Jeep Gladiator Reportedly Gaining Plug-In Hybrid Option

Unlike other automakers, Stellantis, which now includes Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, has been slow to introduce electrified vehicles in the U.S. While the Jeep brand is known for having rugged off-road vehicles, it appears to be the main automaker to lead Stellantis’ EV charge in the U.S. The automaker recently came introduced the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Renegade 4xe, and Compass 4xe. And now, it sounds like the automaker is working on an electrified version of the Gladiator pickup truck.

When asked about the possibility of the Gladiator pickup truck becoming electrified in the future by Australian publication Go Auto, Jeep’s Global President, Christian Meunier, answered: “for sure.” Meunier didn’t provide any information on possible powertrains or a timeline, but we have a good idea of what could be offered based on Jeep’s current electrified vehicle.

Since the Gladiator is practically a Wrangler, sharing a similar platform and powertrains, there’s a good chance the pickup truck will be available with the same plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Wrangler 4xe comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for a combined output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Those figures make the Wrangler 4xe the most powerful Wrangler on the market when it comes to torque. The plug-in hybrid powertrain includes a 17-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and can travel up to 25 miles on electricity alone. Of course, the Wrangler 4xe comes with a full-time four-wheel-drive system and is highly capable at off-roading.

Jeep also offers the Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe, but those aren’t sold in the U.S. The two plug-in hybrid SUVs were originally launched for the European market. Both SUVs are powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor at the back, while an 11.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is also included. Total output is rated at 190 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, but some trims are rated at 240 hp. Jeep hasn’t provided any information on whether it will bring these plug-in hybrid models to the U.S.

While full-size pickup trucks, like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 are available with hybrid powertrains, the compact segment doesn’t have any electrified options. If Jeep were to offer the Gladiator 4xe, it would be the only automaker in the segment with an electrified truck. Just like the Wrangler 4xe, the Gladiator 4xe would still be plenty capable off-road, but bring a green element to the rugged vehicle.

A Gladiator 4xe would certainly be a great pickup truck, but it will probably become one of the more expensive vehicles in the lineup. The Wrangler 4xe is only offered with the Sahara and Rubicon trims, with prices starting at $49,490 including destination. The Rubicon is more expensive with a price tag of $53,190. The entry-level Wrangler Unlimited starts at $33,310. For the Gladiator, we’d be surprised to see a 4xe model cost less than $50,000.

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