Jeep has officially announced its plans to introduce the Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid to its lineup sometime in the coming year. This addition will join the ranks of the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe, reflecting the brand's commitment to embracing electric vehicle (EV) technology, even as EV sales exhibit signs of deceleration. Antonio Filosa, CEO of the brand, shared the news on his LinkedIn profile, providing a tentative timeline for the pickup's release.
While Filosa's announcement remained somewhat cryptic, lacking specific details about the forthcoming model, it's widely speculated that the Gladiator 4xe will share its plug-in hybrid powertrain with its Wrangler counterpart. The SUV variant is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a starter generator, and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic gearbox. This combination delivers a formidable total system output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Notably, the introduction of the Gladiator 4xe marks a strategic move by Jeep to discontinue the EcoDiesel engine option for the Gladiator, positioning the plug-in hybrid variant as the most potent choice in the lineup.
While Jeep refrained from disclosing the exact release date for the Gladiator 4xe, it reiterated its commitment to electrifying its entire vehicle range by 2025, aligning with broader industry trends toward sustainability and emissions reduction.
Moreover, details regarding the pricing of the Gladiator 4xe remain undisclosed. However, it's worth noting that the 2024 Wrangler 4xe enters the market with a starting price of $52,554 (inclusive of the $1,895 destination charge), representing a significant premium of nearly $20,000 over its gas-powered counterpart. Extrapolating from this precedent, it's reasonable to anticipate a similar price differential for the Gladiator 4xe, potentially placing its hybrid variant at just under the $60,000 mark relative to the base model.
As enthusiasts eagerly anticipate further updates and specifics regarding the Gladiator 4xe, Jeep enthusiasts are left to speculate on the implications of this forthcoming addition to the brand's diverse lineup of off-road vehicles.