Jeep just unveiled the new 2026 Jeep Wrangler Willys with a 392 HEMI V8 engine and 35-inch all-terrain tires. You can order this new, more approachable V8 Wrangler starting in March with a starting price of $71,995. This got us thinking… What if you could buy a Jeep Gladiator pickup truck with the same 470 horsepower V8 for the same price? Would you?
Here is what is included with the 2026 Wrangler Willys 392 V8. The engine is rated at 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. It’s backed up by an 8-speed automatic transmission. The rest of the package includes the following…
- 35-inch BF Goodrich KO2 tires on 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels (11.1 inches of ground clearance)
- Tru-Lok electronic locking rear differential
- Selec-Trac full-time transfer case
- Third generation Dana 44 heavy-duty solid front and full-float rear axles
- 4.56 axle ratio
- Rock rails
- Winch capable steel front bumper
- Steel rear bumper
- Cold air intake hood with water separator
The starting price is $69,995 plus $1,995 destination charge. It all adds up to $71,990.
Take a look at the current 2026 Jeep Wrangler Willys and Gladiator Willy base models. These can be configured at approximately the same price.
It’s not a big stretch to think that Jeep may offer the big 6.4L HEMI V8 in the Gladiator pickup truck as well. Jeep recently discontinued the 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain option from their lineup. The current Gladiator has just one engine available. It’s the 3.6L Pentastar V6. Jeep can do well with another engine option for their midsize pickup truck.
