Gladiator is an all-new pickup truck in the market. Of course, Jeep didn’t come out with the full lineup, leaving some surprises for later stages of the truck’s first generation. Well, the diesel version is definitely a surprise and we can’t wait to see how it will fit the off-road packages the FCA is offering. The 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Diesel could be a truck of the year.
Currently, the Chevy Colorado was the only mid-size diesel pickup. Its off-road ZR2 version was one of the most popular in the market. Only Toyota Tacoma managed to keep up with it, thanks to the TRD Pro package. With a larger displacement and more options, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Diesel will easily beat both models. The only reason for worries could be the price.
2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Diesel Specs
Under the hood of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Diesel is a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel motor. The company made a breakthrough when it added to the Ram 1500 full-size truck. So, the large turbodiesel is a quite surprise for the mid-size segment.
It produces 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. That is 80 ponies and 70 lb-ft more than Colorado can do with its 2.8-liter Duramax unit. Still, the GM will still lead the segment for towing capacity with 7,700 pounds. Gladiator falls 50 lbs behind.
2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Diesel Features
The diesel version of the pickup is going to use the same features as the standard Rubicon model. Some sources claim this one could be out as Hercules truck. Still, the renders are showing the Rubicon version with new tags.
The truck will be an off-road specialist, which will take on the Colorado ZR2 and Tacoma TRD Pro. Special suspension and differentials will be part of the package and make the 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Diesel almost unstoppable. You can dive into the water (30 inches) thanks to the highly positioned air intakes and seals. Ground clearance is 11 inches, and all-wheel drive is standard.
Read also: 2021 Jeep Gladiator Hercules Concept
Spy Photos
The company is testing the new vehicle. We got the confirmation from spy shots showing camo over the new truck. The vehicle is still fresh and we won’t see cosmetic upgrades any time soon. The new version could appear as Rubicon Diesel or Hercules model. In the next few months, we will have more details when the company announces changes for the 2021 season.
The main rivals for the 2021 Gladiator Rubicon Diesel will be Chevy Colorado ZR2 Diesel and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. While the Japanese carmaker wrote off chances of full-size Tundra getting an oil burner, fans are still thinking of smaller diesel truck.
Gladiator pickup with Rubicon package and diesel engine is going to be one of the most expensive versions in the lineup. The trim level for the petrol lineup costs $10,000 more than the base model. The diesel engine on the Ram 1500 adds $5,000. So, Gladiator Rubicon Diesel could start around $48,000, or even higher.
Source: TFL Truck