0:1 low-range gear ratio, Sport and Overland models get a part-time transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio.

We are optimistic for the Jeep Gladiator diesel, given our experience with the same engine in the Wrangler diesel. We praised the model’s slick eight-speed as well as its smooth and quick acceleration. Torque comes early in the powerband, eliminating turbo lag. One thing we didn’t like about the Wrangler diesel: its $6,000 price premium over the standard V-6.

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Jeep has not announced prices for the Gladiator diesel yet. But we’re bracing ourselves for it to be quite a bit more expensive than the gas model, which started at $35,040 for the 2020 model year. Stay tuned for pricing information and additional specs closer to the truck’s release date.