(Photos: TFLtruck)
A Jeep Gladiator Diesel? Finally!
We know it’s only a matter of time before we see the Jeep Gladiator Diesel hit the market. If you check out (this) post, you’ll see one in the Mid-West that even has an EcoDiesel badge. This is the first time TFLtruck saw one testing in our back yard.
While it looks like a regular Gladiator, the big giveaway was the emissions testing sticker. Eyewitnesses have stated that it sounds like a diesel as well, so the evidence is there. This was the Rubicon version, so it had the heaviest setup with beefiest axles available to the Gladiator. What we don’t know is what this thing can do.
It was towing…so…
Currently, the Jeep Gladiator (when properly equipped, the new can tow up to 7,650 pounds. That’s with the Pentastar V6 and the eight-speed automatic transmission. In many ways, its ability to tow and haul is the whole reason for its existence. We expect the diesel version to tow more; however, that might not be the case.
Strangely the 3.0-liter V-6 diesel that makes 260 hp and 442 lb-ft in the Wrangler is not rated at higher towing numbers. Nope, not even a few hundred pounds. The extra weight from the diesel, coupled with the Wrangler’s platform are mostly to blame.
Hopefully, the upcoming Jeep Gladiator diesel will be able to, (like the Wrangler diesel) up the torque and mpg. On top of that, maybe it can pull a few more pounds as well. It’s possible that its maximum payload of 1,600 lbs may drop a bit as a penalty from the addition weight of the diesel.
Just to compare current vehicles with this power-train, the 2020 Ram Rebel diesel can hold 1,700-lbs and tow a maximum of 9,830-lbs. Perhaps a number in-between would be worth hoping for? Jeep is mum on any details for now.
We expect to hear a lot more in the very near future. Remember: TFLtruck/Car will be at the 2020 Easter Jeep Safari AND the NYC Auto Show. One, if not both events should give us a lot more information.
Here is a first look at the new Jeep Gladiator Mojave high-speed desert truck.
