Gladiator is Jeep’s first truck in 30 years. We knew the company prepares a big launch, but rumors were talking about Wrangler or Scrambler pickup. No one saw it coming as Gladiator. Jeep surprised everyone. Also, fans believed the company will launch it with a diesel engine as the optional drivetrain. Good guess. But, everyone thought it will be a 2.2-liter unit, as the most suitable for the mid-size truck. Instead, FCA engineers are boosting the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Diesel with a V6 turbo unit the Ram 1500 full-size model is using.
Well, the diesel engine will be more capable for the off-road driving. So, expect some upgrades for the body of this edition. Also, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Diesel is not going to be available for all trim levels. On the other hand, it is an optional drivetrain for the Pentastar V6 unit. So, the price will be higher.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Diesel Specs
A 3.0-liter turbodiesel mill is already part of the lineup for Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV. For the new 2020 Jeep Gladiator Diesel, this V6 unit will be able to produce 250 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. That is enough for about 7,700 pounds of towing capacity. Furthermore, a diesel engine is going to put out better fuel economy numbers than the 3.6 Pentastar petrol powertrain. On the other hand, pollution is the main problem and the FCA will need approval by EPA to use this kind of a drivetrain on the US soil. A six-speed transmission is standard for a gasoline version. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is handling high torque outputs of a diesel engine. Depending on a trim level, we will see the new 2020 Jeep Gladiator Diesel with either 4×2 or 4×4 drive system.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Diesel vs Competition
The mid-size pickup market is being larger and larger. After the break, some companies are returning to this class. Ford brought back its Ranger. They are considering a diesel engine for the next season. Until it arrives, the only mid-size model with such drivetrain will be Chevy Colorado Diesel. A 2.8-liter Duramax is not as powerful as the EcoDiesel drivetrain for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. GM is getting 180 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque and a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. It seems like Toyota is not bringing a new engine for its Tacoma. For a couple of years, we are listening about this model. Now, it is clear that the mid-size truck is going to stick with a V6 petrol mill.
Release Date, Prices
The new 2020 Jeep Gladiator Diesel needs to go through EPA tests before it arrives in dealerships. After a big scandal with gas emissions by Audi and VW, the process takes more time. We are still waiting for full-size pickups announced more than a year ago. Whatsoever, Jeep is yet to announce the full price list for this model, including a diesel version. Base trucks will cost around $33,000. The MSRP of the Rubicon model with a petrol engine is $45,000. The EcoDiesel diesel engine will make it cost over $50k. Still, this unit will be available for some lower trim levels.