Jeep Gladiator plug-in hybrid to join lineup, report says
The off-road pickup is in for some electrification, following its close sibling, the Wrangler.
Jeep's 4xe plug-in hybrid branding is set to expand to the Gladiator pickup truck, according to Jeep's global president, Christian Meunier. GoAuto reported last Friday on the executive's remarks as Meunier discussed introducing more electrified options with Australian media. More electrification will come at the expense of diesel powertrain offerings, he said.
A Jeep spokesperson didn't directly address a plug-in hybrid Gladiator, but told Roadshow, "We are committed to making Jeep the greenest SUV brand. All Jeep models will carry an electrified option in the next few years and will modernize the brand as it strives to become the leader in green, eco-friendly premium technology." So, that's basically a yes. And a plug-in hybrid Gladiator is a no-brainer. After all, the Gladiator is a Wrangler SUV in pickup truck form. It shares powertrains, making it a prime candidate for the 4xe treatment as Jeep readies the Wrangler 4xe here in the US.
When the Gladiator 4xe shows up, assuming it is identical to the Wrangler 4xe, it should sport a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine paired with a 17-kWh battery pack and electric motor. With both energy sources, the Wrangler plug-in makes a whopping 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque -- way more power than any other powertrain Jeep offers for the Wrangler.
Though, the power comes with a price. The base Wrangler 4xe starts at just under $50,000. A Gladiator with the same mechanicals might be even more expensive.
